Are Dogs Allowed on Zuma Beach in 2024? Plus 3 Great Alternatives

Updated on Feb 5, 2024

golden retriever dog lying on the sand beach

Malibu is the kind of place that makes people want to spend most of their time outdoors, especially when there is the ocean and sandy beaches to enjoy. For dog owners, it offers the perfect opportunity to get fresh air and daily exercise. However, it can be tricky to find a beach to visit in Malibu with a dog. A popular tourist destination is Zuma Beach, but sadly, dogs are not allowed on the beach even if they have a leash on and are well-behaved.

This is a common theme among beaches throughout Malibu, so dog owners shouldn’t get their hopes up about swimming in the ocean with their dogs. Even where dogs are allowed on the beach, they must always be leashed and stay above the high tide line, which means they are not even allowed to get their paws wet. Here’s what you should know about visiting Zuma Beach and other beaches in Malibu with a dog.

Where You Can and Cannot Take Your Dog at Zuma Beach

While you cannot take your dog on the beach at all, you are allowed to walk your dog in the parking lot and along the roadway that fronts Zuma Beach. If you walk through the parking lot, you can continue to Point Dume, where dogs are allowed to hike and walk in certain places if they are leashed. While there, your dog may not walk on the beach or the established trails. You’ll have to hike off the beaten path. Keep in mind that any person caught walking with their dog on the beach or without a leash can be fined by the county.

a dog walked by its owner on a beach — Photo Credit: Juice Verve, Shutterstock

Private Beaches May Be Worth Considering

Beaches areas that are privately owned may be dog friendly—to an extent. Even if a beach property owner does allow dogs in their space, they only own the beach to the high tide line, and the rest of the beach toward the water is owned by the county. Therefore, county rules and regulations apply. This means your dog is not allowed below the high tide line even on private property.

Leashes are also required on private beach property. A sign that welcomes dogs must be posted, or you must otherwise have permission from the beach property owner to walk your dog there. Most private beach property owners prefer to keep their spaces private, so there is not an abundance of options to choose from. Your best bet is to know a private beach owner and get permission to use their space.

Other Beaches and Outdoor Locations to Take Your Dog

Although your dog is not welcome at Zuma Beach, there are other options to check out that both you and your dog are sure to enjoy. Keep in mind that the dog-friendly beaches in Malibu require leashes at all times. Most are open from dawn to dusk, which makes it easy to squeeze a beach jaunt in before or after work.

boxer dog in the beach — Photo Credit: Piqsels

Staircase Beach

40000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265: This is a popular beach among dog owners and families alike. The place often gets crowded on the weekends, when families want to get out and picnic together. The beach has sandy areas and rocky landscapes for your dog to climb around and get rid of pent-up energy.

Leo Carrillo State Beach – North Beach

35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265: North Beach is wide and sandy, so your dog can frolic without going over the high tide line. There are also multiple hillside trails that you can walk on while checking out the amazing coastline views. Be aware of other people and dogs walking on the trails, though, as you will pass others closely. This can be a problem if your dog isn’t well-socialized.

Sycamore Cove Beach

9000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265: This beach has a group of hiking trails to traverse with your leashed dog, along with an opportunity to camp and fish near the coastline. The sand dunes are hard to climb up but plenty of fun to slide down! Your dog can learn to sled down the slopes if they are adventurous and enjoy new experiences.

french bulldog on the beach — Photo Credit: Patryk Kosmider, Shutterstock

Recap

Unfortunately, even though it offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to watch surfers do their thing, Zuma Beach is not a dog-friendly location. The good news is that there are other beaches in the Malibu area that you can enjoy with your canine family member between dawn and dusk. They all offer something unique to experience during your visit.

Featured Image Credit: alexgo.photography, Shutterstock