If sun, sand, and surf sound like your idea of a good time, Southern California is the place to be! Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, you can easily find a gorgeous beach to spend the day. The good news for dog lovers is that many of these beautiful beaches also welcome pups for both on and off-leash play. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Southern California.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in SoCal
- Ocean Beach
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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
One of the first dog beaches in America
Parking lots get crowded quickly
Showers, restrooms, trash cans, and picnic spots are available
Quick walk to breweries and restaurants
- Coronado Dog Beach
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A post shared by San Diego Frenchies 🐾 (@mrs.molinaskennel)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Neighborhood street parking only
Long walk to get to the beach
Located next to a Naval Air Station
A dog foot wash station is available
A local favorite
- Fiesta Island
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A post shared by Dogs Of Fiesta Island (@fiestaislanddogpark)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 4 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
Island park features a walking path and a fenced dog area with beach access
Watch out for horses and manure
Fire rings available
No permanent restrooms
4. Del Mar Dog Beach
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A post shared by Seymour the Corgi (@seymourthecorg)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: On the Main and North Beach, with seasonal and hourly restrictions
Visible license is required for all dogs
Follow signs carefully, dogs are prohibited on one stretch of beach in the area
No leashes longer than 6 feet are allowed
Portable restrooms only
- Huntington Dog Beach
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A post shared by Freyja (@freyjabu)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Dogs must be on a leash until reaching the beach
Water fountains, picnic area, waste bags, and restrooms are available
Well-maintained by a dedicated non-profit group
Busy highway nearby
Remove all used waste bags or risk a ticket
- Rosie’s Dog Beach
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A post shared by Rosie’s Dog Beach Fan Page (@rosiesdogbeach)
🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, with some metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
The only dog beach in L.A. County
The free parking lot fills up quickly
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
Restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags are available
Beach may close due to weather conditions or special events
- Leo Carillo State Beach
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A post shared by Kaleph the Saluki (@kalephcao)
🗺️ Address: 📍35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Great place to camp with your dog
Follow the posted signs—dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park
On-leash dogs only
Restrooms, showers, and a camp store on-site
Gorgeous scenery
- Arroyo Burro Beach
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A post shared by Kelli Mizufuka (@akane8)
🗺️ Address: 📍2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Follow signs carefully to find the off-leash area
Located in gorgeous Santa Barbara
Dog wash station, restrooms, and picnic spots are available
- Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park
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A post shared by Stella Bella (@stellabelladobie)
🗺️ Address: 📍10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–6 pm
💲 Cost: $4 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
You’ll share the beach with surfers and windsurfers
No off-leash dogs are allowed
Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are available
Walk to the Ventura Pier
- Carmel Beach
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A post shared by Happy Dog Carmel (@happydog.carmel)
🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: some parking may be metered
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Located in one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country
Stay on the marked paths when walking down to the beach
Dog waste bags are provided
Surfers and swimmers also share the space
Conclusion However you and your dog are enjoying one of these 10 Southern California beaches, be sure to be respectful of others who are sharing the space. Not everyone loves being approached by dogs, so always maintain voice or leash control of your pup. Pack water, snacks, doggy sunscreen, and extra poop bags just to be safe before heading to the beach. Remember that dogs can become overheated quickly so stay aware of the weather and give your pup plenty of breaks in the shade as needed. See also:
Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Georgia Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Tampa, FL
“Sources”
MomsLA California Beaches Travel Pockets
Featured Image Credit: Ivonne Wierink, Shutterstock
If sun, sand, and surf sound like your idea of a good time, Southern California is the place to be! Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, you can easily find a gorgeous beach to spend the day. The good news for dog lovers is that many of these beautiful beaches also welcome pups for both on and off-leash play. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Southern California.
The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in SoCal
1. 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
One of the first dog beaches in America
Parking lots get crowded quickly
Showers, restrooms, trash cans, and picnic spots are available
Quick walk to breweries and restaurants
2. Coronado Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by San Diego Frenchies 🐾 (@mrs.molinaskennel)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am–9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Neighborhood street parking only
Long walk to get to the beach
Located next to a Naval Air Station
A dog foot wash station is available
A local favorite
3. Fiesta Island
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs Of Fiesta Island (@fiestaislanddogpark)
🗺️ Address: 📍 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 4 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
Island park features a walking path and a fenced dog area with beach access
Watch out for horses and manure
Fire rings available
No permanent restrooms
4. Del Mar Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Seymour the Corgi (@seymourthecorg)
🗺️ Address: 📍 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: On the Main and North Beach, with seasonal and hourly restrictions
Visible license is required for all dogs
Follow signs carefully, dogs are prohibited on one stretch of beach in the area
No leashes longer than 6 feet are allowed
Portable restrooms only
5. Huntington Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Freyja (@freyjabu)
🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
Dogs must be on a leash until reaching the beach
Water fountains, picnic area, waste bags, and restrooms are available
Well-maintained by a dedicated non-profit group
Busy highway nearby
Remove all used waste bags or risk a ticket
6. Rosie’s Dog Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rosie’s Dog Beach Fan Page (@rosiesdogbeach)
🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am–8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, with some metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
The only dog beach in L.A. County
The free parking lot fills up quickly
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
Restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags are available
Beach may close due to weather conditions or special events
7. Leo Carillo State Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kaleph the Saluki (@kalephcao)
🗺️ Address: 📍35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–10 pm
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Great place to camp with your dog
Follow the posted signs—dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park
On-leash dogs only
Restrooms, showers, and a camp store on-site
Gorgeous scenery
8. Arroyo Burro Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kelli Mizufuka (@akane8)
🗺️ Address: 📍2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
🕐 Open Times: 8 am–sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in designated areas only
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Follow signs carefully to find the off-leash area
Located in gorgeous Santa Barbara
Dog wash station, restrooms, and picnic spots are available
9. Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Stella Bella (@stellabelladobie)
🗺️ Address: 📍10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
🕐 Open Times: 5 am–6 pm
💲 Cost: $4 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
You’ll share the beach with surfers and windsurfers
No off-leash dogs are allowed
Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are available
Walk to the Ventura Pier
10. Carmel Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Happy Dog Carmel (@happydog.carmel)
🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: some parking may be metered
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
Located in one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country
Stay on the marked paths when walking down to the beach
Dog waste bags are provided
Surfers and swimmers also share the space
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)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
One of the first dog beaches in America
Parking lots get crowded quickly
Showers, restrooms, trash cans, and picnic spots are available
Quick walk to breweries and restaurants
- One of the first dog beaches in America
- Parking lots get crowded quickly
- Showers, restrooms, trash cans, and picnic spots are available
- Quick walk to breweries and restaurants
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by San Diego Frenchies 🐾 (@mrs.molinaskennel)
A post shared by San Diego Frenchies 🐾 (@mrs.molinaskennel)
Neighborhood street parking only
Long walk to get to the beach
Located next to a Naval Air Station
A dog foot wash station is available
A local favorite
- Neighborhood street parking only
- Long walk to get to the beach
- Located next to a Naval Air Station
- A dog foot wash station is available
- A local favorite
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dogs Of Fiesta Island (@fiestaislanddogpark)
A post shared by Dogs Of Fiesta Island (@fiestaislanddogpark)
Island park features a walking path and a fenced dog area with beach access
Watch out for horses and manure
Fire rings available
No permanent restrooms
- Island park features a walking path and a fenced dog area with beach access
- Watch out for horses and manure
- Fire rings available
- No permanent restrooms
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Seymour the Corgi (@seymourthecorg)
A post shared by Seymour the Corgi (@seymourthecorg)
Visible license is required for all dogs
Follow signs carefully, dogs are prohibited on one stretch of beach in the area
No leashes longer than 6 feet are allowed
Portable restrooms only
- Visible license is required for all dogs
- Follow signs carefully, dogs are prohibited on one stretch of beach in the area
- No leashes longer than 6 feet are allowed
- Portable restrooms only
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Freyja (@freyjabu)
A post shared by Freyja (@freyjabu)
Dogs must be on a leash until reaching the beach
Water fountains, picnic area, waste bags, and restrooms are available
Well-maintained by a dedicated non-profit group
Busy highway nearby
Remove all used waste bags or risk a ticket
- Dogs must be on a leash until reaching the beach
- Water fountains, picnic area, waste bags, and restrooms are available
- Well-maintained by a dedicated non-profit group
- Busy highway nearby
- Remove all used waste bags or risk a ticket
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rosie’s Dog Beach Fan Page (@rosiesdogbeach)
A post shared by Rosie’s Dog Beach Fan Page (@rosiesdogbeach)
The only dog beach in L.A. County
The free parking lot fills up quickly
Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
Restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags are available
Beach may close due to weather conditions or special events
- The only dog beach in L.A. County
- The free parking lot fills up quickly
- Keep dogs on leashes while walking to the beach
- Restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags are available
- Beach may close due to weather conditions or special events
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kaleph the Saluki (@kalephcao)
A post shared by Kaleph the Saluki (@kalephcao)
Great place to camp with your dog
Follow the posted signs—dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park
On-leash dogs only
Restrooms, showers, and a camp store on-site
Gorgeous scenery
- Great place to camp with your dog
- Follow the posted signs—dogs aren’t allowed everywhere in the park
- On-leash dogs only
- Restrooms, showers, and a camp store on-site
- Gorgeous scenery
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kelli Mizufuka (@akane8)
A post shared by Kelli Mizufuka (@akane8)
Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
Follow signs carefully to find the off-leash area
Located in gorgeous Santa Barbara
Dog wash station, restrooms, and picnic spots are available
- Known locally as Hendry’s Beach
- Follow signs carefully to find the off-leash area
- Located in gorgeous Santa Barbara
- Dog wash station, restrooms, and picnic spots are available
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Stella Bella (@stellabelladobie)
A post shared by Stella Bella (@stellabelladobie)
You’ll share the beach with surfers and windsurfers
No off-leash dogs are allowed
Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are available
Walk to the Ventura Pier
- You’ll share the beach with surfers and windsurfers
- No off-leash dogs are allowed
- Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are available
- Walk to the Ventura Pier
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Happy Dog Carmel (@happydog.carmel)
A post shared by Happy Dog Carmel (@happydog.carmel)
Located in one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country
Stay on the marked paths when walking down to the beach
Dog waste bags are provided
Surfers and swimmers also share the space
- Located in one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country
- Stay on the marked paths when walking down to the beach
- Dog waste bags are provided
- Surfers and swimmers also share the space
Conclusion
However you and your dog are enjoying one of these 10 Southern California beaches, be sure to be respectful of others who are sharing the space. Not everyone loves being approached by dogs, so always maintain voice or leash control of your pup. Pack water, snacks, doggy sunscreen, and extra poop bags just to be safe before heading to the beach. Remember that dogs can become overheated quickly so stay aware of the weather and give your pup plenty of breaks in the shade as needed.
See also:
- Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Georgia
- Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Barbara, CA
- Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Tampa, FL
“Sources”
MomsLA California Beaches Travel Pockets
Featured Image Credit: Ivonne Wierink, Shutterstock
“Sources”
MomsLA California Beaches Travel Pockets
- MomsLA
- California Beaches
- Travel Pockets
