Dog Friendly Beaches in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Picnic facilities are also available. Enjoy walking the beach with your leashed pup, but please remember to clean up after him during your visit.

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.

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.

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 leashed 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.

Olde Port Beach is a dog-friendly beach in San Luis Obispo, CA. This popular spot is the first beach you will find after crossing the bridge out of Avila and into Port San Luis. It welcomes dogs to play off leash. This stretch of sand is enclosed on each end by a cliff, so pups can’t get too far. It has parking along the road and a ramp down to the sand along with one pet waste station. The beach is accessible all the time, but lifeguards are seasonal.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the dog-friendly Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Parking is available in the neighborhoods surrounding the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers can be found at the east end of the beach.

Twin Lakes State Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Leashed pets are welcome. There are nearby outdoor showers and restrooms for your convenience.

Pets are welcome to join you on-leash as you explore the rocky shores of Bean Hollow State Beach in Pescadero, CA. Bring Fido to enjoy this great spot for for tide-pooling and beachcombing.

Fido can play in the sand and watch the surfers with you at Rio Del Mar Beach, a pet-friendly beach in Aptos, CA. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

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.

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.

Take Fido to enjoy a day at this dog-friendly beach in Sausalito, CA. Rodeo Beach features a shoreline of multicolored pebbles. Rodeo Beach is just a few miles away from the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs must be on a leash.

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!

Between Drakes Bay and an estuary, Limantour Beach serves as a home to birds who enjoy the land and sea of Point Reyes National Seashore in Inverness, CA. Enjoy a 2-mile walk along the dog-friendly southeast area of the beach with your pup, starting from the main parking lot and finishing where the beach turns rocky. Dogs must be kept on leashes of six feet or less and are not permitted to the west of the main parking lot.