Top Dog Friendly Beaches Worldwide

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

Coronado Dog Beach

Coronado, CA

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

Gooch's Beach

Kennebunk, ME

Gooch's Beach Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk, ME is pet friendly at specific times throughout the year. From June 15 to Labor Day, dogs are welcome before 9am and after 5pm under voice control or on a leash. From the day after Labor Day to June 14, dogs are permitted on the beach at any time, but must be under voice control or on a leash. See Details

Assateague National Seashore

Berlin, MD

Assateague National Seashore Dogs are allowed on the beach, outside of the lifeguard-protected beach area, along the Maryland portion of Assateague National Seashore in Berlin. Pets are not permitted on the nature trails or anywhere within the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, and visiting pups must be on a six-foot leash at all times. See Details

Jupiter Dog Beach

Jupiter, FL

Jupiter Dog Beach Jupiter Dog Beach is home to one of Florida's best off-leash beach areas. Dogs are free to roam a designated section of the beach running along A1A near Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter, FL. This 2.5-mile stretch of pet-friendly beach is located from beach marker #26 at Marcinski Road, going north to beach marker #57 (at the Carlin Park property line) and welcomes well-behaved, obedient dogs. See Details

Gulfside City Beach Park

Sanibel, FL

Gulfside City Beach Park One of the many pet-friendly beaches of Sanibel Island, Gulfside City Beach Park is located near a City of Sanibel and Federal nature preserve. This Florida beach is also home to threatened and endangered nesting shorebirds and sea turtles during much of the year. Dogs must be kept on a leash (maximum 8 feet) at all times, and owners are required by law to clean up after their pets. There are picnic tables, wash stations, restrooms, and parking for an hourly fee. See Details

Fenwick Island State Park

Fenwick Island, DE

Fenwick Island State Park Fenwick Island State Park in Delaware has a nice, uncrowded, pet-friendly beach during winter. However, dogs are prohibited from May 1st to September 30th. The area offers three miles of ocean beaches and access to the Little Assawoman Bay. Boundary markers for areas open or closed to pets will typically be designated by signs posted at the seaward toe of the dune. See Details

Rosie's Dog Beach

Long Beach, CA

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

First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach, VA

First Landing State Park First Landing State Park is a pet-friendly natural landmark in Virginia Beach, VA. Your leashed pup is welcome to tag along at one of the most visited state parks. Fido will have a blast running in the water and exploring any of the 20 miles of trails. See Details

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Beach, CA

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

Burkes Beach

Hilton Head Island, SC

Burkes Beach Burkes Beach in Hilton Head Island, SC is dog friendly before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM from April 1st through late September. It's within walking distance of the Chaplain Community Park, which includes the Best Friends Dog Park. If you don't like to walk, there is free parking at the Community Park and metered parking at the beach access point. See Details

Carmel Beach

Carmel, CA

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

Clearwater North Beach

Clearwater, FL

Clearwater North Beach Leashed dogs are allowed on the north section only of Clearwater North Beach, which starts at Somerset Street in Clearwater, FL. Bring your pooch for a stroll along the sand and in the surf, as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after. Although there's no parking north of Somerset, public meter parking can be found on Mandalay Ave, south of Somerset. See Details

Vilano Beach

St. Augustine, FL

Vilano Beach Pups are welcome to join you at Vilano Beach, a pet-friendly beach northeast of St. Augustine, FL on the A1A Scenic and historical byway. Dogs should be on a leash at all times. Owners are required to properly dispose of all pet waste immediately. See Details

Kruse Park Dog Beach

Muskegon, MI

Kruse Park Dog Beach Kruse Park Dog Beach is located at the park's Northern end in Muskegon, MI. The dog-friendly area is marked, so pay close attention to the signs to avoid being ticketed and keep Fido on a leash. Upon arriving, please note there is a 10-foot cliff/steep sand dune when you enter the area. Call ahead to ensure the beach is open due to erosion issues. See Details

Bowman's Beach Park

Sanibel, FL

Bowman's Beach Park Bowman's Beach Park is a beautiful, secluded beach in Sanibel, FL featuring dog-friendly hiking trails. Park amenities include picnic tables, grills, bathrooms and a pavilion. Dogs are allowed on leash. Please note, there is a parking fee. See Details

Indiana Dunes National Park

Porter, IN

Indiana Dunes National Park Indiana Dunes National Park is a dog-friendly attraction in Porter, IN. Explore this beautiful nature center and dunes area with your leashed pet. Dogs are permitted on all beaches in the park except the West Beach swimming area. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the Visitors Center to have Fido certified as an official National Park B.A.R.K. Ranger! See Details

Driftwood Beach

Jekyll Island, GA

Driftwood Beach Driftwood Beach in Jekyll Island, GA is dog friendly. This sandy area is covered in beautiful pieces of driftwood, perfect for Fido to hide under when it's hot. Dogs must be on a leash, but they can still have fun wandering in the calm surf and on the golden sand. See Details

Fiesta Island Park

San Diego, CA

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

Freeman Park

Carolina Beach, NC

Freeman Park The dog-friendly Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC, welcomes dogs on a leash from April 1 to September 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under voice command and their owner is near. Owners must carry a minimum of two suitable plastic or paper waste containers until it can be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle. The bags must be produced and shown upon request. See Details

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach)

Santa Barbara, CA

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach) Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry's Beach, is a dog-friendly, off-leash beach in Santa Barbara, CA, located below the Douglas Family Preserve. The area begins east of the slough 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 Beach Park, walk to the beach, turn left, and cross the slough - this will bring you to the legal off-leash area, which conveniently features self-serve dog wash stations for a fee. Please be sure your dog is leashed in the parking lot and on the beach until you cross the slough. See Details