The only thing better than a beach day is a beach day with your furry best friends! That said, you may be surprised to learn that there aren’t many dog-friendly beaches in Southern California, and even fewer that allow your pup to roam free off-leash.
Not to worry, though — your friends at Barkbus compiled a list of the best dog beaches in Southern California including locations near Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. Choose a dog-friendly beach near you to kick back, relax, and enjoy your furry friend’s company with complete peace of mind. And remember: always clean up after your pet no matter where you go!
There aren’t many dog-friendly beaches near Los Angeles, but we’ve found the four below to be some of the best in the area. Offering public parking, dog rinsing stations, and an abundance of sand and sea, you’re sure to have a whale of a time at any of these beaches.
This beach is one of the most beautiful Malibu has to offer. Secluded and scenic, yet simultaneously accessible for dogs and their owners, the beach measures nearly a mile and a half in length, making it perfect for a stroll at any time of day. Pups are welcome to play on-leash at the top end of the beach, north of lifeguard station #3.
Dogs aren’t allowed on Torrance Beach itself, but the nearby dog park known as Miramar Park makes it more than worth a visit. Pups can play in the park whilst taking in all the sights and smells of the seaside. The area offers a spacious parking lot, modern facilities, and tends to be less crowded than neighboring beaches.
This beautiful park beach near Los Angeles is definitely worth a visit. With picturesque views of the bluffs and the Point Fermin Lighthouse, this beach in San Pedro is perfect for long walks with your furry friend. On-leash dogs are welcome on the beach to the south of Palos Verdes Peninsula, where pups and their owners can embrace the invigorating breeze and soak in the atmosphere across the bay.
A paradise for pets and their owners, this four-acre stretch of sand is one of the only spots near Los Angeles where you can let your dog roam free. The beach hosts annual events for pups and people alike, and can become very busy during the summer months — so be sure to show up early!
Orange County is another one of the most dog-friendly places in Southern California. Featuring various beaches with amenities, parking, and fun galore, you have every reason to enjoy a day out at a dog-friendly beach near Orange County with your pup.
Corona Del Mar State Beach is on the east side of the Newport Harbor channel and offers spectacular views across the bay. This beach is a surfing hotspot popular with water-sport aficionados and pet owners alike. Measuring nearly 30 acres, the beach welcomes on-leash dogs before 10:00 am and after 4:30 pm. This makes it an ideal spot for you and your furry friend to take an early-morning amble or a late-night stroll.
One of the most popular spots in Orange County, this dog-friendly beach is a haven for dog parents and their furry companions. Open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, dogs can roam free off-leash and explore the sand and sea to their heart’s content. It’s a great place to teach your dog how to swim. If they’re already a pro, enter your pup into the annual Surf City Surf Dog competition to test their skills against other canines.
What pup wouldn’t love to play on a sunny San Diego beach? Boasting some of the best stretches of sand in Southern California, here are our best picks for dog-friendly beaches near San Diego.
As the only state beach in San Diego that allows dogs, Cardiff State Beach is very popular with pups and their owners. Located along the west side of San Elijo Lagoon, this location is often considered the gold standard of Southern California beaches. What’s more, there’s a campsite located nearby, so you can experience a night under the stars in the company of your pup.
Open 24 hours a day, this sandy paradise is the perfect place to take your dog for a long day at the beach. There’s a designated off-leash area at the north end of the beach where your pup can play in the sand until they tire themselves out. A wide range of amenities is also available, including a kid's play area for your little ones.
Affectionately known as “Dog Beach,” it’s the only beach in Del Mar city where dogs can run free, off their leash. However, there are specific windows that you must stick to in order to do so, which vary throughout the year. That being said, it’s well worth working around these times to enjoy a fun day at this beautiful beach.
With tons of activities, beautiful views, and various amenities, it’s no wonder why Fiesta Island Park was voted Best Dog Park in the Country by USA Today. Pups can run free across the sand and swim in the serene waters of the bay between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm every day.
Established in 1972, Ocean Beach Dog Beach was one of the first official off-leash beaches in the United States. With no hourly restrictions, this beach is one of the most popular locations for pups and their owners near San Diego. Whether playing fetch or lounging on the sand, you can make the most of your time at Ocean Beach Dog Beach without restriction.
Dog parents also frequently wonder if their pups will be welcome at some of the most popular beaches in Southern California. We’ve compiled this definitive list so you know if your local beach is dog friendly or not. Read on to learn more before you hit the coast with your pup!
Dog-Friendly? Yes
Located in Orange County, dogs are welcome to frolic on the pristine sands, with some rules. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the day in the high season between June and September, and must be leashed at all times.
Dog-Friendly? Yes
You’re unlikely to find a more enthusiastic welcome for pups anywhere else in Southern California. Dogs are allowed on all Ventura beaches except San Buenaventura State Beach. What’s more, on-leash dogs are allowed on the beautiful pier.
Dog-Friendly? No
Dogs aren’t allowed on the sand on this beautiful beach near Los Angeles. However, the dog-friendly Huntington Dog Beach located just down the road will surely give you a warm welcome.
Dog-Friendly? Yes
Dogs are welcome on this beach near Corona del Mar before 10:00 am and after 4:30 pm given that they are securely restrained by a six-foot leash. The leash needs to be held by a person deemed competent to restrain the dog.
Dog-Friendly? Yes
Dogs can enjoy some sandy fun at Ocean Beach near San Diego, but they must be on-leash. If your pup wants to roam free, take them to Ocean Beach Dog Beach, located just a few minutes up the road.
Dog-Friendly? No
Unfortunately, pets of any kind are not allowed on public beaches in Malibu.
Getting your dog clean again after a fun-filled day in the sand is no mean feat. Book an appointment with our grooming specialists at Barkbus after your next outing at a dog-friendly beach near you. We’ll ensure your pup looks like their best self again!
