Top Dog Friendly Beaches Worldwide

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.

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.

Brohard Paw Park has a fenced dog play area featuring separate sections for small and large dogs, which leads to Sarasota County's only dog-friendly beach. Located in Venice, FL, pups are invited to enjoy a variety of park amenities, including drinking fountains and showers. There are also water fountains, picnic tables and benches. Please observe the posted signage stating where the dog beach ends.

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.

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. However, pups are permitted in other areas of the park, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. 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.

Take Fido for a splash at the pet-friendly Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, CA! While not a fully fenced or officially designated dog beach, dogs are welcome to enjoy the sand and surf during the daily Dog Zone hours from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Be sure to keep your pup leashed on the way in, but once inside the designated area, they’re free to roam and play off-leash. For full guidelines and rules, check out their website.

The Coronado 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.

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.

Leashed dogs are welcome year-round at dog-friendly Fort Fisher State Park in Kure Beach, NC. This very wide beach is ideal for Fido to run and swim with other dogs. Explore the one-mile trail that traverses the salt marsh and ends at an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River. Pet waste cleanup laws are strict, and bags are provided for this purpose.

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.

The Oak Island, NC beaches (Caswell, Yaupon, & Long Beach) are very family and pet friendly. Bring Fido for a run through the sand and water! From March 16th through October 15th, dogs must be leashed at all times in the public beach areas.

The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach. Located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach, this area is fenced and offers free dog waste bags and a dog-wash area. Montrose Dog Beach is open during all regular Chicago Park District hours, but morning hours are the most popular. DFA tags are required for all dogs.

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

Wells Beach is a pet-friendly beach for Fido in Wells, ME. From April 1st until June 15th, dogs must be leashed and under control of a responsible person at all times. From June 16th until September 15th, dogs are only permitted on the beach from 6:00 PM until 8:00 AM and they must be leashed and under control of a responsible person. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind to preserve the cleanliness of the beach for others.

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!

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.

James Farm Ecological Preserve is a pet-friendly attraction in Ocean View, DE. This local ecological preserve is home to hiking trails and a beach on the bay. Bring your pooch along on a leash, as long as they are well-behaved and all mess is cleaned up after.

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.

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.

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.