Dog Friendly Beaches in California

Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in California where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand. Use the links/map below to find a dog-friendly beach in California.

Pet Friendly Coronado Dog Beach
Coronado Dog Beach Coronado's Dog Beach is a dog-friendly, leash-free area on the western part of the shore in Coronado, CA. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, but it can be a rather long walk to the beach, so be sure to keep your pup leashed until you reach the sand, as there is a strict zero-tolerance policy for unleashed dogs. Owners are asked to monitor their dogs at all times, clean up any messes and ensure that Fido has all current licenses before visiting. Make sure to bring a camera and snap some photos of Fido with the stunning scenery! The Point Loma headland and iconic Hotel del Coronado are visible from the shore. See Details
Pet Friendly Rosie's Dog Beach
Rosie's Dog Beach Bring Fido to splash in the water at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, CA! This area is not fenced in and is not a dedicated "dog beach", but pups are permitted to visit with their owners during the daily Dog Zone hours, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Ensure Fido is on a leash while heading to the beach, but he can roam free once inside the designated space! Visit their website for a complete list of rules. See Details
The Original Dog Beach Perhaps the most popular canine hotspot in San Diego, CA is The Original Dog Beach located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. Here, dogs can roam off-leash at any time of the day. Owners should take care to pick up after their pets. After a day at the beach, you may want to head over to the Dog Beach Dog Wash to give Fido a bath. See Details
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach) Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach) is a dog-friendly, off-leash beach in City of Santa Barbara is the beach that runs below the Douglas Family Preserve. The area begins east of the slough at Arroyo Burro Beach (the locals call it Hendry's Beach), and stretches almost to the steps at Mesa Lane. The fallen eucalyptus trees are considered the eastern boundary. From the parking lot at Arroyo Burro, walk to the beach, turn left, and cross the slough - this will bring you to the legal off-leash area. Please be sure your dog is leashed in the parking lot and on the beach until you cross the slough. See Details
Huntington Dog Beach Huntington Dog Beach in Huntington Beach, CA is considered a dog-friendly heaven by most visitors. Dogs come from all over the world to play in the sand and splash in the surf. Visitors are asked to abide by good doggy etiquette which includes properly disposing of pet waste and ensuring that your dog is non-aggressive and under control at all times. Dog Beach amenities include public restrooms, grassy area with picnic tables, and drinking fountains for dogs and humans. See Details
Fiesta Island Park Most of Fiesta Island Park, a large sandy island in San Diego, CA is designated leash-free for dogs. It has lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters allow the more adventurous dogs to take a quick dip. There's a designated off-leash location on the backside of the island. Bring water for your dogs. See Details
Carmel Beach Carmel Beach in California is a beautiful beach with the happiest dogs on the planet! You'll see every shape, size, and age, running in the dog-friendly sugar sand and splashing in the aquamarine surf. Public restrooms and a public telephone are available at the Ocean Avenue end of Carmel Beach. See Details
Moonstone Beach County Park Dogs are welcome to join you at pet-friendly Moonstone Beach County Park in Trinidad, CA. This beach is popular with surfers, families and dog owners all looking to play in the sand and surf. Fido is permitted to be off-leash and you'll likely encounter other visitors who enjoy this area with their pets both on-leash and off. There are rocky tide pools and a boardwalk with scenic overlooks. See Details
Crissy Field Your dog will love strolling on the pet-friendly promenade, catching a frisbee in the grassy field, and playing in the sand and surf at the designated off-leash beach at Crissy Field in San Francisco, CA. A dog water fountain and washing station are available. See Details
Baker Beach Located approximately one mile south of the Golden Gate Bridge, pet-friendly Baker Beach in San Francisco is a great spot to take your dog for a view of the famous landmark. Dogs are permitted off leash on Baker Beach north of Lobos Creek, but they must be leashed south of Lobos Creek. Picnic facilities are available. See Details
Fort Funston Beach Dog-friendly Fort Funston Beach in San Francisco welcomes dogs on a leash or under strict voice command. There is lots of room for Fido to play and the area also features lots of trails. There are usually lots of dogs here for your pup to run around with! See Details
Ocean Beach Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA is pet friendly. From the north end to stairwell 21, dogs are allowed on-leash or voice control. From stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard, dogs are required to be on-leash all year except from May 15th to July 1st when dogs can be under voice control. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after their pups and to keep an eye on them while playing in the sand. See Details
Kiva Beach Leashed dogs are welcome at the wonderful dog-friendly Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe. East of Tallac Point, dogs are permitted on a leash (an El Dorado Country ordinance). Dogs are not permitted on the federally protected wetlands west of Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky trail concludes).This is for the protection of wildlife in this fragile ecosystem. See Details
Corona Del Mar State Beach Bring Fido to play in the surf at Corona Del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach, CA. The half-mile-long sandy beach is the ideal playground for pups who love the feeling of sand under their paws. Cliffs and a rock jetty encase the sandy beach, which is popular with surfers, swimmers, and divers. Pets are not permitted on the beach between 10:00am to 4:30pm. It is recommended to call the park directly to find out specific opening times. See Details
Doran Regional Park Doran Regional Park, also known as Doran Beach, is a pet-friendly stretch of sand in Bodega Bay, CA. Featuring a wide, 2-mile stretch of beach, it's the perfect place for a walk with your pooch. Visitors enjoy walking, picnicking, playing in the sand, flying kites, surfing and bird-watching at this awesome beach. Make sure you and your leashed pup pay a visit to the rock jetty on the west end of the park. See Details
La Jolla Cove Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach at La Jolla Cove, in San Diego, CA before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from April 1 to October 31, and before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. from November 1 to March 31. The beach is located at the northeast end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Take Fido for a walk above the bluffs on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail, explore tide pools, or find a spot on the beach to relax. Always keep dogs away from wildlife. See Details
Big River Beach Big River Beach is a pet-friendly beach located in Mendocino Headlands State Park in Mendocino, CA. Fido can tag along for a day in the sun, but dogs must remain on a leash. Big River Beach is located where Big River flows into the Pacific Ocean. Please note that currents near the mouth of the river make this a dangerous area for swimming. See Details
Portuguese Beach Portuguese Beach is a dog-friendly beach located inside Mendocino Headlands State Park in Mendocino, CA. Fido is welcome to join you for a walk along the water, but dogs must remain on a leash. Visitors can reach Portuguese Beach from the path located on the west end of Main Street. This picturesque beach features piles of driftwood and a view of a rock arch. See Details
Poplar Beach Let Fido enjoy a day in the sun. Both horses and leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. The area is operated by the city and dogs are allowed on the sand, unlike most of the state-run beaches. See Details
Monterey State Beach The section of Monterey State Beach which lies south of the Monterey Tides Hotel is dog friendly. Fido must be leashed while you explore this beautiful stretch of coastline in Monterey, CA. When enjoying a casual stroll along the sand or in the surf, please be mindful of other beachgoers with dogs, and families with small children. Dogs are not permitted on the beach extending north of the Monterey Beach Hotel resort. See Details
California