While California’s natural landscape varies widely, the beach life and all that comes with it will always be one of the first things people think of about the state. Dog lovers living or traveling in the Golden State will be pleased to learn that their canine friends are also welcome at many beaches in California. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in California, listed from north to south.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in California
- Moonstone Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍100 Moonstone Beach Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located just south of the Oregon border
You’ll share the space with swimmers, surfers, and rock climbers
Portable restroom only
No overnight stays, day-use only
Be aware that there’s another Moonstone Beach in California that is NOT dog-friendly
- Rodeo Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍1049 Mitchell Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Beach is covered in pebbles, not sand
Located three miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge
You’ll find dog-friendly hiking trails nearby
Don’t let your dog explore the lagoon and disturb endangered species
Restrooms, parking, picnic spots, and outdoor showers are available
- Fort Funston
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🗺️ Address: 📍Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
🕐 Open Times: 7 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Steep hike to the beach
A popular location for hang gliding
Some protected areas are off-limits, pay attention to signs
Strong undertow, monitor your dog while swimming
- Baker Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍12 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In one section only, check signs to confirm
Features gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Can be very crowded on weekends
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Hiking, picnic area, restrooms, and grills are available
Some parts of the beach are clothing-optional (for humans)
- Carmel Beach
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A post shared by 𝙷 𝙾 𝙽 𝙴 𝚈 🐶💕 (@honey.doodle.ca)
🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free, some parking may be metered
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Walking path nearby, stay on the trail to avoid damaging the bluffs
You’ll share the beach with surfers
Restrooms and dog waste bags are available
Many local shops and restaurants are dog-friendly too
- Arroyo Burro Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Free beach wheelchairs are available
Parking, grills, showers, picnic areas, and dog wash areas are available
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Nearby nature preserve also allows off-leash dogs
- Rosie’s Dog Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located just south of Los Angeles
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
You’ll share the space with families, and it can get crowded
Trash cans, limited dog waste bags, and restrooms are available
- Huntington Dog Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Restrooms, water fountains, waste bags, and picnic tables are available
Don’t leave used waste bags on the beach
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Busy highway nearby, make sure dogs are under voice control
- Del Mar Dog Beach
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A post shared by Ernest and Lilith Pug (@twoisagrumble)
🗺️ Address: 📍3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: On Main and North Beach, with seasonal and time restrictions
Follow signs carefully for off-leash areas
Dogs must wear a license and be on a maximum 6-foot leash
Dog surfing and paddleboarding lessons are available
Excellent swimming beach with gentle waves
- Ocean Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍5156W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Known as the “Original Dog Beach”
Showers, restrooms, parking, and a picnic area are available
You’ll share the beach with surfers and swimmers
Arrive early, especially on weekends, gets crowded fast
Located just blocks from restaurants and breweries
Conclusion These 10 dog-friendly California beaches all feature off-leash areas, which is why they made our list as the best. However, many other beaches in the state allow leashed dogs, so check the rules at your favorite spot before you assume your pup is forbidden. Keep safety in mind when planning any beach day, and make sure your dog stays cool and hydrated. Always be respectful of other beach users, keep your dog under control, and pick up all waste. See also:
Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA Dog-Friendly Beaches in Chicago, IL: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in & Near Santa Cruz, CA
“Sources”
Bring Fido Visit California Rover
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
While California’s natural landscape varies widely, the beach life and all that comes with it will always be one of the first things people think of about the state. Dog lovers living or traveling in the Golden State will be pleased to learn that their canine friends are also welcome at many beaches in California. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in California, listed from north to south.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in California
1. Moonstone Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David Skor (@david.skor)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Moonstone Beach Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located just south of the Oregon border
You’ll share the space with swimmers, surfers, and rock climbers
Portable restroom only
No overnight stays, day-use only
Be aware that there’s another Moonstone Beach in California that is NOT dog-friendly
2. Rodeo Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Eva Walter (@evas___world)
🗺️ Address: 📍1049 Mitchell Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Beach is covered in pebbles, not sand
Located three miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge
You’ll find dog-friendly hiking trails nearby
Don’t let your dog explore the lagoon and disturb endangered species
Restrooms, parking, picnic spots, and outdoor showers are available
3. Fort Funston
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alex’s Dog Blog (@alexsdogblog)
🗺️ Address: 📍Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
🕐 Open Times: 7 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Steep hike to the beach
A popular location for hang gliding
Some protected areas are off-limits, pay attention to signs
Strong undertow, monitor your dog while swimming
4. Baker Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Doodles of California (@doodlesofcalifornia)
🗺️ Address: 📍12 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In one section only, check signs to confirm
Features gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Can be very crowded on weekends
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Hiking, picnic area, restrooms, and grills are available
Some parts of the beach are clothing-optional (for humans)
5. Carmel Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙷 𝙾 𝙽 𝙴 𝚈 🐶💕 (@honey.doodle.ca)
🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free, some parking may be metered
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Walking path nearby, stay on the trail to avoid damaging the bluffs
You’ll share the beach with surfers
Restrooms and dog waste bags are available
Many local shops and restaurants are dog-friendly too
6. Arroyo Burro Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sir Kensington (@sirkensington)
🗺️ Address: 📍2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Free beach wheelchairs are available
Parking, grills, showers, picnic areas, and dog wash areas are available
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Nearby nature preserve also allows off-leash dogs
7. Rosie’s Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Frodo The Golden (@the_golden_frodo)
🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Located just south of Los Angeles
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
You’ll share the space with families, and it can get crowded
Trash cans, limited dog waste bags, and restrooms are available
8. Huntington Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bear 🐻 McCloskey 🐾 (@rotti_bear)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Restrooms, water fountains, waste bags, and picnic tables are available
Don’t leave used waste bags on the beach
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Busy highway nearby, make sure dogs are under voice control
9. Del Mar Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ernest and Lilith Pug (@twoisagrumble)
🗺️ Address: 📍3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: On Main and North Beach, with seasonal and time restrictions
Follow signs carefully for off-leash areas
Dogs must wear a license and be on a maximum 6-foot leash
Dog surfing and paddleboarding lessons are available
Excellent swimming beach with gentle waves
10. Ocean Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs of Ocean Beach, San Diego (@dogsofoceanbeach)
🗺️ Address: 📍5156W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Known as the “Original Dog Beach”
Showers, restrooms, parking, and a picnic area are available
You’ll share the beach with surfers and swimmers
Arrive early, especially on weekends, gets crowded fast
Located just blocks from restaurants and breweries
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David Skor (@david.skor)
A post shared by David Skor (@david.skor)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Located just south of the Oregon border
You’ll share the space with swimmers, surfers, and rock climbers
Portable restroom only
No overnight stays, day-use only
Be aware that there’s another Moonstone Beach in California that is NOT dog-friendly
- Located just south of the Oregon border
- You’ll share the space with swimmers, surfers, and rock climbers
- Portable restroom only
- No overnight stays, day-use only
- Be aware that there’s another Moonstone Beach in California that is NOT dog-friendly
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Eva Walter (@evas___world)
A post shared by Eva Walter (@evas___world)
Beach is covered in pebbles, not sand
Located three miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge
You’ll find dog-friendly hiking trails nearby
Don’t let your dog explore the lagoon and disturb endangered species
Restrooms, parking, picnic spots, and outdoor showers are available
- Beach is covered in pebbles, not sand
- Located three miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge
- You’ll find dog-friendly hiking trails nearby
- Don’t let your dog explore the lagoon and disturb endangered species
- Restrooms, parking, picnic spots, and outdoor showers are available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Alex’s Dog Blog (@alexsdogblog)
A post shared by Alex’s Dog Blog (@alexsdogblog)
Steep hike to the beach
A popular location for hang gliding
Some protected areas are off-limits, pay attention to signs
Strong undertow, monitor your dog while swimming
- Steep hike to the beach
- A popular location for hang gliding
- Some protected areas are off-limits, pay attention to signs
- Strong undertow, monitor your dog while swimming
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Doodles of California (@doodlesofcalifornia)
A post shared by Doodles of California (@doodlesofcalifornia)
Features gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge
Can be very crowded on weekends
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Hiking, picnic area, restrooms, and grills are available
Some parts of the beach are clothing-optional (for humans)
- Features gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Can be very crowded on weekends
- Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
- Hiking, picnic area, restrooms, and grills are available
- Some parts of the beach are clothing-optional (for humans)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝙷 𝙾 𝙽 𝙴 𝚈 🐶💕 (@honey.doodle.ca)
A post shared by 𝙷 𝙾 𝙽 𝙴 𝚈 🐶💕 (@honey.doodle.ca)
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Walking path nearby, stay on the trail to avoid damaging the bluffs
You’ll share the beach with surfers
Restrooms and dog waste bags are available
Many local shops and restaurants are dog-friendly too
- Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
- Walking path nearby, stay on the trail to avoid damaging the bluffs
- You’ll share the beach with surfers
- Restrooms and dog waste bags are available
- Many local shops and restaurants are dog-friendly too
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sir Kensington (@sirkensington)
A post shared by Sir Kensington (@sirkensington)
Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
Free beach wheelchairs are available
Parking, grills, showers, picnic areas, and dog wash areas are available
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Nearby nature preserve also allows off-leash dogs
- Follow signs, not all areas are off-leash
- Free beach wheelchairs are available
- Parking, grills, showers, picnic areas, and dog wash areas are available
- Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
- Nearby nature preserve also allows off-leash dogs
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Frodo The Golden (@the_golden_frodo)
A post shared by Frodo The Golden (@the_golden_frodo)
Located just south of Los Angeles
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
You’ll share the space with families, and it can get crowded
Trash cans, limited dog waste bags, and restrooms are available
- Located just south of Los Angeles
- Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
- You’ll share the space with families, and it can get crowded
- Trash cans, limited dog waste bags, and restrooms are available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bear 🐻 McCloskey 🐾 (@rotti_bear)
A post shared by Bear 🐻 McCloskey 🐾 (@rotti_bear)
Restrooms, water fountains, waste bags, and picnic tables are available
Don’t leave used waste bags on the beach
Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
Busy highway nearby, make sure dogs are under voice control
- Restrooms, water fountains, waste bags, and picnic tables are available
- Don’t leave used waste bags on the beach
- Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
- Busy highway nearby, make sure dogs are under voice control
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ernest and Lilith Pug (@twoisagrumble)
A post shared by Ernest and Lilith Pug (@twoisagrumble)
Follow signs carefully for off-leash areas
Dogs must wear a license and be on a maximum 6-foot leash
Dog surfing and paddleboarding lessons are available
Excellent swimming beach with gentle waves
- Follow signs carefully for off-leash areas
- Dogs must wear a license and be on a maximum 6-foot leash
- Dog surfing and paddleboarding lessons are available
- Excellent swimming beach with gentle waves
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs of Ocean Beach, San Diego (@dogsofoceanbeach)
A post shared by Dogs of Ocean Beach, San Diego (@dogsofoceanbeach)
Known as the “Original Dog Beach”
Showers, restrooms, parking, and a picnic area are available
You’ll share the beach with surfers and swimmers
Arrive early, especially on weekends, gets crowded fast
Located just blocks from restaurants and breweries
- Known as the “Original Dog Beach”
- Showers, restrooms, parking, and a picnic area are available
- You’ll share the beach with surfers and swimmers
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, gets crowded fast
- Located just blocks from restaurants and breweries
Conclusion
These 10 dog-friendly California beaches all feature off-leash areas, which is why they made our list as the best. However, many other beaches in the state allow leashed dogs, so check the rules at your favorite spot before you assume your pup is forbidden. Keep safety in mind when planning any beach day, and make sure your dog stays cool and hydrated. Always be respectful of other beach users, keep your dog under control, and pick up all waste.
See also:
- Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Chicago, IL: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go
- Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in & Near Santa Cruz, CA
“Sources”
Bring Fido Visit California Rover
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
“Sources”
Bring Fido Visit California Rover
- Bring Fido
- Visit California
- Rover
