Between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County, California features miles of pristine coastline just waiting to be enjoyed. If you want your dog to join your beach excursion, you’ll find plenty of choices in Orange County. However, because of the popularity of most beaches in the county, dogs are generally prohibited during busy hours and seasons. Check the rules before you head for the shore with your pup. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, CA.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA 1. Huntington Dog Beach
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A post shared by Jo Jo (@miss_jojo_thedapple)
🗺️ Address: 📍 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Restrooms, water, picnic tables, and waste bags are available
Located near a busy highway
Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the sand
It’s recommended that your dog wear a visible license
Remove all full poop bags to avoid fines
Related Read: Are Dogs Allowed on Huntington Beach? Here’s What You Need to Know!
- West Street Beach
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A post shared by Jamie Blakely | COMPASS (@jamieblakely_compass)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Coast Highway and West St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times:
September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Remote and usually less crowded beach
Street parking only
No restrooms or water are available
Bring your own waste bags
A popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community
- Little Corona Del Mar Beach
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A post shared by DVDandK9 (@dvdandk9)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3100 Ocean Blvd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
🕐 Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Limited street parking only
Beautiful views
Steep but accessible path down to the beach
Restrooms, showers, and trash cans are available
The rocky shoreline is popular for diving and exploring tide pools
- Newport Beach
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A post shared by Maui (@maui_the_stberdood)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Newport Beach Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
🕐 Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
💲 Cost: Free, parking fees vary by location
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Dogs are allowed on all 8 miles of beaches in the city of Newport Beach on-leash and during posted hours
Parking options vary by location and may be metered
Bring your own waste bags
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
- Aliso Beach Park
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A post shared by Cody & Joey the Beachpups 🌊 (@lagunapup)
🗺️ Address: 📍31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: $1-hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Restrooms, showers, a playground, and concessions are available
Pay attention to dog hours—they vary by the season
You’ll share the beach with surfers, swimmers, and skimboarders
Don’t let your dog bother any marine life
Bring your own waste bags
- Treasure Island Beach
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A post shared by Frank Sinatra The Cool Pup (@frankiethecoolpup)
🗺️ Address: 📍 30799 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–1 am, June 15–Sept 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee varies by location
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Gorgeous views from the cliffs
Can be a bit of a walk to get to the beach
Restrooms, showers, water, and concessions are available nearby
Watch out for dangerous currents
Bring your own waste bags
- Corona Del Mar State Beach
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A post shared by Elizabeth Burns (@newportbeachre)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3000 Breakers Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
State-owned beach, managed by the city of Newport Beach Parking lot available, but it fills up quickly Restrooms, showers, water, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts are available Wide, flat beach—don’t let your dog bother the sunbathers
- Balboa Beach
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A post shared by LINCOLN • The Happy Aussie (@lincoln.theblue)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Includes the beach around and south of Balboa Pier
Limited parking, get here early
Restaurants, walking/biking path, restrooms, showers, and water are all available along this beach
Bring your own waste bags
Tends to get less busy than other areas of Newport Beach
- Marina Park
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A post shared by Madison and Mia💕 (@madisoncakes_labralicious)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
A small, sandy area located alongside Newport Marina
Limited parking, shared with the nearby community center
Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a restaurant located nearby
Popular with families, keep your dog under control and follow all posted rules
- Santa Ana River Beach
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A post shared by Murphy & Georgia (@murphy_georgia_holgate)
🗺️ Address: 📍7004 Seashore Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Limited street parking only
No restrooms or other facilities at the beach itself
Known locally as “River Jetties”
Stay out of the river itself—it may be contaminated with runoff
Not an off-leash area but not all dog owners follow the rules
Conclusion To help inspire local authorities to keep Orange County beaches dog-friendly, be sure to follow leash laws and pick up after your pup. To be safe, pack your own waste bags, water, and dog-safe sunscreen. Rinse the salt and sand off your dog before you head home, and of course, pay attention to the weather and don’t let your pup get overheated. This precaution may be easier on Orange County beaches, where dogs are often prohibited during the hottest part of the day anyway. Sources
Bright Care Vet California Beaches Rover
Related Read: Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, CA in 2023 (with Pictures!)
Featured Image Credit: Ogutier, Pixabay
Between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County, California features miles of pristine coastline just waiting to be enjoyed. If you want your dog to join your beach excursion, you’ll find plenty of choices in Orange County. However, because of the popularity of most beaches in the county, dogs are generally prohibited during busy hours and seasons. Check the rules before you head for the shore with your pup. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, CA.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA
1. Huntington Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jo Jo (@miss_jojo_thedapple)
🗺️ Address: 📍 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Restrooms, water, picnic tables, and waste bags are available
Located near a busy highway
Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the sand
It’s recommended that your dog wear a visible license
Remove all full poop bags to avoid fines
- Related Read: Are Dogs Allowed on Huntington Beach? Here’s What You Need to Know!
2. West Street Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jamie Blakely | COMPASS (@jamieblakely_compass)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Coast Highway and West St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times:
September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Remote and usually less crowded beach
Street parking only
No restrooms or water are available
Bring your own waste bags
A popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community
3. Little Corona Del Mar Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by DVDandK9 (@dvdandk9)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3100 Ocean Blvd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
🕐 Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Limited street parking only
Beautiful views
Steep but accessible path down to the beach
Restrooms, showers, and trash cans are available
The rocky shoreline is popular for diving and exploring tide pools
4. Newport Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maui (@maui_the_stberdood)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Newport Beach Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
🕐 Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
💲 Cost: Free, parking fees vary by location
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Dogs are allowed on all 8 miles of beaches in the city of Newport Beach on-leash and during posted hours
Parking options vary by location and may be metered
Bring your own waste bags
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
5. Aliso Beach Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cody & Joey the Beachpups 🌊 (@lagunapup)
🗺️ Address: 📍31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: $1-hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Restrooms, showers, a playground, and concessions are available
Pay attention to dog hours—they vary by the season
You’ll share the beach with surfers, swimmers, and skimboarders
Don’t let your dog bother any marine life
Bring your own waste bags
6. Treasure Island Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Frank Sinatra The Cool Pup (@frankiethecoolpup)
🗺️ Address: 📍 30799 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–1 am, June 15–Sept 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee varies by location
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Gorgeous views from the cliffs
Can be a bit of a walk to get to the beach
Restrooms, showers, water, and concessions are available nearby
Watch out for dangerous currents
Bring your own waste bags
7. Corona Del Mar State Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elizabeth Burns (@newportbeachre)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3000 Breakers Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
State-owned beach, managed by the city of Newport Beach Parking lot available, but it fills up quickly Restrooms, showers, water, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts are available Wide, flat beach—don’t let your dog bother the sunbathers
8. Balboa Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LINCOLN • The Happy Aussie (@lincoln.theblue)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Includes the beach around and south of Balboa Pier
Limited parking, get here early
Restaurants, walking/biking path, restrooms, showers, and water are all available along this beach
Bring your own waste bags
Tends to get less busy than other areas of Newport Beach
9. Marina Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Madison and Mia💕 (@madisoncakes_labralicious)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
A small, sandy area located alongside Newport Marina
Limited parking, shared with the nearby community center
Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a restaurant located nearby
Popular with families, keep your dog under control and follow all posted rules
10. Santa Ana River Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Murphy & Georgia (@murphy_georgia_holgate)
🗺️ Address: 📍7004 Seashore Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
💲 Cost: Parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Limited street parking only
No restrooms or other facilities at the beach itself
Known locally as “River Jetties”
Stay out of the river itself—it may be contaminated with runoff
Not an off-leash area but not all dog owners follow the rules
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jo Jo (@miss_jojo_thedapple)
A post shared by Jo Jo (@miss_jojo_thedapple)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Restrooms, water, picnic tables, and waste bags are available
- Located near a busy highway
- Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the sand
- It’s recommended that your dog wear a visible license
- Remove all full poop bags to avoid fines
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jamie Blakely | COMPASS (@jamieblakely_compass)
A post shared by Jamie Blakely | COMPASS (@jamieblakely_compass)
September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
- Remote and usually less crowded beach
- Street parking only
- No restrooms or water are available
- Bring your own waste bags
- A popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by DVDandK9 (@dvdandk9)
A post shared by DVDandK9 (@dvdandk9)
- Limited street parking only
- Beautiful views
- Steep but accessible path down to the beach
- Restrooms, showers, and trash cans are available
- The rocky shoreline is popular for diving and exploring tide pools
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maui (@maui_the_stberdood)
A post shared by Maui (@maui_the_stberdood)
- Dogs are allowed on all 8 miles of beaches in the city of Newport Beach on-leash and during posted hours
- Parking options vary by location and may be metered
- Bring your own waste bags
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cody & Joey the Beachpups 🌊 (@lagunapup)
A post shared by Cody & Joey the Beachpups 🌊 (@lagunapup)
- Restrooms, showers, a playground, and concessions are available
- Pay attention to dog hours—they vary by the season
- You’ll share the beach with surfers, swimmers, and skimboarders
- Don’t let your dog bother any marine life
- Bring your own waste bags
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Frank Sinatra The Cool Pup (@frankiethecoolpup)
A post shared by Frank Sinatra The Cool Pup (@frankiethecoolpup)
- Gorgeous views from the cliffs
- Can be a bit of a walk to get to the beach
- Restrooms, showers, water, and concessions are available nearby
- Watch out for dangerous currents
- Bring your own waste bags
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Elizabeth Burns (@newportbeachre)
A post shared by Elizabeth Burns (@newportbeachre)
- State-owned beach, managed by the city of Newport Beach
- Parking lot available, but it fills up quickly
- Restrooms, showers, water, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts are available
- Wide, flat beach—don’t let your dog bother the sunbathers
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LINCOLN • The Happy Aussie (@lincoln.theblue)
A post shared by LINCOLN • The Happy Aussie (@lincoln.theblue)
- Includes the beach around and south of Balboa Pier
- Limited parking, get here early
- Restaurants, walking/biking path, restrooms, showers, and water are all available along this beach
- Bring your own waste bags
- Tends to get less busy than other areas of Newport Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Madison and Mia💕 (@madisoncakes_labralicious)
A post shared by Madison and Mia💕 (@madisoncakes_labralicious)
- A small, sandy area located alongside Newport Marina
- Limited parking, shared with the nearby community center
- Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a restaurant located nearby
- Popular with families, keep your dog under control and follow all posted rules
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Murphy & Georgia (@murphy_georgia_holgate)
A post shared by Murphy & Georgia (@murphy_georgia_holgate)
- Limited street parking only
- No restrooms or other facilities at the beach itself
- Known locally as “River Jetties”
- Stay out of the river itself—it may be contaminated with runoff
- Not an off-leash area but not all dog owners follow the rules
Conclusion
To help inspire local authorities to keep Orange County beaches dog-friendly, be sure to follow leash laws and pick up after your pup. To be safe, pack your own waste bags, water, and dog-safe sunscreen. Rinse the salt and sand off your dog before you head home, and of course, pay attention to the weather and don’t let your pup get overheated. This precaution may be easier on Orange County beaches, where dogs are often prohibited during the hottest part of the day anyway.
Sources
Bright Care Vet California Beaches Rover
- Related Read: Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, CA in 2023 (with Pictures!)
Featured Image Credit: Ogutier, Pixabay
- Bright Care Vet
- California Beaches
- Rover
