Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California

1. Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California: Dog Beach, San Diego

What better way to start off this list than with a beach that is specifically for bringing your furry pal? Dog Beach is located at the western most end of Voltaire Street where the San Diego meets the Pacific Ocean, directly across the channel from South Mission Beach.

Here, sociable dogs are welcome to play in the waves, soak up the sun, chase balls along the shoreline, and rassle with their friends. Dog Beach is San Diego’s only official year-round, 24-hour fido-friendly beach.

2. Corona del Mar State Beach, Corona Del Mar

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach south of Los Angeles, check out Corona del Mar State Beach. This family-friendly location allows leashed dogs to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf before 10am and after 4:30 pm.

Since all dogs must be on a leash, this location may be great for those that are fine sharing space with other pups but don’t appreciate unfamiliar dogs running directly up to them.

3. Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California: Huntington Dog Beach

In Orange County, California, Huntington Dog Beach is the go-to location to hit the waves with your furry friend. This dog-friendly gem is open year-round and daily from 5am to 10pm. Located south of Bolsa Chica State Beach, this off-leash dog beach features a doggie drinking fountain, waste bags, restrooms, a bike trail, and a grassy area.

Dogs must wear a collar or harness with current tags and be leashed when entering and exiting the beach. You’ll need to keep your pup in your sight at all times and prevent them from chasing wildlife.

4. Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara

One of two beaches in Santa Barbara that allows pooches off-leash in designated areas, Arroyo Burro Beach is a must-visit if you’re looking to soak up the sun with your pup. Dogs are allowed on all areas of the beach, but they must be on a 6-foot leash in the main . A designated off-leash area is located on the eastern side of the park. Arroyo Burro beach is open 8am until sunset, also provides token-operated dog washing stations.

5. Carmel Beach, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Known as one of the most dog-friendly towns in the U.S., Carmel-By-The-Sea is a sea-side paradise for people travelling with their canine companions. Off-leash dogs are welcome on Carmel Beach as long as they are friendly and responsive to their guardians.

Until you each the actual beach, you’ll need to keep your pup leashed. Human and canine visitors are welcome year-round between the hours of 6am and 10pm.

6. Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California: Esplanade Beach, Pacifica

If you’re in the Bay Area and are looking for a more secluded dog-friendly beach, then check out Esplanade Beach in Pacifica. As the only officially leash-free beach in Pacifica, dogs are welcome to frolic along the shoreline untethered.

This location can be a bit tricky to access, but this makes it a perfect choice for those wishing to avoid crowds. To reach Esplanade Beach, you’ll need to walk a series of switchback paths and stairs located at the north end of Esplanade Drive. This beach is best visited at mid-to-low tide.

7. Moonstone Beach County Park, Trinidad

If you and your pooch are travelling along the coast of Northern California, make sure to plan a stop at Moonstone Beach County Park in Trinidad. This stunning location is open from sunrise to sunset and is a haven for off-leash, sociable dogs to explore and play. Moonstone Beach features gorgeous rock formations, tide pools, and a boardwalk.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly Northern California beach that is undeveloped and surrounded by nature, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit.