Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern California [Now with MAP]

Updated for 2022

Most dogs love the beach. Running in the sand and water while the sea air blows through their fur would make any dog’s day. We’ve rounded up a list of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern California from Carmel to Malibu to San Diego where it’s easy to bring man’s best friend along for an adventure.

Not all SoCal beaches allow dogs on the beach. In fact, it’s against the law to have a dog on the beach in Los Angeles County. But other counties have different rules, where you can legally play with your pooch on the sand.

Bet you’re wondering: Is there a Dog Beach Near Me? Check out our Map below to find out.

Whether you’re looking for leashed or off-leash beaches, we’ve got something for everyone. Just remember that each dog friendly beach will have its own rules, however in general keep in mind a few universal rules:

• You must clean up after your pet
• Do Not bring a puppy to a dog beach until they have had all their required vaccinations
• Be sure that your dog’s required vaccinations are current for the health of all dogs on the beach
• Be sure that your dog is wearing a current license on their collar from the County Department of Animal Services

But most of all have fun!

Editor’s Note: Wondering why there are no beaches on this list that are actually in Los Angeles? It’s because there are no animals allowed on any Los Angeles County beaches, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors. 

Best Dog Friendly Beaches Near Me Map

Dog Friendly Beaches Near Los Angeles

Quick Links:

• Read our list of Essential Dog Gear
• Keeping your Dog Healthy and Happy
• Los Angeles Dog Parks
• How to choose the right Dog for your Family

Off-Leash Dog Beaches in Southern California

Coronado Dog Beach
100 Ocean Boulevard, Coronado, CA  92118

Coronado’s Dog Beach is leash-free all year and is a local favorite. The long stretch of sand from the busy street is a highlight for dogs that like to wander. The dog beach is open 24 hours a day and is marked by signs that run along Ocean Boulevard from Sunset Park on Ocean Drive to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. Although there are no public restrooms, there is a foot shower to rinse off fido’s paws on south of the entrance on Ocean Boulevard.

Huntington Dog Beach
100 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Probably the most well-known of all the off-leash dog beaches in Southern California on this list, the Huntington Dog Beach is well known for its length, cleanliness and easy-going nature. The nonprofit group that runs the Huntington Dog Beach does a fantastic job of making this beach such a success. The Dog Beach is open 7 days a week, dawn until dark (parking lots are open 6am-10pm).

Carmel Beach
Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road, Carmel, CA  93922

Carmel-by-the Sea was voted the #1 most dog friendly town in America and you can see why when you visit this beautiful leash-free dog beach. Bon fires are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue. Public restrooms and a public telephone are available at the Ocean Avenue end of Carmel Beach. Carmel dog beach is Open 6am to 10pm every day.

Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 9310

If you plan on being in the Santa Barbara area, you have to check out the local favorite Arroyo Burro Beach aka “Hendry’s Beach.” Currently an off-leash dog friendly beach, Arroyo Burro Beach begins east of the slough at Arroyo Burro “Hendry’s Beach” and stretches to the steps at Mesa Lane. The off-leash Santa Barbara dog beach is located on the left from the Arroyo Burro parking lot and even offers a dog rinsing station. Local restaurants are dog friendly, too.

Rosie’s Dog Beach
1 Argonne Ave, Long Beach, CA, US 90803

Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is currently the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. This 3-acre park is located at the waterfront between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues, a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool. Long Beach’s Rosie’s Dog Beach is open daily from 6am-8pm. Ample parking is available along Ocean Boulevard and free parking is available at the beachfront lot at the end of Granada Avenue daily after 5:00 p.m.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach aka “The Original Dog Beach”
West Point Loma Boulevard and Voltaire Street, San Diego, CA 92107

Perhaps the most popular canine hotspot in San Diego is “The Original Dog Beach” located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. The Original Dog Beach in San Diego, CA is nationally famous and one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. Dogs can roam this popular canine hotspot off leash at any time of the day.

Fiesta Island Road
San Diego, CA, US 92123

Located in Mission Bay Park, Fiesta Island offers a 5.2 mile asphalt path around the island for dogs walkers. Your pooch will love to romp around in the small waves off-leash for hours. Fiesta Island hours are from 6:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. every day. This island in Mission Bay Park allows dogs anywhere outside the fenced areas.

Leash Dog Beaches

Leo Carrillo State Beach
28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, California 90265
Phone: (800) 444-7275

Leo Carrillo State Park north of Malibu allows dogs on a leash in the park’s day use areas, campground and north beach, which is north of lifeguard tower 3. Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails or south beach, which is south of lifeguard tower 3. Parking is $3 for 1-hour and up to $12 for all-day parking. 

Cardiff State Beach
One mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101, 92007

Dogs are permitted on-leash at Cardiff State Beach near San Diego. The gently sloping, sandy beach has warm water and offers swimming and surfing.

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