California is a dream for sunseekers and surf-chasers, and that goes for our furry friends, too. Whether your pup wants to romp off-leash through soft white sand, chase waves, or stroll scenic trails, the Golden State is packed with beaches that welcome wagging tails. Here’s your playful guide to the best dog beaches and dog-friendly beaches in California.
🏖 Ocean Beach Dog Beach (San Diego)
Description:
One of America’s first official leash-free beaches, Ocean Beach Dog Beach is a wide, welcoming stretch of sand where pups can play in the Pacific year-round. It’s a must for any dog visiting San Diego.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Located at the end of Voltaire Street with free parking nearby.
- Hours: Open 24/7.
- Amenities: Dog rinse stations, nearby restrooms, trash cans.
- Parking & Fees: Free street and lot parking.
- Rules: Dogs can be off-leash but must be under voice control. Owners must clean up.
Why pet owners love it:
- Tons of room for off-leash fun.
- Friendly crowd of local pups.
- Gorgeous ocean sunsets.
🌴 Fiesta Island Dog Park (San Diego)
Description:
Part island, part giant dog park, Fiesta Island is a sprawling off-leash paradise in Mission Bay. Sandy dunes, calm waters, and miles of exploring make it feel like a coastal wilderness.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Drive directly onto the island via a small bridge.
- Hours: Open 4 am to 10 pm.
- Amenities: Mostly natural space, portable restrooms nearby.
- Parking & Fees: Free parking all over the island.
- Rules: Off-leash allowed almost everywhere. Keep watch for cyclists and horses.
Why pet owners love it:
- Endless space to roam.
- Calm shallow water for swimming.
- Hidden spots perfect for private play.
🐾 Huntington Dog Beach (Orange County)
Description:
Located in Huntington Beach, this is SoCal’s iconic dog beach. A leash-optional haven where dogs can run through surf and sand with classic surf town energy.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Along Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint & Goldenwest.
- Hours: 5 am to 10 pm.
- Amenities: Waste bags, showers, picnic tables, restrooms.
- Parking & Fees: Metered parking along PCH.
- Rules: Dogs can be off-leash but under voice control.
Why pet owners love it:
- Vibrant dog-loving community.
- Plenty of space for fetch and running.
- Close to dog-friendly restaurants.
🐕 Carmel Beach (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Description:
Possibly the most dog-friendly beach in California, Carmel Beach welcomes off-leash pups on stunning white sand with a backdrop of cypress trees and coastal bluffs.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Short walk down from Scenic Road.
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
- Amenities: Trash cans, water fountains up top.
- Parking & Fees: Free street parking nearby.
- Rules: Off-leash under voice control. Always pick up after your dog.
Why pet owners love it:
- Soft, clean sand for endless zoomies.
- Picture-perfect views for you and your pup.
- Dog-welcoming local hotels & patios.
🌊 Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach, Santa Barbara)
Description:
Popular Santa Barbara spot with an off-leash section on the east end. Dogs can play in the sand and waves, then rinse off at a dedicated dog wash station.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Parking lot right at the beach.
- Hours: Open daily from 8 am to sunset.
- Amenities: Dog wash station, restrooms, café nearby.
- Parking & Fees: Free lot.
- Rules: Off-leash allowed east of the creek mouth; elsewhere leashed.
Why pet owners love it:
- Easy beach access.
- Mix of on-leash trails and off-leash sandy play.
- Cute beachside café to grab a snack.
🏝 Coronado Dog Beach (San Diego)
Description:
Right next to the historic Hotel del Coronado, this beautiful stretch of sand welcomes dogs off-leash with plenty of space and views of the iconic hotel.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Located at the western end of Ocean Blvd.
- Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Amenities: Trash cans, doggy bag dispensers.
- Parking & Fees: Free street parking nearby.
- Rules: Off-leash allowed, must be under voice control.
Why pet owners love it:
- Stunning backdrop for photos.
- Great spot to splash and dig.
- Often less crowded than other San Diego beaches.
🌅 Fort Funston (San Francisco)
Description:
A coastal gem with dramatic cliffs, sandy trails, and beach access — all off-leash friendly. It’s San Francisco’s favorite dog beach by far.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Trailheads off Skyline Blvd; some steep paths down to the sand.
- Hours: Open sunrise to sunset.
- Amenities: Restrooms at the top, water fountains.
- Parking & Fees: Free parking lots.
- Rules: Off-leash under voice control in most areas.
Why pet owners love it:
- Huge off-leash expanse with natural beauty.
- Dogs can romp in the surf or explore bluff trails.
- Views of hang gliders soaring overhead.
🐶 Rosie’s Dog Beach (Long Beach / Los Angeles area)
Description:
About 30 minutes from central LA, Rosie’s is the only official off-leash dog beach in the Los Angeles area. Dogs can splash freely in the surf within clearly posted boundaries.
Know Before You Go:
- Access: Along Ocean Blvd between Granada & Roycroft; easy walk from metered lots.
- Hours: Off-leash allowed 6 am to 8 pm.
- Amenities: Waste bag stations, nearby restrooms, drinking fountains.
- Parking & Fees: Metered parking lots and street parking.
- Rules: Off-leash in designated area during hours only. Must be under control, owners must clean up.
Why pet owners love it:
- LA’s only true off-leash beach.
- Lots of space for wet, sandy fun.
- Super social, always new friends to meet.
✨ Off to Plan Your Next California Adventure?
From splashing in San Diego’s waves to sprinting across Carmel’s soft sands or chasing seagulls at Rosie’s in Long Beach, California, is packed with tail-wagging beach adventures for you and your pup.
Looking for even more dog-friendly travel ideas and sunny spots to explore? Sniff around the Whisker Bark blog for our latest guides. And if your furry sidekick needs a new harness, a cozy bed, or just a stylish collar to strut the shoreline, come find something special at Whisker Bark. Happy travels, your pup’s next great beach day is just around the corner! 🐾
