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10 Amazing Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California: 2024 Update

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

Jack Russell stands on the golden sand of a sandy beach

Southern California is home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including Hollywood and Disneyland. You’ll also find miles of gorgeous coastline and sandy beaches just waiting to be explored. Dog lovers will be happy to learn that many of these ocean-side spots welcome canine as well as human visitors. Here are 10 amazing dog-friendly beaches in Southern California.

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Southern California

1. Rosie’s Dog Beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3E0oaeu0cl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕐 Open Times: 6 am – 8 pm
💲 Cost: Free, metered parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Located south of Los Angeles
  • Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the beach
  • Parking is available but fills up quickly
  • Restrooms and trash cans are available
  • Bringing your own poop bags is recommended

2. 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
  • The entire park is dog-friendly
  • Off-leash play restricted to one area
  • On-site dog wash station
  • Picnic spots, restrooms, showers, and a restaurant are located near the beach

3. Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park

🗺️ Address: 📍10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
🕐 Open Times: 5 am – 6 pm
💲 Cost: $4 parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Famous surfing spot
  • Only leashed dogs allowed
  • Dog-friendly hiking trails located nearby
  • Picnic spots, restrooms, and showers are available

4. Huntington Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
🕐 Open Times: 5 am- 10 pm
💲 Cost: $2/hour parking
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Dog and human water fountains are available
  • Parking fee
  • Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the beach
  • Dogs must be under strict voice control
  • Don’t leave full poop bags behind

5. Del Mar Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: On the North Beach, with seasonal restrictions
  • All dogs must wear a license on their collar
  • Leashes must be 6 feet or shorter
  • The north side of the beach is off-leash except in summer
  • Dogs must be under voice control

6. Dog Beach San Diego

🗺️ Address: 📍5156W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • The “original” dog beach in America
  • Get here early—parking lots fill up quickly
  • Restrooms and trash cans are available
  • Located near restaurants and breweries

7. Coronado Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 am – 9 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • No parking lot, street parking only
  • Dog waste bags are available
  • Beautiful views
  • Restrooms on site

8. Fiesta Island

🗺️ Address: 📍1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 4 am – 10 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
  • Features a large, fenced dog park area with beach access
  • Free parking lot available
  • Generally calm waves
  • Also popular for biking and beach bonfires

9. Leo Carillo State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Open Times: 8 am – 10 pm
💲 Cost: $12/day parking fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • One of the only dog-friendly beaches in Malibu
  • Dogs only allowed in campgrounds, day-use areas, and north beach
  • Restrooms, showers, camp store on site
  • No off-leash area
  • Gorgeous scenery with unique rock formations and caves

10. Carmel Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean and Scenic Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: 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 itself
  • Bluffs are vulnerable to erosion, stay on the marked paths
  • Dog waste bags are provided
  • No lifeguards
  • Popular surfing spot

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Wrapping Up

Rules can change, so before you head out to any of these 10 beaches, please confirm local regulations regarding dogs. Make your beach day as safe as possible by packing water, doggy bags, treats, and even portable shade. Be aware of the heat and make sure your pup stays cool and hydrated, especially short-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs. Most of these beaches aren’t dog-specific, so be respectful and responsible by keeping your dog under control and picking up after them.

See also:

 

Featured Image Credit: Larina Marina, Shutterstock

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