Dog-friendly beaches in California

Seeker Editors

Ah, California – with its sun-kissed coastlines and laid-back vibe, it's a haven for beach lovers, and guess what, that includes our four-legged friends too! If you've got a pup who loves to frolic in the sand just as much as you do, you're in for a treat. From the misty shores of Carmel Beach down to the balmy stretches of Coronado Dog Beach, the Golden State is brimming with spots where your dog can dash through the surf, dig to their heart's content, and maybe even catch a Frisbee or two. So leash up, pack some treats, and let's uncover the tail-wagging havens that make California's coastline a paradise for dogs and their human pals.

Montara State Beach, Escondido Beach, Fort Funston, Albany Bulb, Pillar Point Harbor, Baker Beach, Miramar Beach, Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Coronado Beach & Dog Park, Dog Beach Ocean Beach, Del Mar Dog beach, Rosie's Dog Beach, Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, Carmel Beach, Dog Beach | Huntington Beach, Dougherty Hills Dog Park, Crissy Field East Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, Stinson Beach, Fiesta Island Dog Park

  • Montara State Beach, United States

    Image of Montara State Beach on Seeker

  • Escondido Beach in Malibu, United States

    Image of Escondido Beach on Seeker

  • Fort Funston in San Francisco, United States

    Image of Fort Funston on Seeker

  • Albany Bulb, United States

    Image of Albany Bulb on Seeker

  • Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, United States

    Image of Pillar Point Harbor on Seeker

  • Baker Beach in San Francisco, United States

    Image of Baker Beach on Seeker

  • Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay, United States

    Image of Miramar Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Miramar Beach in California is known for its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere, but it is not one of the state's prominent dog-friendly beaches. Unlike some beaches in California that offer off-leash areas and welcome pets to play in the sand and surf, Miramar Beach has restrictions in place that may limit dogs to certain areas or require them to be on a leash at all times. Pet owners looking for a beach day with their four-legged friends might need to look for alternative locations along the California coast that are more accommodating to dogs.

  • Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, United States

    Image of Point Isabel Regional Shoreline on Seeker

  • Coronado Beach & Dog Park in Coronado, United States

    Image of Coronado Beach & Dog Park on Seeker

  • Dog Beach Ocean Beach in San Diego, United States

    Image of Dog Beach Ocean Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Dog Beach Ocean Beach is one of the most beloved dog-friendly beaches in California, located in the San Diego area. It offers a wide expanse of sand where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash, play in the surf, and socialize with other dogs. With its relaxed atmosphere and dedicated space for canines, Dog Beach in Ocean Beach is a favorite destination for dog owners looking for a fun outdoor experience with their furry friends.

  • Del Mar Dog beach in Del Mar, United States

    Image of Del Mar Dog beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Del Mar Dog Beach, also known as North Beach, stands out as one of California's most beloved dog-friendly beaches. Located in the coastal city of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, this picturesque stretch of sand offers a relaxed atmosphere where dogs can romp off-leash during designated times of the year. With its expansive space and easy access to the water, Del Mar Dog Beach is a prime location for both dogs and their owners to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand in a welcoming, pet-friendly environment.

  • Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, United States

    Image of Rosie's Dog Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Rosie's Dog Beach is a beloved spot for dog owners and their furry friends in Long Beach, California, offering a rare opportunity for off-leash beach fun along the Southern California coast. As one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the state, it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to enjoy the sand and surf with their canine companions. The area is designated for dogs to play and swim, making it a vibrant community hub where well-behaved dogs can frolic freely while under the supervision of their owners.

  • Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton, United States

    Image of Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area on Seeker
    • seeker

      Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, located in Pleasanton, California, is among the various parks that offer dog-friendly areas where your four-legged friends can enjoy alongside their owners. While dogs are not allowed on the park's main sandy beach, they can still enjoy the water and play in designated dog-friendly areas, ensuring that pet owners can have a fun day out with their pup. It's important for visitors to comply with the park's rules by keeping dogs on leashes in non-designated areas and cleaning up after their pets to maintain the park's natural beauty and wildlife.

  • Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

    Image of Carmel Beach on Seeker

  • Dog Beach | Huntington Beach in Huntington Beach, United States

    Image of Dog Beach | Huntington Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Dog Beach at Huntington Beach is a beloved destination for dog owners in California who wish to enjoy the sun and surf with their four-legged friends. This stretch of coastline is dog-friendly, allowing pups off-leash to frolic in the sand and waves, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a pet-friendly beach experience. The accommodating environment of Dog Beach, with its dedicated canine amenities and vibrant social atmosphere, truly epitomizes the pet-friendly culture prevalent along many of California's beautiful beaches.

  • Dougherty Hills Dog Park in Dublin, United States

    Image of Dougherty Hills Dog Park on Seeker

  • Crissy Field East Beach in San Francisco, United States

    Image of Crissy Field East Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Crissy Field East Beach, located in San Francisco within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is renowned for being one of the most beautiful and dog-friendly beaches in California. With stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, this beach allows dogs to roam off-leash on the sand and in the water, provided they are under voice control. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike who want to enjoy a scenic stroll or a playdate for their four-legged friends in an iconic urban setting.

  • Arroyo Burro Beach County Park in Santa Barbara, United States

    Image of Arroyo Burro Beach County Park on Seeker
    • seeker

      Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, also known as Hendry's Beach, is a popular destination for dog owners in the Santa Barbara area of California due to its dog-friendly policies. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach in a designated area to the east of the slough, where they can play and swim in the Pacific Ocean, making it a wonderful spot for canine recreation and socialization. With its scenic beauty and accommodating features for pets, Arroyo Burro Beach is considered one of the top dog-friendly beaches in California, attracting both locals and tourists who wish to enjoy a day by the sea with their furry friends.

  • Stinson Beach, United States

    Image of Stinson Beach on Seeker
    • seeker

      Stinson Beach, located in Marin County just north of San Francisco, is known as one of California's welcoming beaches for dog owners. While dogs are required to be on-leash in the National Park Service operated areas, there is a stretch where dogs are allowed to roam freely under voice control, making it a favored destination for those looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf with their four-legged friends. The picturesque coastal setting combined with its dog-friendly policies makes Stinson Beach a popular escape for both locals and tourists wanting to share a beach day with their canine companions.

  • Fiesta Island Dog Park in San Diego, United States

    Image of Fiesta Island Dog Park on Seeker