Dog Friendly Beaches in California

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this beach. Your pooch will love this dog friendly beach!

This dog friendly off-leash beach is a favorite among dogs and their owners. After a day of romping in the waves and rolling in the sand your dog can wash off at a dog washing station.

Dogs are welcome as long as they are on-leash. Great spot for picnics and nature walks. This dog friendly beach is rather secluded. It lies between dramatic cliffs west of Lincoln Park and is accessible via a steep trail. Be sure to wear the proper shoes on your way up and down! Your dog can handle it!

Dogs must be leashed at all times at this dog friendly beach. A nice open space with a board walk that winds through sand dunes.

From October - February dogs are allowed to be off-leash on the whole beach as long as they are under complete voice control. All other times of year dogs must stay on wave slope at this dog friendly beach. This 9 mile stretch of ocean beach is surrounded by dairy country and near historic Ferndale.

Big Bear Lake has many dog friendly beaches where your dog can romp off-leash. Big Bear Lake is a high-altitude wonderland of towering pines, fresh air and blue skies. Big Bear Lake is a very pet friendly community!

Dogs must be on-leash at this dog friendly beach. The beach itself is a large, flat, sandy plain that lies at the mouth of Taylor Creek. This dog friendly beach is a great spot to go for a long walk, run, or jog with your dog.

Dogs are required to be kept on a leash at this dog friendly beach. Moonstone Beach is known for being uncrowded and unspoiled. You and your pooch can kick back and watch the surfers...as this is a popular spot to hang ten! This dog friendly beach is close to Hearst Castle.

Dogs must be on-leash at this dog friendly beach. Sing Kumbaya around the bonfire with your pooch because Mad River Beach is not only dog friendly it's bonfire friendly as well! This beach is operated under the Humboldt County Parks system.

During the months of October - February dogs are allowed off-leash along the whole beach. The rest of the year dogs are only allowed on the wave slope. Clam Beach is not the most visited section of shore, but it's one of those places where it's definitely worth it. You will find lots of wiggling dogs at this dog friendly beach!

Dogs must be on-leash at this dog friendly beach. With the gateway to the redwoods on one side and California's wine country on the other, Lake Mendocino is an extraordinary dog friendly vacation destination.

Beautiful and rocky dog friendly off-leash beach! This great dog beach is located where the Noyo River meets the Pacific Ocean. This dog friendly beach is a real tail wagger!

Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. This dog friendly beach features a beautiful expanse of sea and sand, with surf fishing, surfing, and recreation. You dog will love it here!

Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. The features of this beach are pine trees, mountainous sand dunes, and ocean side picnic spots.

Dogs are required to be kept on a leash at this dog friendly beach. South of Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Wharf and past the San Lorenzo River and hilltop in a protected expanse of beautiful tan sand lies Seabright Beach.

Dogs are to be on-leash at all times at this dog friendly beach. To get to the beach you must go down a long stairway along the side of a cliff. This is a very cozy and relaxed beach. The high cliffs that encircle this crescent-shaped beach tune out the rest of the world.

Dogs are required to be kept on a leash at this dog friendly beach. This is a beautiful beach that is surrounded by high bluffs and cliff trails.

Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. Enjoy picnic areas, swimming, fishing and a nearby forest at this dog friendly beach.

Dogs must be on leash or voice control at this dog friendly beach. Three miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge is Rodeo Beach which is windswept, exhilarating, and covered with unique red and green pebbles.

Dogs are welcome on-leash on the southeast end of this dog friendly beach. Limantour beach is located between Drakes bay and an estuary.

This dog friendly beach is a private beach located in Marin County and Marin County law requires that dogs are leashed. However, many have been know to bring their dogs here off-leash. It has also been reported that a sign is posted at this beach indicating that pit bulls are not allowed.

Known for it's great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Pets are welcome on-leash at this dog friendly beach.

3.5-mile stretch of white beach with few tourists and no highrises. Located on the westernmost border of San Francisco, adjacent to Golden Gate Park. Dogs are welcome on-leash at this dog friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach. Dogs on leash are allowed at Monterey State Beach South of the Monterey Beach Resort hotel.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are permitted off-leash. You and your dog can enjoy white sands and beautiful sunsets...in between romping in the water! Open from 6am-10pm.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach. Located two miles south of Cayucos on Highway 1. Take the Yerba Buena exit, a short distance north of Morro Bay, 24th Street allows access to the northern part of the beach.

One of the best known off-leash spot in the Santa Barbara area.

Catch a wave with your pooch at one of the greatest surf spots around! Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach. Rincon Beach is about a ten minute drive north of Santa Barbara. Exit Highway 101 at Bates Road.

Dogs are welcome but they must be on-leash at this pet friendly beach. Located south of San Clemente on I-5 (Exit Basilone Road).

Located in a stretch of Huntington City Beach along Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Street and Golden West Street. Dog Beach is a public beach and is free. It is the only beach where you may take your dog in Huntington Beach.

Most of Mission Bay and Fiesta Island allow dogs off-leash.

At the far north is Dog Beach where canines can play leash-free.

One of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. It is a landmark in the community of Ocean Beach at the end of I-8 at the mouth of the San Diego River. Dog Beach is a special place where people and pets, beach lovers and surfers celebrate the spirit of Ocean Beach, California, one of southern California's last true beach towns.

North Beach area (aka Dog Beach) is located at 29th Street to Solana Beach border.   Dogs must be leashed June 15th through Labor Day. Dogs able to run under voice control of owner from the day after Labor Day through June 14th.

Designated off-leash area. One dog per adult. Open 6am - 8pm daily. Please visit website for more details!

Gorgeous hiking trails along the beach. Start at Trump National Golf Course, located at One Ocean Trails Drive. Public parking is available by the clubhouse or at the end of La Rotunda Drive for trail and beach access.

Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park's day use areas, campground and north beach (north of lifeguard tower 3). Dogs are not allowed on back country trails or south beach (south of lifeguard tower 3).

Designated off-leash area where dogs are allowed to play on beach and in water.