Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in & Near Vista, CA to Visit in 2025

dog off leash playing at the park

Vista is known for its stunning views and mild Mediterranean climate. It’s perfect for taking your pup to a dog park! With such an abundance of fantastic dog parks in the area, it can be tricky to pinpoint which are the best.

We sniffed out 10 of these pup paradises in and around the City of Vista, with hotspots in nearby Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, and Temecula to keep you and your pup having fun in the sun. Read on to discover 10 off-leash parks where your dog can run around and socialize with other canines!

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in & Near Vista, CA

1.  South Buena Vista Dog Park

️ Address: 1602 Mountain Pass Cir, Vista, CA
Open Times: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • 15-acre park that is not fenced in
  • A playground for kids is featured but fenced off
  • Plenty of benches available but only a few water fountains
  • No poop bags available
  • Bathroom facilities are available with a separate picnic and pavilion

2. Poinsettia Dog Park, Carlsbad

️ Address: 6600 Hidden Valley Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Open Times: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Features a shaded entry plaza and a mixed social area
  • Large and small dog areas are segregated, with agility equipment in each area
  • Many drinking fountains for people and dogs
  • Benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and poop bags are available
  • Restrooms are available in the park, and on-site parking is close

3. Alga Norte Dog Park, Carlsbad

️ Address: 6565 Alicante Rd, Carlsbad, CA
Open Times: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Both large and small dog areas are available
  • Poop bag dispensers are present alongside plenty of trash bins
  • Both areas feature agility equipment
  • Benches and doggy water fountains are placed throughout
  • Shaded areas and picnic tables on site

4. Montiel Park, San Marcos

️ Address:  2290 Montiel Rd, San Marcos, CA
Open Times: 7:00 AM–09:00 PM Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM Wednesday, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM Thursday–Sunday
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Well-maintained turf lines the dog park, which is fenced off from the main park
  • A water spigot is available at the entrance
  • Mixed park with no separate areas for small/large dogs
  • Several trees for shade
  • Portable restrooms only

5. Redhawk Community Park, Temecula

️ Address: 44747 Redhawk Pkwy, Temecula, CA
Open Times: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Three areas available for dogs of all sizes
  • Lots of water fountains and poop bag dispensers available
  • Benches and plenty of shade keep owners comfortable
  • Ample parking is available close to the dog park
  • Picnic tables and a large open field are also available

6. Hollandia Park, San Marcos

️ Address: 12 Mission Hills Ct, San Marcos, CA
Open Times: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Separate, fenced-off small and large dog areas
  • Dirt flooring so dogs might get muddy and dusty
  • Leashes are mandatory when entering and exiting the dog park
  • Dog water fountains and a dog rinsing station are available
  • Has poop bags, benches, and trash cans

7.  Maggie Houlihan Memorial Park, Encinitas

️ Address: 2975 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA
Open Times: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM, closed Thursdays 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Stunningly designed dog park with 2 acres of land
  • Closed on Thursdays from 1 PM to 3 PM for maintenance
  • Three areas for dogs
  • Restrooms and poop bags available, plenty of trash receptacles
  • Obstacle courses and agility equipment available

8. Mayflower Dog Park, Escondido

️ Address: 3420 Valley Center Rd, Escondido, CA
Open Times: Monday–Wednesday 6:00 AM–9:00 PM, Thursday 6:00 AM–7:30 AM and 11:00 AM–09:00 PM, Friday-Sunday 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in designated off-leash area
  • Fenced-in, grassy park with 1 ½ acres of space
  • Small, medium, and large dog areas available
  • Benches available for owners to rest on in all sections
  • Closed from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursdays

9. Fallbrook Dog Park, Fallbrook

️ Address: 2746 Reche Rd, Fallbrook, CA
Open Times: 8:00 AM–05:00 PM
Cost: Free (parking $3 per day)
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Plenty of mature Oak trees provide shade
  • Several water fountains for dogs and people available
  • Parking is close to the dog park
  • Only four dogs per person are allowed in the park
  • Lots of poop bins available at the park, with poop bags provided

10. Orpheus Park, Encinitas

️ Address: 482 Orpheus Ave, Encinitas, CA
Open Times: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
  • Off-leash only on designated days, strictly leashed at all other times
  • Ocean views from the dog park are second to none
  • Grassy, fenced-in area for all sizes of dogs
  • Water fountains for dogs and people are provided throughout
  • No puppies under 4 months are allowed

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

We hope you found some hidden (and not-so-hidden) dog park gems in Vista and the surrounding area. Many of the parks mentioned have a full complement of facilities and comforts to keep you and your pup happy, and all of the parks have designated off-leash areas for your dog to let loose in.

We hope you enjoy visiting these dog parks and add more canine-certified fun spots to your adventure list.


Featured Image: Jumpstory

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

What Kind of Dog Is Bluey? Breed Facts & Info

Bluey is an Australian family-friendly animated program that premiered in 2018. It features an anthropomorphic dog named Bluey and her family and friends....

10 Best Dry Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dry dog food is convenient, long-lasting, and easy to store. It’s also highly nutritious, making it the most popular option for many pet...

Dog Ear Hematoma: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Dogs with one ear up and one ear down are undeniably adorable, but as it turns out, this isn’t always a good thing...

How to Train a Weimaraner: 10 Expert Tips & Common Mistakes

Are you a proud owner of a Weimaraner dog, but struggling with training them to be their best selves? If so, look no...

More related

Are Small Dogs Better Behaved Than Large Dogs? Behavior & Facts Explained

We have a lot of rumors flying around the pet world—dogs are better than cats, cats are better than dogs. Small dogs are...

Open Farm Dog Food Review 2025: Our Vet-Approved Expert’s Opinion

If you’re looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, then Open Farm may be the answer. This...

Why Do Dogs Walk in Circles Before Lying Down? 3 Reasons for This Behavior

Have you noticed that your dog almost always circles an area before they decide to lie down? If so, you’re far from alone...

9 Best Automatic Dog Feeders in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Automatic feeders are an excellent option for dog owners. They allow your dog to get meals at routine intervals throughout the day and...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Mahi Mahi? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Providing your dog with the best possible diet is a top priority for all dog owners, but sometimes we may feel like our dogs get bored with the same meals every day. While we are cooking up a storm in...

Can Dogs Eat Mahi Mahi

10 Best Dog Foods for Shiny Coats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Most people want their dog to have a shiny, healthy coat and many different factors can affect a dog’s coat, including their diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure your dog gets the best possible nutrition. This means...

black and brown dog with shiny coat

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream? Vet-Verified Health & Safety Guide

Ice cream is a yummy treat many people enjoy, especially during the hot summer months. For dog owners, it’s common to see their pooches begging for a taste, watching on with pleading, imploring eyes, hoping a scoop will suddenly head...

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream

10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes: Great Summer Options for Your Pup

Dogs love treats in all shapes and forms, and there are so many commercial options to choose from. But when it’s a hot summer day, a frozen treat tends to hit the spot much better than a commercial or homemade...

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

Can Dogs Eat Haddock? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Many dog owners today are looking for healthier food options for their pets, including fish. Most fish are high in protein and other nutrients and are an excellent addition to a dog’s diet. One question you might have is whether...

Can Dogs Eat_Haddock

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Tips

When it comes to Brussels sprouts, it seems that you either love ‘em or you hate them, there is no in-between. There are people out there who adore this veggie and could eat them with every meal. Then again, some...

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts

Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet. While it is unlikely that a...

Close up of wheat grains and wheat ears

Why Does My Dog Walk Away From Their Food? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & What to Do

If you’re noticing that your dog likes to check out their food but doesn’t actually do much eating, it can be extremely frustrating. Or perhaps you’re finding that your dog is taking their food out of their bowl to eat...

dog not eating its food