There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in California that you and Fido will love exploring together. From sun-drenched stretches of beach, to local family-friendly gems, we’ve gathered together the best options for you to enjoy.
9 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California
- Huntington Beach
- Carmel Beach
- Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park
- Rosie’s Dog Beach
- Arroyo Burro Beach Park
- Coronado Dog Beach
- Baker Beach
- Monterey State Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
1. Huntington Beach
100 Goldenwest St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
- Dog heaven for your sun-loving dog!
- Make sure to dispose of dog waste – keep the beach clean and pristine
- It can be a little difficult to find parking because this beach gets busy!
- Frequented by mindful and considerate pet owners
- Huge stretch of sand for Fido to frolic on
- Laidback, fun environment for the whole family
2. Carmel Beach
Ocean Ave & Scenic Rd.
Carmel, CA 93922
- Beautiful, scenic space for dogs to run free and unleashed
- Plenty of dogs to socialize with – most are friendly and well-behaved
- Clean public restrooms available
- Waste bags are readily available, so be sure to pick up after your dog
- Friendly, chatty locals make every trip entertaining
- Wide, clean, soft stretches of sand as far as the eye can see
- Parking is free!
3. Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park
1590 E Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, CA 92123
- Absolutely huge, beautiful dog park with beach
- Perfect place for pups and humans to exercise together
- Plenty of sandy dunes where dogs can wander, and calm water when they can splash and play
- Don’t forget to bring water for your dogs
- Friendly and responsible dog owners, and even a volunteer group that keeps it safe and clean (visit FIDOSD.org for more information)
4. Rosie’s Dog Beach
1 Argonne Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90803
- Plenty of paid parking makes getting there a cinch
- Lots of friendly, well-behaved dogs
- Bring your own doggie bags and pick up after your dog! The locals will really appreciate it
- No fountains available – bring your own water
- Rules say only one dog per person, and that aggressive dogs are not welcome
- Beautiful spot to unwind with your favorite four-legged friend
5. Arroyo Burro Beach Park
3403 Edgewater Way
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
- Parking is free and plentiful for visitors
- Friendly people with well-behaved dogs
- Clean, well-maintained beach
6. Coronado Dog Beach
100 Ocean Blvd.
Coronado, CA 92118
- Beautiful spot to take your dog
- Parking is a bit of a walk – make sure to keep your dog leashed until you reach the designated areas, fines are big!
- The dog beach is open 24 hours
- Food and dog treats are not allowed (and neither are aggressive dogs)
- Clean, well-maintained and spacious
- Hose available to rinse off pups before they get in your car
7. Baker Beach
1775 Gibson Rd.
San Francisco, CA 94129
- Only a mile south of Golden Gate Bridge (the view is spectacular)
- Heads up – you may run into the occasional person sunbathing nude
- Free parking and bathrooms available
- One of the most beautiful places to take your dog
- Don’t forget to pick up after your pooch
8. Monterey State Beach
2339 Del Monte Ave.
Monterey, CA 93940
- Your dog is supposed to stay leashed at this beach – though some locals are known to let their pups run free
- Dogs aren’t allowed on Monterey State Beach north of the Monterey Beach Hotel resort
- Plenty of kelp, shells, and stones for your dog to sniff and explore
- Responsible, friendly dog-lovers frequent this spot
- Parking is cheap!
9. Twin Lakes State Beach
2218 E Cliff Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Leashed dogs are welcome to explore this beach
- Outdoor showers and restrooms conveniently available
- Beautiful views, especially at sunset
Want to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise while you’re in the great state of California? Not to worry – hire a local dog walker in any of these places and they’ll be happy to take your pup under their wing.
