Who doesn’t love a day soaking up the sun and salty water dips into the good old pacific coastal beaches of Southern California...How much more fun does that sound when your pooch can catch some surf too? We’ve put together a list of six of the dog-friendliest beaches around, enjoy!
Coming in at number one is Rosie’s Dog Beach because it is arguably the most popular off-leash dog beach in LA County. Located right off Ocean Avenue in Long Beach and part of Belmont Beach Shore, this four-acre stretch of beach is open from 6 am - 8 pm. On any given day you will see the beach full of dogs, but it’s never too packed where you will feel cramped for space. There is a neatly sectioned area for the off-leash activity, so your tan will remain uninterrupted as they play around. All dogs are welcome, no matter their size or breed and there are amenities like trash cans, scoops, bags, and restrooms. Parking runs you 25 cents every 15 minutes which is typical for LA but then becomes free after 5 pm.
Granda Beach is next on the list as it is also part of Belmont Beach’s shore in Long Beach and is between Roycroft and Argonne avenues off of Ocean Avene. The dog-friendly spirit is felt on average days where you can hang out as they play around and there are also several large-scale events that take place year-round drawing fun crowds. Hopefully, we can feel that energy soon enough since it’s been a quiet year - to say the least!
Our number three pick is the Del Mar Beach with its open coastline which also has two state parks in its fold - Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park. The North side of this spot is known as ‘the dog beach’ and spans from 29th street to border Solana Beach and off-leash play is allowed but their policy does shift around throughout the year. For example, leash enforcement goes into effect from June 16th through Labor Day, and then dogs are able to run free but ‘under the owner’s voice command’.
The famed Huntington Dog Beach finds itself at our number four spot. Located a bit further south in Orange County, doggies are allowed between Seapoint Street and 21st Street. Just between you and me, even though there is a city ordinance of a six-foot leash requirement, locals know they can get away without it. As long as your dog is not trying to tear the world apart, you will be fine; playing nice in the sandbox applies to everyone! With plenty of running room and wave splashing opportunities, this is an ideal spot for getting all their energy out. Stocked with picnic tables to take a load off, restrooms, showers, and even a grassy park you essentially get the best of both worlds. Nestled in front of PCH and a weathered bluff, it makes for quite the scenic ambiance. When hunger strikes, just take Goldenwest up and you’ll come up at the Park Bench Café which you guessed it - is a dog-friendly spot with some yummy crowd-pleasers.
Coronado Dog Beach comes in at number five as another San Diego County beach that is beautiful and idyllic with the Point Loma Skyline kissing the horizon. Facing the Hotel Del Coronado, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway. The off-leash dog beach has expansive space for running and water play which is a decent walk from Ocean Boulevard with available parking. Remember to keep your dog on-leash until you’ve officially hit the dog zone - which is always a great rule of thumb.
Popping in at number six is Leo Carrillo State Park in Western Malibu which includes North Beach, South Beach, and Staircase Beach. Although this is a dog-friendly area, it is an on-leash only situation. If you’re in the LA area and craving a break, this is a great spot to hang at for a few hours.
Moving down to South Beach you will find a rocky-cavernous area called Sequiet point with caves and tidal pools best explored at low tide. If you want to take your dog with you, make sure to protect their paws with booties from the jagged rocks. If you’re in the mood for a hike, there are some cool trails you and your buddy can explore.
Although Staircase Beach is known as the surfer zone, dogs can hangout too. There are two points of access: one is the parking at the state park’s manager residence and the other is the North Beach parking (which is a light trek down the beach). Be aware of the zigzag trail through the bluffs because even though you may be able to do it, your dog may struggle. The rockiness subsides into sand the further you go, so no worries!
We hope this inspires you to hit the beaches this year and follow along with us on Instagram @Petlox for more pet-related fun!