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11 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in California in 2024

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

pug dog in a shirt on the beach

With over 800 miles of coastline, the state of California is a beach lover’s dream. While humans can usually frequent any beachfront, dog owners commonly find that the sandy shores are off-limits to their canine companions. That’s not the case everywhere, and this list of 11 amazing dog-friendly beaches in California is a handy resource to let you know which coastal locations welcome you and your pup.

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The 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in California

1. Rodeo Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍1049 Mitchell Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
  • Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area
  • Unique pebble beach
  • Dog-friendly hiking trails located nearby
  • Picnic spots and restrooms on site
  • Keep your pup out of the nearby lagoon, home to many endangered species

2. Rosie’s Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am – 8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes
  • LA County’s only official dog beach
  • Dogs must stay on a leash until reaching the beach
  • Limited poop bags available, bring your own
  • Restrooms and trash cans onsite
  • Also popular for families, parking can get crowded

3. Moonstone Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍100 Moonstone Beach Rd, Trinidad, CA 95570
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am – 9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes
  • Quiet beach located at a river mouth
  • Popular for swimming, rock climbing, and surfing
  • Limited parking and portable restroom only
  • A beach of the same name located elsewhere in California is not dog friendly—don’t get them confused!

4. Dog Beach San Diego

🗺️ 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
  • Extremely popular, can get crowded fast
  • Shallow water for swimming and rocks for climbing
  • Restrooms and trash cans available
  • Easy walk to local restaurants and breweries

5. Arroyo Burro Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍2981 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93109
🕐 Open Times: 8 am – sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes, in designated areas only
  • Located in Arroyo Burro County Park
  • Dogs allowed in the entire park, but off-leash only in one area
  • Dog wash station available
  • Picnic spots, restrooms, showers, and a restaurant on site

6. Baker Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍12 25th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours, parking lots open between sunrise and sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: In one section only, check signs to confirm
  • Part of the beach is clothing-optional for humans
  • Dogs must be on leashes in most of the area
  • Beautiful view of Golden Gate Bridge
  • Parking lots fill up quickly
  • Restrooms, picnic spots, and grills available

7. Carmel Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free, some parking may be metered
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes, dogs must be under voice control
  • Dogs must be on a leash everywhere but the beach
  • Use the ramps and access path only to prevent damage to the bluffs
  • Restrooms available
  • Doggy waste bags available

8. Huntington Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am – 10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes
  • Restrooms and picnic tables available
  • Water fountains for dogs and humans
  • Dogs must stay on-leash until reaching the beach
  • A dog license is recommended for safety

9. Del Mar Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: On the North Beach, with seasonal restrictions
  • Dogs allowed on leashes in all areas
  • North Beach is off-leash during the off-season
  • Gentle surf, excellent for swimming
  • Dogs must wear tags

10. Coronado Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am – 9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes
  • Street parking only
  • Dog waste bags provided
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Restrooms available

11. Fort Funston

🗺️ Address: 📍Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
🕐 Open Times: 7 am – 9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash:: Yes
  • Features 200-foot cliffs
  • Dog-friendly hiking trails located nearby
  • Very windy location
  • Watch dogs closely in the surf, strong undertow

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Conclusion

For this article, we focused on beaches that allow dogs off-leash for at least part of the year. However, dogs are allowed on-leash at many state beaches and other locations in California as well. Check local regulations before setting out for your day at the seaside.

Always be sure to pick up after your dog and properly dispose of waste bags. Not every dog will enjoy the experience of saltwater rushing towards them; introduce your pup to the ocean slowly to see how they react.

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Featured Image Credit: 220 Selfmade Studio, Shutterstock

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