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8 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles, CA 2024: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

dog walking on the beach For a city that’s otherwise very welcoming to our canine companions, Los Angeles offers surprisingly few options regarding dog-friendly beaches. Most of the closest and most well-known coastal destinations in LA County, such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, have banned leashed dogs from using the beaches.

However, Los Angeles dog owners can still enjoy beach days with their dogs only a short drive from the city. Here are eight amazing dog-friendly beaches in and around Los Angeles, CA.

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The 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles, CA

1. Rosie’s Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 1 hour before sunrise–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from 6:00 am–8:00 pm
  • The only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County
  • Located in Long Beach, about 25 miles south of L.A.
  • Dogs, whether on a leash or off, are only allowed during designated hours
  • On-site parking, limited waste bags, and restrooms are available
  • Dogs must be under strict voice control

2. Granada Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 5100 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 1 hour before sunrise–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, from 8:00 am–6:00 pm in designated locations
  • Located just north of Rosie’s Dog Beach
  • Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
  • Paid on-site parking, restrooms, and some waste bags are available
  • Watch out for bikes on the nearby bike path
  • Shared beach space, often used for special events

3. Leo Carillo State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 35000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • One of the most scenic beaches near L.A., located just up the coast in Malibu
  • No off-leash use is allowed
  • Follow posted signs—dogs are only allowed in designated areas
  • Free parking is often available along the Pacific Coast Highway
  • Restrooms, showers, water, and a camp store are located on-site

4. Staircase Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 40000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • This secluded beach is located just north of L.A. in Malibu
  • You’ll need to walk down a steep, narrow path to reach the sand
  • There are no amenities at this beach
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • Enjoy watching the surfers at this popular spot

5. Sycamore Cove Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 9000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am–Sunset
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A day-use beach located inside Point Mugu State Park in Malibu
  • The park campground is also dog-friendly
  • Grills, restrooms, parking, and picnic tables are available
  • The park’s hiking trails are off-limits to dogs
  • No waste bags are provided

6. Silver Strand Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 206 Ocean Dr., Oxnard, CA 93035
🕐 Open Times: Dogs allowed before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A small neighborhood beach located about an hour north of Los Angeles
  • Free parking, but it fills up fast
  • You’ll share the space with surfers, volleyball players, and people fishing
  • Restrooms and showers are available
  • Walking distance to a local tavern

7. Huntington Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • A popular, off-leash dog beach located about 40 miles south of L.A.
  • On-site paid parking, with limited free neighborhood parking nearby
  • Restrooms, limited waste bags, picnic tables, and water are available
  • Steep path down to the beach—not the most accessible

8. Del Mar Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, dog-friendly hours vary by season
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, with seasonal and location restrictions
  • Best for weekend trips, it’s located about 2 hours south of L.A.
  • North Beach is the most dog-friendly, but dogs are allowed at all beaches with some restrictions
  • Amenities vary by location
  • Free street parking is available at most beaches
  • Bring your own waste bags

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Conclusion

If you don’t feel up for driving to one of these eight dog-friendly beaches near Los Angeles, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails and off-leash dog parks much closer to home. No matter where you take your dog to enjoy the outdoors, follow the beach’s posted rules, especially the leash laws. Stay safe on your beach day by keeping your pup cool, hydrated, and protected from the sun by applying dog-safe sunscreen.


Featured Image Credit: Moshe Harosh, Pixabay

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