SoCal’s 7 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches for Summer

Does your dog love the beach? If so, there’s no better place to be in summertime than Southern California. With over 1,200 miles of coastline, California is a beach bum’s paradise, and your dog agrees. (We asked.) Looking for an awesome dog-friendly beach in SoCal this year? Here are seven of our favorites.

Dog Beach

Santa Barbara

At over 1.5 miles long, this dog-friendly expanse is Huntington Beach’s longest. It’s flat, it’s off-leash, and it’s actually home to several dog-centric competitions throughout the year. You can access Dog Beach anywhere between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street, but look for signs to be sure you’re on the right stretch of sand.

Arroyo Burro Beach

Huntington Beach

Locals actually call this spot “Hendry’s Beach.” It’s got both on- and off-leash sections and a picturesque backdrop of Arroyo cliffs. And if your dog loves tide pools (who doesn’t?) – he can explore the ones here to his heart’s content. There’s even a self-serve dog wash to rinse the saltwater off your dog before you get back in the car!

Rosie’s Dog Beach

Long Beach

Did you know that Rosie’s is technically the only (legal) off-leash dog beach in LA county? It’s a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and there’s always plenty of parking along Ocean Boulevard. It may not be the most scenic dog beach you’re likely to come across, but it is the most convenient if you live in Los Angeles.

Leo Carillo State Park – North Beach

Malibu

If you’re looking for natural beauty, Leo Carillo has it. This on-leash beach is nestled in West Malibu and it’s best visited at low tide. There are actually some fun tide pools and caves here to explore but be sure to use good dog etiquette…this isn’t the kind of beach where you let your dog poop without picking it up! (Editor’s note: No beach is that kind of beach. Pick up your poo!)

Fiesta Island Dog Beach

San Diego

Fiesta Island is, quite literally, an island! Nearly the entire island (which you can drive to, FYI) is leash-free and parking is as easy as pulling over and letting your pooch jump out. It’s a great choice for dogs who don’t play well with other dogs, or for when you just need a bit of solitude. Bring a ball and go to town!

Silverstrand Beach

Oxnard

Okay, so this beach is on-leash and even then, only before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m., but…BUT! It’s absolutely gorgeous with a view of the Channel Island and, before sunset, almost no one else around. If you’re looking for a romantic and/or quiet spot to sit peacefully with your dog near Los Angeles, this is it.

Coronado Dog Beach

Coronado

Perhaps one of the best-known dog beaches in all of Cali, Coronado is open 24-hours a day and completely leash-free. It runs from Ocean Boulevard to the Naval Station and there’s even a foot-level shower that makes it easy to wash your pooch’s paws. Expect to see dozens of other dogs while you’re here. Don’t forget to take plenty of water and to rinse your dog’s fur after swimming in the ocean! Be safe, be courteous, and be chill. This is Southern California, after all.