Your Pup Will Love These Dog Beaches in SoCal

Who said beach trips were reserved only for the two-legged members of the family? Seeing your dog run wild along the coast of a beautiful beach—tail wagging, tongue out, and eyes shining bright with excitement—raises your spirits in an indescribable way. Break the cycle of sleeping, working from home, and ordering takeout this weekend; take your furry friend on a dog-friendly weekend getaway to a Southern California beach where canines are graciously welcome year-round.

Dog-friendly beaches in Southern California

Running wild by the shore while the waves crash and the sea breeze blows is bound to make any dog ecstatic. So, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly beaches in Southern California where a man’s best friend can frolic in the sand. From on-leash beaches to leash-free places to roam along the coast, these dog beaches in SoCal are open and awaiting exploration.

Coronado Dog Run Beach

Location: 100 Ocean Boulevard, Coronado

Coronado Dog Run Beach is a local favorite located in the northern section of Coronado Beach, right in front of Sunset Park. This is the only dog beach along the Coronado Island shoreline with a designated area where dogs can roam leash-free. This dog-friendly beach in SoCal is open year-round and offers white sandy shores, fantastic weather, and gentle waves the whole family can enjoy. Although you’ll find people visiting this beach with their dogs more often than not, it still remains one of the cleanest dog beaches in the state.

Huntington Dog Beach

Location: 20211, Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Huntington Beach

Dogs come from all over the country to play in the sand and splash in the waves at this fantastic dog-friendly beach in Southern California. This well-known stretch of coast is considered doggy heaven by most visitors for a variety of reasons, including the shoreline length, cleanliness, and easy-going vibe. The amenities offered at this dog beach include public restrooms, a grassy area with picnic tables, and drinking fountains for dogs and their human companions. Oh, and how could we forget? This park is also leash-free!

Rosie's Dog Beach

Location: 5000 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach

This three-acre park is located along the waterfront between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues and is the only legally off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County. Head east of the Belmont Plaza Pool and you’ll find the dog zone in Granada Beach. This area welcomes dogs between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, but note that only one dog is permitted per person (sorry, Fido No. 2). You'll find parking along Ocean Boulevard and at the end of Granada Avenue. After 5 p.m., you’ll be able to find free parking spots.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Location: 5156 West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego

Also known as The Original Dog Beach, this dog-friendly beach in Southern California is perhaps the most popular canine coastline in San Diego. The beach gets its name from being one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. To this day, dogs can roam leash-free on the sandy shores at any time of the day. There’s also a Dog Beach Dog Wash two blocks away from the beach, where you can rinse off your furry friend before hitting the road to continue your San Diego explorations.

Rincon Park and Beach

Location: 6700 Via Real, Carpinteria

One of California’s best surf spots, Rincon Park and Beach attracts surfers, sunbathers, and dog owners from all around the Golden State. Pavilion-style picnic tables, a firepit, and restrooms can be found at the park. Following a solid stairway, you'll reach the sandy shores of the dog-friendly Rincon beach, where you can take contemplative walks with your pooch or watch the surfers ride rad waves. Make sure to keep your dog on-leash and to stay on the northern side of Rincon Creek; the south side isn't a dog beach.

Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach

Location: 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

If this dog-friendly beach in Southern California looks familiar, it’s because the 1.5-mile strip of coastline in Malibu has made its fair share of appearances in Hollywood films, from iconic summer flicks to action-packed blockbusters like Inception. So, this dog beach near Los Angeles can easily be added to your itinerary of Southern California filming locations you can drive to. Just make sure to keep your pooch on-leash while you explore the park’s day-use areas, campground, and the shores located north of lifeguard tower No. 3. 

North Beach

Location: 3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Del Mar is Spanish for “by the sea,” which perfectly describes this SoCal city’s location along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Nine months out of the year, dogs are allowed to visit and explore the entire two-mile stretch of coastline on-leash. After Labor Day until June 14, you can leave the leash at home and let your furry friend roam wild and free as you sunbathe or catch a wave.