Marin County is a fun place to spend time outdoors with your dog. The weather may not be conducive to swimming all the time, but any day is a good day to go to the beach for fun in the sun. There are many dog-friendly beaches in Marin County to consider taking your dog to. Here’s a list of 10 excellent choices that every dog and dog owner should love!
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Marin County, CA
- Bolinas Beach
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A post shared by Lindsey Smith (@lynzcarol)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Bolinas, CA 94924
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Popular surfing spot
Free street parking
Dogs may be unleashed
Main beach access is at end of Brighton Avenue
Restrooms are available next to the tennis courts
- San Quentin Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 23 Main St. San Quentin, CA 94964
🕐 Open Times: Not posted
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Rarely crowded
Plenty of beachfront to walk and run for exercise
Gentle waves make it easy for dogs to swim
Amazing views of the bay
Most available parking has 1-hour time limits
- Dillon Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Beach Ave. Dillon Beach, CA 94929
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💲 Cost: $10 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Privately owned by Dillon Beach Resort
Waves can be big and make swimming tough
Low tide offers an opportunity to explore tidepools
Cabins are available to rent for overnight stays
Plenty of sandy beach space available for running and games like fetch
- Agate Beach
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A post shared by Bryan Porcher (@paddlepus)
🗺️ Address: 📍 330 Ocean Parkway. Bolinas, CA 94924
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Great place to check out tidepool marine life
Enjoy amazing views of Farallon Islands on sunny days
Popular beach for seabirds, which can be exciting for dogs
Waves are gentle enough to allow for swimming
Free parking and restrooms available
- Muir Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 200 Pacific Way. Muir Beach, CA 94965
🕐 Open Times: 9:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Hiking trails are accessible from the north and south beach areas
The northernmost area of the beach is considered clothing optional
An abundance of monarch butterflies can be spotted each autumn
Fires are allowed in available fire rings
Dogs must remain within sight and earshot at all times
- Chicken Ranch Beach
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A post shared by EveyTheAussie (@evey_theaussie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Inverness, CA 94937
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
No shade available on the beach
Swimming is enjoyable when the weather permits it
Perfect place to fly a kite
Plenty of shells to find when the tide is low
Teach your dog to paddleboard here
- South Rodeo Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 Mendell Rd. Mill Valley, CA 94941
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Typically gets extremely crowded during the weekends
Exciting trails for hiking overlook the beach
Brackish waters are common
Enjoy ocean access on both sides of the beach
Onsite picnic tables and barbecue pits available
- Limantour Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍 1390 Limantour Spit Rd. Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Dogs are allowed on the 2 miles of beach between the parking lot and the southeast edge
Drone usage is prohibited
Composting toilets available
Waste bags must be self-provided
Take trails through the wetlands for a less crowded experience
- Pacifica Esplanade Beach
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A post shared by CAPTAIN & TONY (@captainandtony)
🗺️ Address: 📍 360 Esplanade Ave. Pacifica, CA 94044
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In certain areas
Dogs must be leashed everywhere but the north end of the beach
Harsh undertows make swimming here dangerous
Beach is only accessible via trails from the road
Features steep rugged bluffs to marvel at
The beach gets extremely narrow during high tide
- McNears Beach
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A post shared by Débora Teixeira (@princebeaunugget)
🗺️ Address: 📍 201 Cantera Way. San Rafael, CA 94901
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during winter, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during spring and fall, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during summer
💲 Cost: $5 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Trained dogs on leashes and service dogs only are allowed
Offers excellent views of San Pablo Bay
Fishing is allowed on the fishing pier with a permit
Parking lot and fishing pier are wheelchair accessible
Tennis and pickleball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Conclusion Now that you have so many awesome dog-friendly beaches to choose from, you and your dog can stay active outdoors all year long without getting too bored with your surroundings. Some of these beaches allow dogs off leash, but others don’t, so be sure to pay attention to the rules before heading to any beach.
Featured Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash
Marin County is a fun place to spend time outdoors with your dog. The weather may not be conducive to swimming all the time, but any day is a good day to go to the beach for fun in the sun. There are many dog-friendly beaches in Marin County to consider taking your dog to. Here’s a list of 10 excellent choices that every dog and dog owner should love!
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Marin County, CA
1. Bolinas Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lindsey Smith (@lynzcarol)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Bolinas, CA 94924
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Popular surfing spot
Free street parking
Dogs may be unleashed
Main beach access is at end of Brighton Avenue
Restrooms are available next to the tennis courts
2. San Quentin Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Walk This Way Ca | Dog Walker (@walkthiswaycalifornia)
🗺️ Address: 📍 23 Main St. San Quentin, CA 94964
🕐 Open Times: Not posted
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Rarely crowded
Plenty of beachfront to walk and run for exercise
Gentle waves make it easy for dogs to swim
Amazing views of the bay
Most available parking has 1-hour time limits
3. Dillon Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cindy (@cjsearles)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Beach Ave. Dillon Beach, CA 94929
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
💲 Cost: $10 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Privately owned by Dillon Beach Resort
Waves can be big and make swimming tough
Low tide offers an opportunity to explore tidepools
Cabins are available to rent for overnight stays
Plenty of sandy beach space available for running and games like fetch
4. Agate Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bryan Porcher (@paddlepus)
🗺️ Address: 📍 330 Ocean Parkway. Bolinas, CA 94924
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Great place to check out tidepool marine life
Enjoy amazing views of Farallon Islands on sunny days
Popular beach for seabirds, which can be exciting for dogs
Waves are gentle enough to allow for swimming
Free parking and restrooms available
5. Muir Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Milo (@milo_strongpom)
🗺️ Address: 📍 200 Pacific Way. Muir Beach, CA 94965
🕐 Open Times: 9:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Hiking trails are accessible from the north and south beach areas
The northernmost area of the beach is considered clothing optional
An abundance of monarch butterflies can be spotted each autumn
Fires are allowed in available fire rings
Dogs must remain within sight and earshot at all times
6. Chicken Ranch Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by EveyTheAussie (@evey_theaussie)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Inverness, CA 94937
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
No shade available on the beach
Swimming is enjoyable when the weather permits it
Perfect place to fly a kite
Plenty of shells to find when the tide is low
Teach your dog to paddleboard here
7. South Rodeo Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brittany (@bheitkotter)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Mendell Rd. Mill Valley, CA 94941
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Typically gets extremely crowded during the weekends
Exciting trails for hiking overlook the beach
Brackish waters are common
Enjoy ocean access on both sides of the beach
Onsite picnic tables and barbecue pits available
8. Limantour Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Moxy Hamilton (@moxyminpin)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1390 Limantour Spit Rd. Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Dogs are allowed on the 2 miles of beach between the parking lot and the southeast edge
Drone usage is prohibited
Composting toilets available
Waste bags must be self-provided
Take trails through the wetlands for a less crowded experience
9. Pacifica Esplanade Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by CAPTAIN & TONY (@captainandtony)
🗺️ Address: 📍 360 Esplanade Ave. Pacifica, CA 94044
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In certain areas
Dogs must be leashed everywhere but the north end of the beach
Harsh undertows make swimming here dangerous
Beach is only accessible via trails from the road
Features steep rugged bluffs to marvel at
The beach gets extremely narrow during high tide
10. McNears Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Débora Teixeira (@princebeaunugget)
🗺️ Address: 📍 201 Cantera Way. San Rafael, CA 94901
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during winter, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during spring and fall, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during summer
💲 Cost: $5 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Trained dogs on leashes and service dogs only are allowed
Offers excellent views of San Pablo Bay
Fishing is allowed on the fishing pier with a permit
Parking lot and fishing pier are wheelchair accessible
Tennis and pickleball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lindsey Smith (@lynzcarol)
A post shared by Lindsey Smith (@lynzcarol)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Popular surfing spot
- Free street parking
- Dogs may be unleashed
- Main beach access is at end of Brighton Avenue
- Restrooms are available next to the tennis courts
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Walk This Way Ca | Dog Walker (@walkthiswaycalifornia)
A post shared by Walk This Way Ca | Dog Walker (@walkthiswaycalifornia)
- Rarely crowded
- Plenty of beachfront to walk and run for exercise
- Gentle waves make it easy for dogs to swim
- Amazing views of the bay
- Most available parking has 1-hour time limits
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cindy (@cjsearles)
A post shared by Cindy (@cjsearles)
- Privately owned by Dillon Beach Resort
- Waves can be big and make swimming tough
- Low tide offers an opportunity to explore tidepools
- Cabins are available to rent for overnight stays
- Plenty of sandy beach space available for running and games like fetch
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bryan Porcher (@paddlepus)
A post shared by Bryan Porcher (@paddlepus)
- Great place to check out tidepool marine life
- Enjoy amazing views of Farallon Islands on sunny days
- Popular beach for seabirds, which can be exciting for dogs
- Waves are gentle enough to allow for swimming
- Free parking and restrooms available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Milo (@milo_strongpom)
A post shared by Milo (@milo_strongpom)
- Hiking trails are accessible from the north and south beach areas
- The northernmost area of the beach is considered clothing optional
- An abundance of monarch butterflies can be spotted each autumn
- Fires are allowed in available fire rings
- Dogs must remain within sight and earshot at all times
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by EveyTheAussie (@evey_theaussie)
A post shared by EveyTheAussie (@evey_theaussie)
- No shade available on the beach
- Swimming is enjoyable when the weather permits it
- Perfect place to fly a kite
- Plenty of shells to find when the tide is low
- Teach your dog to paddleboard here
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brittany (@bheitkotter)
A post shared by Brittany (@bheitkotter)
- Typically gets extremely crowded during the weekends
- Exciting trails for hiking overlook the beach
- Brackish waters are common
- Enjoy ocean access on both sides of the beach
- Onsite picnic tables and barbecue pits available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Moxy Hamilton (@moxyminpin)
A post shared by Moxy Hamilton (@moxyminpin)
- Dogs are allowed on the 2 miles of beach between the parking lot and the southeast edge
- Drone usage is prohibited
- Composting toilets available
- Waste bags must be self-provided
- Take trails through the wetlands for a less crowded experience
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by CAPTAIN & TONY (@captainandtony)
A post shared by CAPTAIN & TONY (@captainandtony)
- Dogs must be leashed everywhere but the north end of the beach
- Harsh undertows make swimming here dangerous
- Beach is only accessible via trails from the road
- Features steep rugged bluffs to marvel at
- The beach gets extremely narrow during high tide
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Débora Teixeira (@princebeaunugget)
A post shared by Débora Teixeira (@princebeaunugget)
- Trained dogs on leashes and service dogs only are allowed
- Offers excellent views of San Pablo Bay
- Fishing is allowed on the fishing pier with a permit
- Parking lot and fishing pier are wheelchair accessible
- Tennis and pickleball courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Conclusion
Now that you have so many awesome dog-friendly beaches to choose from, you and your dog can stay active outdoors all year long without getting too bored with your surroundings. Some of these beaches allow dogs off leash, but others don’t, so be sure to pay attention to the rules before heading to any beach.
Featured Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash