Feeling guilty for leaving your dog at home while you’re relaxing on the beach? Avoid those sad puppy eyes, keep the tails wagging, and find new playmates for your dog by going to one of these California beaches. Here’s Tripping.com’s top 12 dog-friendly beaches to visit in California:
Dog Friendly Beaches in California
1. Arroyo Burro Beach
Let your pooch run free at one of the few California beaches where your dog can be off leash. Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry’s Beach, is located in Santa Barbara and is conveniently near a variety of dog-friendly vacation rentals.
2. Fiesta Island
You can find Fiesta Island in Mission Bay in San Diego. As a large beach and park, there is plenty of room (97 acres) for various canine activities to ensure that your dog gets adequate exercise. From dog paddling in the bay, to running around sand dunes, to hiking along trails, your dog will certainly leave happy and tired. If you are worried about your dog getting too excited, there is a fenced-in area as well.
3. Rosie’s Dog Beach
Rosie’s Dog Beach was renamed 11 years ago after a bulldog named Rosie, who was often found frequenting the shore. Located on the Belmont Shore of Long Beach, it is the only legal off-leash dog beach in LA County. Although dogs are allowed off-leash, there is no need to worry about your dog’s safety because no aggressive dogs are allowed here and only one dog is allowed per visitor. Rosie’s Dog Beach is open from 6 am to 8 pm.
4. Ocean Beach
Also known as “The Original Dog Beach”, Ocean Beach is one of the most popular dog beaches in San Diego. Located in the classic California town of Ocean Beach, this dog beach is near a multitude of small restaurants and shops and only a bus ride away from the San Diego International Airport. Despite its popularity among dogs and humans alike, the beach is kept remarkably clean since the Dog Beach Committee actively maintains it. Founded in 1972, this beach is completely free and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
5. Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5 mile beach located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. This popular beach was recognized by Fido Friendly Magazine as one of the country’s top 10 dog-friendly beaches. Although there is no hose to clean off your dog, there is a nearby self-serve dog wash called Dirty Dog Wash. Huntington Dog Beach is free to the public and open from 5 am to 10 pm.
6. Coronado Dog Beach
Located in Coronado, near San Diego, Coronado Dog Beach has a reputation for being one of the cleanest beaches in Southern California. If you’re looking to do a pet photoshoot, this is the beach to go to. With beautiful scenic views in the background, including the Hotel del Coronado and Point Loma skyline, your dog will look good from every angle. Coronado Dog Beach is free and open 24 hours a day.
7. Leo Carrillo State Beach
Located in Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Beach could be the beach where your dog makes his or her acting debut. So don’t be discouraged by the leashed dog policy, since Hollywood has frequently used this 1.5 mile strip as a setting in popular films such as Grease, Baywatch, and Inception. The beach was named after Leo Carrillo, who is an actor and conservationist.
Visit Leo Carrillo State Beach!
8. Newport Beach
Within Orange County is Newport Beach, which is another popular hangout spot for dogs. Although it has limited hours (leashed dogs are only allowed before 10 am and after 4 pm), this beach is perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset! After watching the sunrise, there are plenty of nearby dog-friendly options to visit, such as the Dogma, a healthy dog food store, and Fashion Island’s Muttropolis.
9. Poplar Beach
Situated in Half Moon Bay, Poplar Beach is dog and horse friendly. Although the trail down to the beach is steep, there are plenty of activities to do once you get there. Whether it be biking, fishing, hiking, or running, you and your dog will have no problem staying busy at Poplar Beach.
10. Baker Beach
If you’re looking for a scenic beach, Baker Beach in San Francisco is the ideal location for you and your dog since it is only one mile south of the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure to stay north of Lobos Creek if you want to let your dog off the leash. If you go south of Lobos Creek, your dog must remain on a leash.
11. Carmel Beach
Located in the town of Carmel, which was voted the most dog friendly town in America, Carmel Beach has relatively relaxed rules. Dogs can explore freely without a leash and alcohol and small bonfires are permitted. Carmel Beach has free parking and is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
12. Monterey State Beach
Monterey State Beach is located in Monterey and allows dogs on leashes. Since swimming here can be dangerous when there are rip currents, this beach is primarily known for the tide pools, fishing, and biking along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which weaves through the dunes. If you are looking to go into the city after spending your day in the sun, continue along the trail and you will reach Marina.
Which beach will you bring your dog to first? Find your beach rental now on Tripping.com!
This article was written by Colleen Regan.