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.

Dauphin Island Beach

Dauphin Island, AL

Dauphin Island Beach Dauphin Island Beach in Alabama offers an area where Fido is welcome year round. The dog-friendly area is located near the Red School House and the old fishing pier. There are at least a couple of miles of beach there, and with Sand Island now connected to Dauphin Island, there are another three miles of undeveloped beach jutting out into the Gulf on that barrier island. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the West End Beach Park on the Island's extreme west end. See Details

Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach State Park The popular dog-friendly Myrtle Beach State Park is in the heart of the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, SC. Leashed dogs are permitted on the trails and in most of the outdoor areas of the park. However, dogs are not allowed on any beaches in the park from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, May 1 through Labor Day. Dogs must always be leashed, and humans must always clean up after their pets. 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

Ocean Beach

San Francisco, CA

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

Cape San Blas Beaches

Cape San Blas, FL

Cape San Blas Beaches Enjoy the beautiful dog-friendly beaches of Cape San Blas, FL, with your favorite furry friend! Play in the sand and surf, go scalloping (in season), or enjoy a cozy beach campfire with your dog by your side. Dogs must remain on leash at all times and are not allowed to dig near marked turtle nests. Doggie waste disposal stations are located at many beach access points. See Details

James Farm Ecological Preserve

Ocean View, DE

James Farm Ecological Preserve 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. See Details

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach)

Santa Barbara, CA

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

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

Alder Lane Beach Access

Hilton Head Island, SC

Alder Lane Beach Access The dog-friendly Alder Lane Beach Access in Hilton Head Island, SC is a great, quiet getaway from the typical beach scene. Amenities include beach matting, restrooms, outdoor showers, 22 metered parking spaces and seasonal lifeguards. Animals are permitted on the beach during the official beach season, April 1st through September 30th before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM, or anytime in the off-season. They must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all times. Owners are also required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. See Details

Double Bluff Beach

Freeland, WA

Double Bluff Beach Double Bluff Beach in Freeland, WA, is dog friendly. Fido will go wild for the chance to run off-leash along this two-mile stretch of beautiful wide sand. Once you're finished for the day, ensure Fido is back on his leash, then head to the doggie washing station to rinse off all the sand. See Details

Fish Haul Beach Park

Hilton Head Island, SC

Fish Haul Beach Park Fish Haul Beach Park in Hilton Head Island, SC, is dog friendly from October until March. During this season, Fido is welcome on the beach at any time if leashed or under voice control. From the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, Fido is not allowed on the beach between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Outside of these hours, dogs are permitted but must be under voice control. Please clean up all pet waste and do not allow pets to disturb or chase wildlife. See Details

Playland Beach

Rye, NY

Playland Beach Playland Beach is a dog-friendly beach located on the grounds of Playland Park Amusement Park in Rye, NY. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the beach from October 1st until April 28th, before the park is open for the season. There is a limit of 3 dogs for each owner, and dog walking services are prohibited all year round. Make sure you keep Fido on a leash under six feet. See Details

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach State Park Bring Fido to Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, NC. This pet-friendly public area features sandy trails among tall, Longleaf Pine Trees. It also provides great land for overnight camping. Just keep your pup on a leash at all times and clean up after them. See Details

Frank B. Butler County Park

St. Augustine, FL

Frank B. Butler County Park Frank B. Butler County Park is a dog-friendly coastal park providing direct beach access in St. Augustine, FL. Visitors will find a parking area, picnic tables, restrooms, and two shaded pavilions. The park is not a fenced area for pets, and dogs must be leashed at the park and when enjoying the beach. See Details

Moonstone Beach County Park

Trinidad, CA

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

Pirates Cove

Elberta, AL

Pirates Cove Pirates Cove is a themed dog-friendly attraction on the waterfront in Elberta, AL. Allow Fido to swim, accompany you on a boat or simply hang out on the beach. Quench your thirst with a cold drink from the bar or order fast food favorites such as burgers, fries and onion rings. See Details

Sarasota Boat Tours

Sarasota, FL

Sarasota Boat Tours Sarasota Boat Tours offer dog-friendly charters for an unforgettable experience on the crystal clear waters surrounding Sarasota, FL. Step aboard the Sylvan Tritoon for a memorable excursion with Fido. Tours vary in length from a 2.5 hour sail at sunset to a 6 hour cruise. Sarasota Boat Tours will need to know the number and size of your dog(s) at the time of booking. Due to the warm climate, morning boat tours are recommended if bringing pets. See Details

Crissy Field

San Francisco, CA

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

Fort Macon State Park

Atlantic Beach, NC

Fort Macon State Park Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC. This state park includes an Antebellum-era fort, nature trails, a protected swim area, guided tours and a refreshment stand. Situated on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, the park offers undisturbed natural views of salt marshes, estuaries and dune fields. Your pup must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in historic buildings. See Details

Gateway National Recreation Area

Highlands, NJ

Gateway National Recreation Area The Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands, NJ is pet friendly between certain dates. Dogs are not permitted on ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through September 15 due to piping plover season. Pets are permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash. Dog owners must carry out all trash, and make preparations for carrying out dog waste. Parking is $20 in the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. See Details