Active adults dreaming of a Southern California retirement often consider the San Diego area an appealing option. The year-round warm weather, proximity to the Pacific Coast, world-class entertainment, and scenic outdoor amenities make the region an ideal choice for retirees. However, active adults with beloved four-legged companions may ask themselves: “Is San Diego dog-friendly?”
San Diego Is Dog-Friendly
Retirees with dogs will find that San Diego offers an exceptional atmosphere for dogs and their owners. There’s an abundance of dog-friendly restaurants, shops, parks, as well as beaches to enjoy and explore. There are also special events and meet-ups for dog lovers! With plenty of parks, greenspaces, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities, dogs and their owners can have plenty of fun in the San Diego area.
There are even some popular age-restricted communities perfect for dog lovers! Active adults who own dogs should explore these three 55+ communities:
Rancho Carlsbad – Carlsbad, CA
High $500ks – Low $800ks
Active adults searching for a home near San Diego for themselves and their furry friend should take a look at Rancho Carlsbad. Located about 40 miles north of San Diego, this community consists of 504 manufactured homes. Ranging from 1,300 to 2,150 square feet, these homes offer flex rooms, dens, breakfast nooks, as well as covered patios. Also, the community sits adjacent to the 18-hole Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course which offers discounted membership rates to residents.
Residents of Rancho Carlsbad benefit from the services of a lifestyle director. This staff member organizes events such as holiday parties, book clubs, movie nights, game nights, as well as other get-togethers. Homeowners can also participate in various fitness gatherings like water aerobics, yoga, bocce ball, and pickleball.
The onsite amenities feature a 13,500-square-foot clubhouse with a ballroom, a lounge, a card room, as well as a two-story library. Additionally, Rancho Carlsbad boasts another 12,500-square-foot recreation center with a fitness center, art studios, and an outdoor resort-style swimming pool with a sun deck.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
Pet owners at Rancho Carlsbad enjoy the expansive fenced-in dog park. Neighbors can also socialize at regular events like Yappy Hour and Dog Club.
Residents looking to take their dogs out for the day will find several adventurous dog parks in the surrounding area. Some top recommendations include South Buena Vista Park, Hidden Canyon Park, and Alga Norte Dog Park. Dogs and their owners can explore the more than 67 miles of trails that span Carlsbad. There’s also a large selection of dog-friendly destinations within the city, such as Carlsbad Premium Outlets and the Sunset Market. Nearby vet options include Sandy Paws Animal Clinic and VCA California Veterinary Specialists.
Rancho Monserate – Fallbrook, CA
Low $400ks – High $500ks
Rancho Monserate is a 55+ community in Fallbrook, a quaint town about 45 minutes north of San Diego. This community consists of 232 manufactured homes with 1,248 to 2,903 square feet, two or three bedrooms, as well as two or two-and-a-half bathrooms. Nestled in a fairly secluded location among Southern California’s rolling hills, the community borders Rancho Monserate Golf Course. The course offers 9 holes of meticulously manicured fairways and greens.
Rnacho Monserate provides several amenities for homeowners to enjoy. Residents have access to a clubhouse with a ballroom, a demonstration kitchen, billiards, a library, a card room, as well as multipurpose gathering spaces. Outside, residents can relax in the resort-style pool or compete on the tennis and bocce ball courts.
Neighbors also get together regularly for many clubs, gatherings, and events. Residents can catch a friendly game of bingo, bridge, or bunco most nights of the week. Neighbors also socialize and gather for movie nights, yoga, and dance parties. For a fun day outside of the community, residents can reach Oceanside within 30 minutes to visit its scenic beaches.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
The dog park at Rancho Monserate provides the ideal space to let out some energy and meet other dogs. The surrounding area is also known for several pet-friendly wineries, including The Vineyard 1924, Toasted Oak Winery, and Fallbrook Winery.
Fallbrook features a walkable downtown area full of dog-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Also, residents can bring their pets to the area’s numerous greenspaces, such as Monserate Mountain Preserve and Los Jilgueros Preserve. For dog parks, residents can visit Live Oak Dog Park, SLR Dog Park, as well as Serra Mesa Dog Park. When your furry friend needs a check-up, homeowners can bring their dog to Alvarado Veterinary Clinic, North Orange Veterinary Clinic, and Fallbrook Animal Hospital.
Auberge at Del Sur – San Diego, CA
High $1Ms – High $1Ms
Situated within the master-planned community of Del Sur, the 55+ community Auberge at Del Sur includes 196 single-family and attached homes. The single-family homes range from 1,604 to 2,925 square feet, while the attached homes range from 1,276 to 1,843 square feet. The homes at Auberge at Del Sur offer open-concept floor plans, spacious living areas, and first-floor living.
The community amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center, a library, and multipurpose gathering spaces. Residents also have access to a resort-style pool with lap lanes, a whirlpool spa, and a spacious sun deck.
Homeowners can also utilize the amenities of the larger master-planned community of Del Sur. There are 14 private parks, 11 heated swimming pools, and a clubhouse called The Ranch House. The outdoor amenities at Del Sur continue with three picnic areas, three playgrounds for grandkids, a barbecue area, an amphitheater, as well as a community garden.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
Dog owners will be glad to learn that they can explore 12 miles of walking and biking trails throughout Del Sur as well as an additional dog park to play and meet even more neighborhood furry friends. Homeowners also have access to nearby dog parks, such as Four Gee Dog Park, Potomac Dog Park, and Rancho Bernardo Dog Park.
San Diego, known as “America’s Finest City,” presents an abundance of entertainment, dining, and outdoor recreation options, plus plenty of opportunities to bring the dogs out on the town. The walkable downtown area, within 30 minutes of Auberge at Del Sur, makes for a great day of exploring. Be sure to check out Fashion Valley and Waterfront Park with your best furry friend. For those interested in local fare, residents can bring their dogs to some regular markets including Hillcrest Farmers Market, Ocean Beach Farmers Market, and Encinitas Street Fair. Local vets, including Del Norte Animal Hospital, Highlands Ranch Animal Hospital, and Santaluz Animal Care, are within easy reach of the community.
55places Can Help You Retire in San Diego!
If San Diego sounds like the perfect place for you and your dog, 55places can help you find the right 55+ community for both of you! Contact us today and we’ll connect you with a local San Diego real estate expert. They will help you along every step of your homebuying journey. Get ready to find your perfect place in the Golden State!
