16 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California 2024

There are many Dog Friendly Beaches in California, US, where you can spend joyful moments with your pet dogs. These beaches have a designated dog park or a place for dogs to play and roam around. Some of these beaches have a certain period for dog entry. Pets are allowed in leashed and unleashed conditions in these areas. 

The Pet friendly beaches in Monterey County, Orange County, San Francisco, and San Diego, CA, have restaurants, cottages, and hotels that allow pets. Service dogs don’t have any restrictions on these beaches to help mankind. Waste disposal bags and sanitary items for pets are available in these parks. 

1. Carmel Beach – Monterey County, California

Carmel Beach is one of the top destinations on California’s Central Coast for people. It is a dog-friendly beach, allowing them to be in unleashed condition. Parking facilities are on Ocean Avenue and the Scenic road parallel to the beach. 

A walk from the scenic drive to the beach will give a fantastic view of Pebble Beach and Point Lobos. Surfing is more popular here, influenced by tide and wave duration. It is a famous spot for viewing the sunset with family while having a meal. Weddings and beach parties often take place at this place. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed in unleashed conditions on the beach but should be under the owner’s control. Bags are given for collecting waste; owners should dispose of them on their own. Dogs must be leashed on the sand ramps, the bottom of stairs, and scenic pathways.   
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – 10 PM
• Attractions: Dennis The Menace Playground, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 
• Nearby Visiting places: Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, Cypress Point Lookout. 

Address: Scenic Rd & Ocean Ave Carmel, CA 93923

Read Is Carmel Beach Dog Friendly?

2. Rosie’s Dog Beach – Long Beach, CA

Rosie’s Dog Beach is in the middle of Granada and Roycroft avenues. It was opened in the year 2003, spanning about 4.1 acres. Parking is available in the Granada Avenue lot. People can visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, go whale watching, and take a tour of coastal breweries for entertainment. 

The dogs must be under the control of an adult, and they should be more than four years old. Every dog should wear a non-spiked collar with current tags for safety. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs can be unleashed in the 4.1-acre area. They are allowed only between the said hours. Dogs should be leashed on the way to the beach. People must bring their bags or bags, and pooper scoops are available on the beach to dispose of the waste. 
• Fees: Entry fees are $155 for adults and $75 for seniors of age 62 and above
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – 8 PM
• Attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific, El Dorado Nature Center 
• Nearby Visiting places: Alamitos Park, Bixby Park. 

Address: 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

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3. Corona Del Mar State Beach Park – Orange County, CA

Corona Del Mar State Beach is a hotspot for swimming, surfing, and diving. Cliffs are present more on this sandy beach. The rock jetty can be found at the entry of Newport Harbor. Popular activities include snorkeling, fishing, family picnics, and hiking on the trails. 

Dogs are allowed on this beach based on certain restrictions and between certain times. The hills on the top of the beach give a magnificent view of the Pacific and Oceanic Bay. 

• Dog Rules: Dog entry is prohibited between 10 AM – 4.30 PM on the ocean fronts, beach areas, and sidewalks. They are allowed only in leashed condition and should be within 6 feet of the owner. Visitors must have disposable papers and bags to remove their pets’ feces from the beach.  
• Fees: Annual Pass of $195. 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – 10 PM
• Attractions: Civic Center Park, Inspiration Point. 
• Nearby Visiting places: Begonia Park, Lookout Point. 

Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd. Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

Read Does Corona Del Mar Beach Allow Dogs, California?

4. Arroyo Burro Beach County Park – Santa Barbara

Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, also called Hendry’s Beach, stretches long adjacent to the Douglas family preserve. This beach is ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, and fishing for visitors. Wheelchairs and life jackets are free of charge here for people’s convenience. 

The beach has two parking lots and an MTD bus stop. There is a picnic spot in the grassy park, and BBQ grills are affordable here. The Boathouse in this place is a destined spot with an oceanfront bar, restaurant, and snack bar. The dogs can get a bath at the self-service dog wash station there.

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed all around the year on this beach. They should be leashed when on this beach and at all county parks. Dogs can be left in the unleashed condition in the Douglas family preserve and east of the creek. Pet Owners must carry their bags to dispose of their dog’s waste whenever required. 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 AM – till sunset
• Fees: Free
• Attractions: Kid’s World, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. 
• Nearby Visiting places: Shoreline Park, Arroyo Burro Open Space

Address: 2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Read Arroyo Burro Beach County Park’s New Dog Rules

5. Baker Beach – San Francisco, California

Baker Beach is one of the most visited beaches in San Francisco. It is a long sandy beach extending beyond the Serpentine cliffs to the Southwest corner of Presidio. Amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands can be seen from this place. It is a good spot for family picnics with tasty BBQs and al fresco dining. 

Major highlights of the area are seeing porpoises, serpentine rocks, and an early 20th-century disappearing gun. The shore is ideal for pet owners to play games with their pups. Adventurous things are available on the beach’s northern end and nearby Marshall Beach. The Lobos Creek Trail and Battery Chamberlain Trails are popular hiking trails. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed on the northern part of the beach in unleashed conditions and under the voice control of owners. They must be leashed in the area south of Lobos Creek. People should carry enough water and cleaning bags for the comfort of their dogs. 
• Fees: Free 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hrs, but the parking lot closes one hour after sundown.
• Attractions: Randall Museum, de Young Museum
• Nearby Visiting places: Lands End Lookout, Seacliff San Francisco

Address: 12 25th Ave, San Francisco, CA, US, 94121

Read Baker Beach New Dog Rules, San Francisco, CA

6. Moonstone Beach County Park – Trinidad

Moonstone Beach County Park is located on the north side of the little river mouth near Trinidad. The large two-humped Camel Rock island is at the north, and the Little River State Beach is at the south. Swimming in the little river is good, mainly in the summer months. Surfing and rock climbing are popular activities done here. 

The Moonstone Grill restaurant on this beach serves a delicious variety of grills. Weddings or any events are organized here with fun and entertainment. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed in off-leashed conditions on the beach, provided that they are under the complete control of their owner. Visitors must clean the waste remains of their pets on their leave from the beach. 
• Fees: Free 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 AM – 11.45 PM
• Attractions: Trinidad Museum, Mad River County Park
• Nearby Visiting places: Sumeg Village, Redwood National, and State Parks

Address: 100 Moonstone Beach Road, Trinidad, CA 95570

Read Moonstone Beach New Dog Rules, California

7. Crissy Field East Beach – San Francisco, California

Crissy Field East Beach is located on the northern shore of the San Francisco Peninsula in California, United States, near the east of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Beach is a good destination to see the Golden Gate Bridge and to do adventurous kite surfing. During the weekdays, people come here to jog and stroll with their companions on the Golden Gate promenade. Beautiful birds can be spotted near the Crissy field marsh. 

Picnic tables are provided for families to make delicious barbeques. There is a large lawn and field behind the beach for people. The Warming Hunt Park Store and Cafe serve soul-refreshing drinks for visitors. The West Bluff Picnic Area on the west is a good spot for amazing entertainment. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are always permitted off-leashed in the Airfield, East & Central beaches, and promenade. But in the wildlife protection area, dogs should be leashed all around the year while they can be unleashed between May 15 – July 1. 
• Fees: Free
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours
• Attractions: Randall Museum, de Young Museum
• Nearby Visiting places: Crissy Field Marsh, Fort Point National Historic Site. 

Address: 610 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA, US 94129

Read Are Dogs Allowed at Crissy Field East Beach?

8. Fiesta Island Park – San Diego, California 

Fiesta Island Park is located within Mission Bay, a recreational spot for humans and pets. Two popular organizations, The Fiesta Island Youth Camp and The Aquatic Center, work for people’s welfare. Water sports lovers can find their favorite destination on the park’s east side. 

A separate water skiing area, The Hidden Cove, is where people can enjoy water skiing with permits from the City of Dieogo Lifeguards. The park can hold a capacity of 500 people. Picnic areas are designated for families separately on the Island. Charity walks and bicycle races are also organized in this place.  

• Dog Rules: Dogs are permitted in the park on and off-leash conditions. Owners should clean up the waste remains of their pets during their exit. 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4 AM – 10 PM
• Attractions: Dolphin Point, Old Town San Diego
• Nearby Visiting places: Vacation Isle Park, Sunset Point Park

Address: 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States

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9. Newport Beach – Newport, California

Newport Beach has over 8 miles of beach area stretching from Santa Ana River Jetty to Crystal Cove State Park. There are many parking lots and on-street parking near the beach. Weddings on the beach are allowed with a maximum of 50 people on prior permission. 

With a fishing license, people can get amazing fishing experiences at the California Grunion Run, especially in the summer and spring. The Ocean Front Walk is the best place to view the sunset here. Popular events like the International Film Festival in Spring and the Yacht Race occur in Newport Beach.  

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed only before 10 AM and after 4.30 PM on beaches, sidewalks, and bay fronts. If allowed, they should be leashed by owners less than 6 feet away. Owners must possess bags to clean the waste of their pets.
• Fees: Free
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – 10 PM
• Attractions: Heritage Museum of Orange County, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. 
• Nearby Visiting places: Newport Dunes Bridge, Newport Beach Pier

Address: 124 Tustin Ave Ste 200, Newport Beach, CA, United States, California

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10. Coronado Beach – Coronado, California

Coronado Beach is a 1.75-mile-long sandy beach present in Coronado. It is ideal for small groups of people to enjoy this beach. Glorietta Bay nearby is a large grassy park with a small beach for families. 

People can have a delicious lunch and dinner at the Hotel Del Coronado. There are free parking spaces available near the Ocean Boulevard. The Cabrillo National Monument is visible from here, and Point Loma is an ideal park for walking and sighting top viewpoints. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are only allowed in the Dog Beach in the northern part of Coronado Beach in off-leashed conditions. This sandy area is ideal for dogs to run and play well. Owners are responsible for caring for and cleaning their dog’s waste remains. Dogs should be leashed on the main beach.  
• Fees: No entry fee 
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – till sunset
• Attractions: Balboa Park, The New Children’s Museum
• Nearby Visiting places: Coronado Ferry Center, Centennial Park 

Address: 1063 Ocean Blvd Coronado, CA, US 92118

Read Coronado Beach New Dog Rules, California

11. Del Mar Dog Beach – Del Mar, California

The Del Mar Beach extends along two miles of sand cover, offering an excellent spot for people to enjoy and relax. The Powerhouse Park is dog-free; kids can play well on the swings and slides. The North County is a good fishing, paddling, diving, and running destination. 

Coastal Bluffs and the Torrey Pines State Park offer a great walking trail. Scripps Bluffs Preserve and San Dieguito River Lagoon, located on the northern end of Del Mar, give a cool view of the coastline, native plants, and wildlife. Weddings and special events are organized on this beach with all safety precautions.

• Dog Rules: Dogs are free to roam between dawn to 8 AM during the peak season and should be leashed other than this time in the north beach. They should always be leashed on the main and the south coast. A dog license must permanently be fixed to its collar while on the beach. 
• Fees: Parking fee is applicable
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 AM – 10 PM
• Attractions: Sunset Seat, Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave
• Nearby Visiting places:  Powerhouse Beach, Seagrove Park

  Address: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014

Read Del Mar Dog Beach New Rules, California

12. Mission Bay Beach – San Diego, California

Mission Bay Beach is a luxurious destination for most San Diego people. The beach has adventure activities like paddle boarding, kite surfing, and jet skiing. Families can come for picnics, eat barbeques, and celebrate bonfires on the beach. Going for a cruise in Bahia Belle, which features live music, is a must for people. 

The marine adventure park, SeaWorld San Diego, fishing, and thrill rides are top kids’ fun activities destinations. The ships departing from Mission Bay offer whale-watching hours for the public. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster present in the Belmont Amusement Park is a highlight area for immense fun. 

• Dog Rules: In leashed condition, dog entries are allowed after 6 PM from April 1 to October 31 and after 4 PM from November 1 to March 31. Licensed dogs are permitted at the park and beaches at night and early morning until 9 AM. 
• Fees: Free
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: Sunrise to 10 PM
• Attractions: Old Town San Diego, Escapology San Diego
• Nearby Visiting places: Mission Beach Park, Seaworld San Diego

Address: 3000 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

13. Huntington Beach – Orange County, CA 

Huntington Beach is covered by 8.5 miles of sand with a superb climate. Its name, Surf City, makes it known for water surfing among the public. It is where the world-famous municipal pier is found. The warm weather and crowd make it a popular spot for corporate event gatherings. 

A 2400-square-foot parking area and additional parking space are available on the Pacific Coast Highway. Weddings are organized here after getting special passes from the concerned authority. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed only on leash in the beach area. The leash should be within six feet, and dogs can go on the sands between the Seapoint and the Goldenwest streets. A licensed tag should always be there on the collar.  
• Fees: Adult – $8, senior citizen – $5, adults of age 6 – 15 – $4, children at the age of 5 and below – free  
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 AM to 10 PM
• Attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific, Heritage Museum of Orange County
• Nearby Visiting places: Humboldt Park, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. 

  Address: 21601 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Read Huntington Beach New Dog Rules, California

14. Fort Funston Beach – San Francisco, CA

Fort Funston has a 200-foot-high sandy bluff with a heavy wind blow. It is a prominent spot for hang gliding, hiking, and horse riding. The Fort Funston Native Plant Nursery here contains numerous flowering plants and trees. 

People rush to this place for hang gliding, especially in March and October. The parking lot is available on Skyline Boulevard. Fort Funston Trail, Coastal Trail, and Funston Horse Trail are there for the public to explore and enjoy. 

• Dog Rules: Dogs are permitted here in off-leash conditions and under the voice control of owners. Their entry is prohibited in the 12-acre area enclosure in Northwest Funston and the Coastal Trail. 
• Fees: Entry is free
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 AM – 9 PM
• Attractions: Lands End Lookout, Mandalay Steps
• Nearby Visiting places: San Francisco Zoo, Sutro Baths. 

Address:  Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

Read All About Fort Funston Dog Beach, California

15. Laguna Beach California

California’s Laguna Beach Laguna Beach is surrounded by breathtaking canyons and seven miles of undiscovered coves. It is a year-round getaway for beachgoers, families, art enthusiasts, romantics, and outdoor adventurers. The city’s major highlight is its beaches. There are over 30 beaches and coves to explore, each with its unique personality. 

Main Beach, Crescent Beach, and Thousand Steps Beach are among the most popular beaches offering many activities. You can do activities like surfing, swimming, biking & dining. Visitors can also look around the art galleries and enjoy the local nightlife.

• Dogs Rules:  Dogs on leashes are welcome.
• Fee: It depends on the area; some parking areas are free, and some have parking fees. They take credit and debit cards, or you can pay by Laguna Beach Parking App.
• Hours: Throughout the year, dogs with parents can walk any time of day on the beach, but from June 15 through September 10 between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Attractions: Biking, Swimming, Boat riding
• Nearby Visiting Place: Heisler Park, Laguna Art Museum

Address: City of Laguna Beach, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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16. Avila Beach – San Luis Obispo County, CA

Avila Beach is a good destination for people to hang around and enjoy multiple amenities. In the 19th century, this place served as the core shipping port for San Luis Obispo. The Point San Luis Lighthouse, which is an eminent place, was constructed in 1890.

The best spots here are shopping, cycling, hiking, wine tasting, and playing golf matches. Visitors can enjoy sighting the whales by the sea from the shore. Relaxing hot springs, yogas, massages, and therapies are available in the centers around this place.  

• Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed in off-leash conditions but should be under the voice control of owners before 10 AM and after 5 PM. Dog entry is prohibited in Fisherman’s Beach.  
• Fees: Free
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM to 10 PM
• Attractions: Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Preserve 
• Nearby Visiting places: Central Coast Aquarium, Pirates Cove Beach. 

 Address: 404 Front St, Avila Beach, CA, United States, California

Read Avila Beach New Dog Rules, California

Dog Friendly Beaches Near You

Conclusion

The Dog-Friendly Beaches in California offer a great opportunity for humans and their pets to have enormous fun & entertainment. It is the sole responsibility of the owners carrying their pets to have a safe experience in the dog beaches of Perris, Del Mar, Newport, Coronado, and Santa Barbara, CA.