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Jolly Canines Love La Jolla, California

  • Writer: Luie Boone
    Luie Boone
  • May 16
  • 6 min read

This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.


*Featured image is courtesy of Images by TK
*Featured image is courtesy of Images by TK

Time to leash up and hit the coast! La Jolla, California, here we come. This is a sunny escape where dogs and their humans can dive into a vacation of seaside fun and furry freedom. It’s more than just a pretty view. It’s a pup-friendly paradise built for wagging tails.


Start your days in La Jolla with relaxing walks by the coast, where your best buddy can sniff the ocean air, chase a few waves, and maybe even spot some seals chilling on the rocks. Just don't let them chase the seals. It's the kind of morning that makes you slow down, breathe deep, and just enjoy the moment. There's no rush, no noise, just you, your pup, and the ocean.


When the sun rises a little higher, that means it's beach time! With many pet-friendly beaches, you and your furry friend can enjoy splashing in the waves or digging in the sand together. Watch out, because if your pup is anything like our boy, Luie Boone, he'll nosedive right through your sand castle!


When you get hungry, La Jolla’s got you covered. There are plenty of dog-welcoming patios where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal. You pup will be able to lounge comfortably with a bowl of fresh water and maybe even a few complimentary snacks.


You can spend the afternoon exploring La Jolla’s walkable village streets. There, you’ll find boutique pet shops, shaded parks, and photo-worthy views around every corner. A stop at a local dog store for a treat or toy makes the outing even sweeter.


As the day winds down, take your best friend to a coastal park and enjoy the evening sunset together. There's nothing better than spending time with your dog.


When it comes to dog-friendly escapes, La Jolla is the top dog.


Photo Courtesy of La Jolla Mom
Photo Courtesy of La Jolla Mom


Paws Rest Here


Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at La Jolla, California. Check it out below!


Rental Name: Cliffside Haven

This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 5.5 baths. There is an attached small secondary home with 1 sofa bed.


Photos courtesy of NXT Vacation Rentals


It features the following amenities:

  • Nestled on a stunning bluff side above the Pacific Ocean

  • Offers sweeping views of La Jolla's picturesque coastline

  • Multiple outdoor decks (Luie Boone won't know which deck to spend his early mornings on, soaking in the sun and sniffing in the ocean)

  • Gas fire pit

  • Alfresco dining spaces

  • Hot tub

  • Walkable (Luie Boone says that means you can walk in the immediate and surrounding neighborhood with your pup!)


Photo Courtesy of NXT Vacation Rentals, Facebook (April 21, 2025)
Photo Courtesy of NXT Vacation Rentals, Facebook (April 21, 2025)



What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:

Looking for a luxury coastal escape you can enjoy with your pup? Well, guess what? I just got the best dog-gosh news! My humans are taking me to La Jolla, California! No kennel, no sitter—just me, ocean breezes, and a fancy house that looks like it was made for good dogs just like me. We’re staying in a bluff side estate with huge decks, hardwood floors. and big windows. I'll be plopping my big tooshie in front of those windows, so I can watch the waves, birds, and maybe see a neighborhood cat. I’ll miss my cat brother, Tobi, but he hates new places, so I’ll bring some good sniffs home for him. Maybe, I'll smuggle home a bird for him. At the home, there’s a private casita. I don't know what that is. My humans say it's a secondary home attached to the main one. Whatever, who cares. All that matters it that I’ve decided it’s mine. My humans will get a giant suite with ocean views and a spa-like bathroom, so they can't complain. La Jolla Cove is just steps away. It's full of trails, sand, and seals! I’ve never seen a seal before, but I’ll greet them with my most well-behaved sniff. I’ll try to play it cool, because I certainly wouldn’t want to make a seal out of myself!

Paws Venture Here


Photo Courtesy of @sumotheberner, Instagram                (August 30, 20240
Photo Courtesy of @sumotheberner, Instagram (August 30, 20240



La Jolla Shores Beach

This is a large, flat beach. It is about a mile long, which provides plenty of space for pups to roam. It is a great option for nervous or shy dogs, as there is enough room for them to carefully meet new friends or to just avoid other dogs altogether, if that's what they prefer.






Photo Courtesy of Bring Fido (n.d.)
Photo Courtesy of Bring Fido (n.d.)



La Jolla Cove

This is a secluded cove, which is great for exploring tide pools or for finding a sandy spot on the beach to relax with your best friend.






Photo courtesy of Stanley Peng, AllTrails                (October 16, 2023)
Photo courtesy of Stanley Peng, AllTrails (October 16, 2023)

Expedition Overlook

Explore this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that cuts through a park and uses the sidewalk to connect to the trail system. It picks up a singletrack trail and follows it to a gorgeous viewpoint with panoramic views. There is no shade along this trail, so despite its short distance, it's a good idea to bring water for your pup.





Photo courtesy of AllTrails (May 11, 2020)
Photo courtesy of AllTrails (May 11, 2020)

La Jolla Beach Trail

You and your pup will enjoy a beautiful walk with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean at this trail. Some sections of the hike follow elevated boardwalks, including some staircases, while others follow dirt paths along the coast. There's adventure for everyone here!






Photo courtesy of Leisa Allen, Google Reviews (May 2018)
Photo courtesy of Leisa Allen, Google Reviews (May 2018)






Starkey Mini Park

This park is in the heart of La Jolla. It offers pups and their humans a peaceful retreat to enjoy nature, take a leisurely stroll, or simply appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.







Photo courtesy of Bring Fido
Photo courtesy of Bring Fido








La Jolla National Park

Bring your buddy to this 42-acre National Park. It is a picturesque parkland, featuring hilltop hiking paths and sweeping views of the cove, ocean, and La Jolla.





Photo courtesy of David Fracalosy, Google Reviews
Photo courtesy of David Fracalosy, Google Reviews



Villa La Jolla Park

This park features a walking-hiking trail and a large grassy area to enjoy with your furry friend. Luie Boone wants to remind you to remember your tennis ball, just like this fella pictured here.






Photo courtesy of @ShorehouseKitchen, Instagram (August 26, 2024)
Photo courtesy of @ShorehouseKitchen, Instagram (August 26, 2024)

Shorehouse Kitchen

This restaurant's breakfast and lunch favorites set a high bar with its variety of healthy doggy meals. That's right! Special, healthy doggy meals. Pups can chow down on organic and free-range fare from the dog menu in 3 different outdoor seating areas. Humans can choose from eggs Benedict, pork carnitas, chilaquiles, mango pancakes with guava syrup, caramelized vanilla bean French toast, and other popular options. Even though Luie Boone will have his own doggy menu, he'll still be drooling over his human's kibble.






Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about

La Jolla, California


There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:


What about those sea lions in La Jolla? Okay, I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve been hearing lots of things about them. You wanna know what the word is? Well, here it is: La Jolla apparently has these giant, blubbery creatures called sea lions. Yeah, sea lions. Apparently, they bark like giant dogs (but… they sound way weirder). They also smell super fishy, and they hang out all over the rocks by the ocean, basking in the sun like they own the place. Honestly? I’m not sure how I feel about that! I love a good beach walk, don’t get me wrong, but loud noises and strong smells? Nah-uh, that’s a lot for any pup to handle. I’ve heard that the sea lions can get a little territorial, too. Not cool. I’m not about to start a turf war with a sea lion. I'd rather stick to chasing tennis balls and sniffing butts. Plus, if I get too close, there’s no telling what might happen if one of them decides to haul itself into the water for a swim. I mean, what if they splash me? I’m gonna have to play with those sea lions then, and my humans say that's a no-no. Anyways, I’m all for a peaceful stroll along the coastline, but we’ll need to keep our distance from that blubbery chaos. Maybe we’ll just stick to the nearby parks, where I can sniff the breeze, chase some squirrels, and stay far from the fishy, barking madness. Better to be safe than sorry, you know.

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