Category: Dog Friendly Beaches

Where River Meets Sea: Exploring the Tijuana River Estuary

Just a few miles south of San Diego’s bustling downtown lies a hidden gem where saltwater, freshwater, and wildlife converge in a delicate dance of life—the Tijuana River Estuary. Tucked between Imperial Beach and the U.S.-Mexico border, this vast coastal wetland is not only a peaceful escape from the city but also one of Southern California’s most ecologically significant landscapes.

A Living Sanctuary

The estuary is part of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, a protected area spanning over 2,500 acres. It’s one of only 30 estuarine research reserves in the United States, and it plays a vital role in protecting endangered species, filtering water, and buffering the coast from storm surges.

As you walk the trails, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a mosaic of marshes, mudflats, and salt flats—each teeming with life. Located along a massive aviary flyway over 370 species of birds have been recorded here, including the endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail and least tern. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars!

Trails, Views, and Tranquility

The Bayside Trail and River Mouth Trail offer easy, flat hikes with stunning views of the wetlands and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Interpretive signs along the way tell the story of the estuary’s ecology, history, and the ongoing efforts to protect it.

Don’t forget to stop by the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center—a small but informative hub with exhibits, maps, and knowledgeable staff who can help guide your visit.

A Cross-Border Story

What makes the Tijuana River Estuary truly unique is its binational character. The Tijuana River originates in Mexico, flowing through the bustling city of Tijuana before crossing the U.S. border and emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, it faces challenges like pollution and urban runoff—but also inspires collaboration and conservation across borders.

Why It Matters

Estuaries like this one are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide nursery grounds for fish, shelter for birds, and natural flood control for communities. In a time of climate change and habitat loss, places like the Tijuana River Estuary remind us of nature’s resilience—and our responsibility to protect it.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a birder, hiker, photographer, or simply seeking a quiet moment in nature, the Tijuana River Estuary is worth a visit. Come for the peaceful views, stay for the deeper connection to a landscape that quietly sustains life in so many ways.

Del Mar Dog Beach: A Canine Paradise by the Sea

Del Mar Dog Beach—officially known as North Beach—is one of San Diego County’s most beloved off-leash coastal spots for dog lovers and their four-legged companions. Located on the northern edge of Del Mar, right at the border with Solana Beach, this stretch of sand offers a welcoming and relaxed environment for pups to romp, dig, and swim.

🐾 Location

  • Address: North end of Del Mar, where 29th Street meets the beach.
  • Boundaries: Extends roughly from 29th Street north to Solana Beach’s border at Via de la Valle.

📅 Dog Rules by Season

Del Mar Dog Beach is seasonally regulated, so it’s important to know when dogs can be off-leash:

  • Labor Day to June 15:
    ➤ Dogs may be off-leash at all hours, but must be under voice control.
    ➤ This is the best time to let your dog run freely in the sand and surf.
  • June 16 to Labor Day (peak summer):
    ➤ Off-leash allowed only from dawn until 8:00 a.m.
    ➤ After 8:00 a.m., dogs must be leashed.

🌊 Why Locals Love It

  • Spacious Beachfront: Wide open space during low tide perfect for dogs to run, fetch, and splash.
  • Dog-Friendly Vibe: You’ll meet other friendly dog owners and social pups.
  • Beautiful Scenery: Backed by coastal bluffs and ocean views—great for human enjoyment too.
  • Clean & Well-Maintained: Dog waste bags and trash bins are provided—owners are expected to clean up.

🅿️ Parking Tips

  • Free and metered street parking is available nearby, especially along Camino del Mar or bordering streets.
  • Paid parking lots can be found at the beach and along Via de la Valle during busy times.

🐶 What to Bring

  • Leash and collar (required by law when off-leash hours end)
  • Water and bowl for your pup
  • Towel and cleanup bags (extras just in case)
  • Shade or umbrella for warmer days

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

  • Be sure your dog is socialized and under voice control when off-leash.
  • Watch for high surf or strong tides—some dogs are better swimmers than others.
  • The beach can get crowded during weekends and holidays—early visits are best for space and calm.

In short: Del Mar Dog Beach is a cherished spot where dogs can run free and get salty while their humans enjoy ocean breezes and camaraderie. If you’re in the area and have a pup, it’s a must-visit.

Gwen’s Garden: A Living Tribute at Del Mar’s Dog Beach Removed

UPDATE: In February 2025 construction crews started removing and breaking down the garden spaces for an upcoming bridge project south of North Beach. It has yet to be determined what has happened to the painted memorial rocks that were placed at Gwen;s Garden.

Sometimes, the most special places aren’t grand landmarks, but small pockets of community heart, grown organically from love and dedication. For years, Gwen’s Garden, also known as the Dog Beach Memorial Garden, was exactly that – a unique and touching oasis located not in Solana Beach itself, but right at the entrance to the famous Del Mar North Beach (Dog Beach), which sits just south of the Solana Beach border.

While visitors flocked to the wide sands for off-leash fun (seasonally permitted!), many discovered this unexpected gem near the access path. But like many grassroots projects, its story has recently taken an uncertain turn.

The Story Behind the Garden

Gwen’s Garden wasn’t designed by a committee; it was born from the love of one man for his dog. Local Del Mar resident Jimmy Joe Gooding started the garden in memory of his beloved yellow Labrador, Gwen, who adored her daily visits to Dog Beach.

Seeing the entrance area as neglected, Mr. Gooding took it upon himself to clean it up and plant flowers and succulents, initially using his own resources. What started as a personal tribute and a beautification effort under Del Mar’s “Adopt a Spot” program blossomed into something more.

A Tapestry of Love and Remembrance

Over the years, Gwen’s Garden became a cherished landmark. It featured:

  • A Winding Path: Guiding visitors through the small plot.
  • Lush Greenery: A mix of succulents, wildflowers, and eventually, efforts to include native species.
  • Whimsical Touches: Visitors often found little statues – dogs, angels, gnomes – tucked among the plants.
  • Painted Rocks: This became the garden’s most poignant feature. Hundreds of smooth stones, lovingly painted by visitors with the names and paw prints of their own departed canine companions, lined the path and filled the spaces.
  • A Sense of Peace: It was a quiet spot for reflection, remembrance, and appreciating the simple, powerful bond between humans and their pets.

An Uncertain Present

Gwen’s Garden represented community spirit, but it also faced challenges. Located on state land, the garden ran into permitting issues with the Coastal Commission, particularly regarding non-native plants and unpermitted structures like pathways.

Crucially, reports surfaced in early 2025 suggesting the garden had been significantly altered or possibly removed.Reasons cited included these ongoing permitting issues, potential safety concerns, and the land possibly being needed for future construction related to a nearby bridge project.

While the exact status today is difficult to confirm without visiting, photos and discussions from that time indicated the area may have been cleared, with the fate of the hundreds of memorial rocks uncertain (perhaps moved to storage or an exhibit).

The Enduring Spirit

Whether Gwen’s Garden exists today in its previous cherished form or not, its story remains a testament to:

  • The Love for Pets: A powerful motivator for creating beauty and community.
  • Individual Action: How one person’s dedication can create something meaningful for many.
  • Shared Remembrance: The comfort found in sharing grief and happy memories in a dedicated space.

Visiting Del Mar Dog Beach Today

If you visit Del Mar North Beach (Dog Beach), the beautiful stretch of sand where dogs can run free (seasonally off-leash, check rules!) is still there. However, be prepared that the specific memorial garden area at the entrance may look very different from photos and descriptions from previous years.

Gwen’s Garden was a special place born from a simple idea: honoring a beloved companion. While its physical form may be subject to change, the love and memories it represented undoubtedly linger in the sea air for all who knew it.