Encanto is a neighborhood located a 14-minute drive east of San Diego, California's central business district. Encanto is an industrial, residential, and commercial neighborhood with local businesses and services located on main thoroughfares such as Imperial Avenue which runs east-west through the district and are accessible on foot to most residents and their furry friends. Imperial Avenue also has a public transportation trolley line running along with it which increases pedestrian traffic along the corridor.
San Diego pups and people enjoy beautiful warm weather most of the year. When temperatures climb to uncomfortable heights in the summer, drink lots of water and reschedule regular outings for cooler times of the day. During winter months, the temperatures cool but are still well above freezing and frigid temperatures do not prevent you from venturing out with your pup. Wet weather occurs in the spring but is usually not heavy, so grab a jacket and head on out with your dog on overcast days.
Residential development in the area is well spaced and low density. The north side has more space between properties with greenways and undeveloped land between residences. The northern residential section also does not have separate sidewalks for pedestrians and pets that are more prevalent in other residential sections.
Radio Canyon extends through the northwest section of the community and provides natural terrain and elevation changes. The area’s public transportation lines run along Imperial Avenue which is a heavily trafficked thoroughfare. The terrain in the area is hilly, so be prepared for some up and downhill jaunts.
The Encanto neighborhood is part of revitalization efforts to improve green space and recreational areas. The Radio Canyon Greenway is located in the community and provides natural terrain with hiking trails to explore with your dog. Local community groups have made efforts to clean up and maintain this natural area.
The Martin Luther King Junior Memorial Park is situated on a hill in the southern section of Encanta. This great community park has lots of recreational facilities and fields, including basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables, shade structures, and a lovely paved walking path for leisurely strolls with your pup.
There is a small enclosed off-leash dog park at Atkins Avenue that is open from 6AM to 9PM. Doggie waste bag supply stations are situated by the park, but bring your own, just in case supplies are depleted. There are some benches and trees in this small but convenient dog park.