Hi, this is Jess. If you’re planning a trip to Fiesta Island with your dog, understanding the rules and different areas will save you from the confusion my family experienced.
Tutú and I got left behind while my family went to Mexico for Easter, but I wasn’t going to stay indoors.
So I decided to explore Fiesta Island for the first time, unlike Tutú whose came before with my sister Jeanette. We spent hours there thinking we’d discovered this amazing spot.
When my sister came back and I showed her our area, she was confused because she didn’t know what place I was describing to her – she’d been taking Tutú to completely different parts of Fiesta Island with different rules that I didn’t even know existed!
Here’s what every dog owner needs to know about Fiesta Island’s dog rules and the multiple zones most people don’t realize are there.
The Big Picture: Understanding Fiesta Island’s Layout
Fiesta Island sits within the larger Mission Bay Park system, and here’s what I wish I’d known from the start: it’s not just one simple off-leash dog place.
When my sister Jeanette came back and we compared our experiences, we realized we’d each been exploring completely different areas with different rules.
Most visitors (like me!) assume the entire island is off-leash everywhere, but that’s not accurate. Fiesta Island actually has multiple zones – some are off-leash paradise, while others have specific restrictions or require leashes at all times.
Main Off-Leash Area
The majority of Fiesta Island is designated as an off-leash area where dogs can roam freely.
According to the City of San Diego, this sprawling park covers the main peninsula and welcomes both dogs and horses (yes, that’s right, you just read that, horses are allowed here and I was shocked the first time I saw them myself), making it a true pet-friendly haven.
The official hours are 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, which gives you plenty of flexibility for early morning or evening visits.
24-Hour Fenced Dog Training Area (Where I Actually Went with Tutú)
This place I stumbled to from driving in from East Mission Bay Drive, you’ll turn left onto Fiesta Island Road (you can see it painted right on the street).
As you approach the island, you’ll see signs – some pointing to different areas. I followed the signs and went left again, which led me down a winding road to this place.
There is no official paved parking lot and when Tutú and I came upon this fenced area there was lot of cars parked on the front of the fenced area dirt area.
Note: While there is a here sign says ‘24 Hour,’ it’s subject to Fiesta Island’s overall restrictions, including an annual closure the week of April 7 for brush clearing.
So, unlike, Coronado Dog Beach or Ocean Beach Dog Beach this place is NOT 24/7 like these 2 only beaches found in San Diego.
Restricted and OFF – Limits
So after exploring Fiesta Island again several times later on with parents during Memorial Day and a few more times with my brother and sister we came to realize these Fiesta Island dog beach rules:
Off-Limits:
- Nesting Areas (Year-Round No-Go Zones) During our multiple visits, we learned there are two protected bird nesting sites that stay completely closed all year. We never actually encountered these areas during our visits, but I found information about them on the official Fiesta Island map. Both people and dogs are prohibited from these zones to protect the wildlife.
- Youth Aquatic Center and Camp (No Dogs Allowed) – Inside Fiesta Island there’s an active youth center on Fiesta Island where kids learn sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. This area is completely off-limits to dogs. You can’t bring your pup anywhere near the sand, water, or buildings in this section. The good news? There are clear signs, so you won’t accidentally wander into the wrong area.
Restricted:
- Seasonal Buffer Zones (April 15 – September 15) Something we discovered is that certain areas around the nesting sites get additional restrictions during spring and summer months. These buffer zones are marked and actually locked during this time, so you’ll definitely know if you’re approaching a restricted area.
- Annual Brush Clearing (Week of April 7) Even the special 24-hour fenced area where Tutú and I spent Easter has to close briefly each year for maintenance. The entire fenced section shuts down for one week in April for brush clearing – just something to keep in mind if you’re planning a spring visit!
Essential Tips for Your First Visit
What makes Fiesta Island Dog Beach special is that it offers multiple options depending on what you and your dog need.
Whether you want a contained fenced area or open bay access, there’s something here for different types of dogs and owners.
What Makes Each Area Different (Our Family’s Discovery)
24-Hour Fenced Dog Training Area (Where I Went with Tutú):
When I first visited alone, I discovered the fenced training area. Here’s what that space offers:
- Open, spacious grassy field with flat walking paths
- A few picnic tables located near a fee big trees in the area
- Views down to the shoreline where you can see dogs playing in the calm bay water
- Dirt parking leaving to fenced dog training area
As a small dog owner who’s experienced issues with unleashed larger dogs in the past, I’m always cautious about off-leash areas. While this fenced area felt more contained, I later learned the spacious bay areas might actually be safer because you can see other dogs coming and have room to move away if needed.
Jeanette’s Experience with the Bay Areas:
What I never knew is that Jeanette had taken Tutú several times to explore completely different parts of Fiesta Island – the open bay side of the peninsula.
Her experience was totally different from mine:
- Multiple dirt roads with sandy, dry terrain throughout the area
- Porta potties available along the roads
- Sand parking directly on the beach – visitors can drive and park right on the sand along the shoreline (no designated parking lots)
- Open shoreline access where she witnessed horses swimming in the water
- Flat dirt walking paths with lots of foxtails (something to watch out for with dogs)
She kept Tutú away from the horses but let him swim in other parts of the shoreline.
What We Didn’t Love (The Reality Check)
Now this is subjective but this is what we don’t like about Fiesta Island:
24-Hour Fenced Dog Training Area (Where I Went with Tutú):
- No dog water fountain
- No dog trash bags nor trash cans to put your stuff
- Ants on the ground in some places just be careful not everywhere but in a few places but this is normal it’s outside and they also need place to live
- No bathrooms
- Very limited shade – just one large tree near the picnic tables, but the rest of the spacious field is completely exposed to sun
Jeanette’s Experience with the Bay Areas:
- Dirt paths nearby where you can go walking with dog have lot of foxtails on the floor
- Horses sharing water and beach areas – dog owners can pick up there dogs poop but horse pop not as easy pick up as dog pop
- No shade along the shoreline or walking paths
- Cars driving directly on the sand and beach – Jeanette was concerned about the environmental impact of vehicles driving on natural beach areas, plus the exhaust pollution in spaces where dogs and families are playing. Combined with the existing litter problem, it felt like the natural environment wasn’t being properly protected.
What to Bring (Based on What We Learned)
Based on the Fiesta Island dog beach rules and our experience, here are the essentials. Since I went solo with Tutú, we kept it simple:
1. Dog Water Bottle with Bowl
- Why essential: No fountains + horse water concerns
- What we use: Used to use MalsiPree that lasted 1 month before button breaking now use Hemli 32 oz. Dog Water Bottle Dispenser → Shop Water Bottle
2. Extra Waste Bags
- Why essential: None provided, limited trash facilities
- What we use: Deo Doo eco-friendly, leak-proof waste bags → Shop Deo Doo Waste Bags
3. First Aid Kit with Tweezers
- Why essential: Foxtails everywhere + remote location
- What we use: Arca Pet First Aid Kit → Shop First Aid Kit
4. Beach Towel for Your Dog
- Why helpful: For Tutú to rest on and dry off
- What we use: Wilderdog Sherpa Fleece Waterproof Dog Blanket → Shop Waterproof Dog Blanket
For Longer Family Days: When Jeanette and I plan full-day visits, we add coolers, portable chairs, umbrellas, and pack sandwiches for extended stays.
Things People Ask
What are the main Fiesta Island dog beach rules?
There are different rules regarding different areas in Fiesta Island. For instance, you must clean up after your dog at all times and some areas as previously mentioned (Youth Aquatic Center, nesting sites) are strictly OFF-LIMITS.
In addition, be aware of the seasonal restrictions such as April brush clearing for about a week at the 24-Hour Fenced Dog Training Area where I took Tutú.
Is Fiesta Island really open 24/7 for dogs?
No! The only 24/7 beaches in San Diego are 2 only: Coronado Dog Beach or Ocean Beach Dog Beach.
There is a 24-Hour Off-Leash Fenced Dog Training Area, however, in April 7th week this is CLOSED as previously mentioned due to cleaning. Other places throughout Fiesta Island have 4 AM – 10 PM daily access.
Can you drive on the beach at Fiesta Island?
While I don’t agree with this through environmental you can drive along the peninsula bay of Fiesta Island up the shore with your car. There is no signs indicating you can’t.
When I came upon the 24-Hour Off-Leash Fenced Dog Training Area you had to park on the dirt front of the gate entrance since the shoreline wasn’t nearby.
Which area is better for small or nervous dogs?
Tutú doesn’t like big dogs – he’s had bad experiences with them before. For example, one time when Jeanette was with him, a German Shepherd that was off-leash attacked him.
The dog just walked up and grabbed Tutú for no reason. The dog owner was in denial, telling my sister her dog is friendly and her dog was just saying, hi! Seriously?!
I was sooo upset when I heard this!
So, from this past experience I always have him on a leash next to me (and pick him up as big off-leash dogs approach us) even if it’s an off-leash place – unless I’m far away as I can be from other dogs.
I’m always amazed seeing off-leash dogs getting aggressive with other dogs – you never know how dogs will react since you don’t know their past experiences or triggers.
Based on this, I would actually opt for the Fiesta Island open bay areas rather than the 24-Hour Off-Leash Fenced Dog Training Area where I took Tutú, because you have more space to escape if needed.
Are horses always at Fiesta Island?
Horses are definitely allowed here! Not sure in my opinion how this rule was approved? You’ll see them along the bay/shoreline areas, but not in the 24-Hour Off-Leash Fenced Dog Training Area.
I don’t recommend letting your dog roam around near them if you visit. Many horses and their corrals were on the bay/shoreline parked on the beach when we passed by on Memorial Day.
There must have been over 20 horses here with many people I saw but didn’t count them all! Be sure to also keep fresh water to clean your dog from contamination of water.
Ready to Visit Fiesta Island?
Now that you understand the Fiesta Island dog beach rules and know what to expect from both the fenced training area and the open bay areas, you’re ready to plan your visit with confidence.
Remember the key Fiesta Island dog beach rules: clean up after your dog, keep them under voice control, and be aware of the restricted areas like the Youth Aquatic Center and seasonal nesting sites.
Whether you choose the 24-hour fenced area or the spacious bay shoreline, you’ll know what to bring and what challenges to expect.
Planning your first visit? Start with a shorter trip to see which area works best for you and your dog. Bring the essentials we mentioned, and don’t forget plenty of fresh water!
