Fiesta Island Dog Park & Inland Hike

Fiesta Island, a spacious peninsula within Mission Bay, is known for its expansive ocean views, open landscape, and relaxed coastal vibe. It features one of the largest off-leash dog parks in San Diego and regularly hosts charity walks, bicycle races, time trials, and special events like the annual over-the-line tournament. In the evenings, visitors often stay to watch the dazzling SeaWorld fireworks, which reflect off the bay and can be seen from across the island. Despite its popularity, Fiesta Island supports a surprising number of rare, threatened, and endangered bird and plant species, making it both a recreational and ecological landmark. It's also a key site during the San Diego Bayfair Cup, a premier hydroplane boat race on the H1 Unlimited circuit.

We'll start our hike near the restrooms on the west side of Fiesta Island, entering through the gate and passing the benches as we make our way toward the western shoreline. This area is a popular launch point for jet skis and water skiing. From there, we'll continue south along the edge of the island, where you'll get a great view of the SeaWorld tower in the distance. It’s a perfect spot for photos, which we can share later on the Great Outdoors Facebook group.

After enjoying the view, we'll head inland and follow the path looping back toward the entrance. A smaller trail on the opposite side of the road leads through a quiet park area with benches—an ideal place to rest and take in the scenery before making our way back.

Start Time and Location: 10:00am Fiesta Island Dog Park (see map below)

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): sand, bodies of water, wildlife, dogs

Parking Information: free parking near park entrance

Costs involved: none

Pets Permitted: obviously!

What to Bring: Your dog or love of dogs

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader Jeremiah O'Neal [email protected] 619-788-9407