Looking for dog-friendly beaches near Los Angeles, California?
While there are virtually no dog-friendly beaches within the city limits of Los Angeles due to strict city and county rules regarding dogs on beaches (even when leashed), all hope is not lost!
If you’re willing to hop in your car for a drive or a day trip, you’ll be able to reach dog-friendly beaches in no time. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of great dog-friendly beach options near Los Angeles and nearby counties to help you get out there with your furry friends.
So whether you’re looking for a popular spot among other dog families or something more secluded for just you and your pup, keep on reading!
These dog-friendly beaches near Los Angeles will be great fun for the whole family, even the dogs.
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Table of Contents
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN LOS ANGELES, CA
1. Rosie’s Dog Beach
Off-leash allowed
Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California is the only off-leash dog beach in all of LA county. Given that it’s the only one in LA, Rosie’s Dog Beach is pretty darn popular among dog owners. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome here!
On any given day, you can expect Rosie’s to be full of dogs running around and having a good time. Having said that, this beach is spacious enough so that it never feels too packed.
A few important things to note is that The Dog Zone is not fenced off specifically for dogs and is only in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Rosie’s Dog Beach may be closed occasionally due to a special event or poor beach conditions. Dogs are not permitted at times other than scheduled hours, or any other place than The Dog Zone and access paths.
Beach amenities include trash cans, doggie bags, poop scoops, restrooms, metered parking in the Bennett Avenue lot. Some bags are provided in dispensers, but owners are encouraged to bring their own bags from home.
Location
- On Ocean Blvd (between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue)
Things To Know
- The official dog zone is between Roycroft Avenue and Argonne Avenue.
- Dogs are only permitted between 6 AM and 8 PM
- Your dog is free to play off-leash across 4 acres of beach
- Metered parking
2. Point Fermin Park
On-leash
Okay, while this isn’t entirely a beach per se, we did want to include this on our list to give you more options if you’re not feeling up for a drive out of LA.
Located at the southern tip of San Pedro, Point Fermin Park is a dog-friendly area that boasts stellar coastal views so that even though you’re not directly on the beach, you’ll still feel like you are.
This 37-acre park is popular for picnicking, biking, walking, jogging, whale watching, and even tide pooling. Features include the Point Fermin Lighthouse, a playground for kids, open spaces for your dogs, and a breeze that can’t be beaten!
Things To Know
- Parking lot hours are from sunrise to sunset
- Leashed dogs are allowed at Point Fermin Park at the south end of Palos Verdes Peninsula.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times
Open to going on a day trip with your dog? Here are a few other dog-friendly beaches near LA in neighboring cities with some awesome options.
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN MALIBU, CA
3. Sycamore Cove Beach
On-leash
On the far western end of Malibu, sits Sycamore Cove Beach. This is another dog-friendly beach that is a part of Point Mugu State Park and its 5 miles of coastline.
This beach features a large day-use area on the sand and a beach that is ideal for swimming, body surfing, and surf fishing. Picnic tables and barbecues are available along the sandy shore—perfect for picnicking and grilling up eats as your dog sunbathes and enjoys the cool coastal air.
While this beach is isolated enough to keep the large LA crowds away, do try and get there early to secure a parking spot, especially on those sunnier weekends. Do note that the amenities are pretty rustic as there are vault bathrooms, but with flowing water.
Location
- Pacific Coast Highway and Sycamore Canyon Rd Malibu, CA 90265
Things To Know
- Dogs must be leashed
- Dogs are allowed in the campground, beaches, and day-use areas. Dogs are not allowed on the backcountry trails or dirt roads.
- Sycamore Cove & Mugu Beach parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.
- Get there early as lots tend to fill up by late morning.
4. Mugu Beach
Since Point Mugu State Park boasts five miles of breathtaking ocean shoreline, you’ll be happy to know there’s another dog-friendly beach here — Mugu Beach! But before we dive into the beach, let’s get to know the park a little better.
The park boasts an impressive network of over 70 miles of hiking trails, winding through wide grassy valleys adorned with sycamores, oaks, and native walnut trees. As you hike (no dogs are allowed on trails unfortunately), be captivated by the majestic river canyons and the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area, painting an awe-inspiring backdrop for your adventure.
But the true highlight of Point Mugu State Park lies at its edge, where Mugu Beach unveils its splendor. This pet-friendly haven allows you to experience the ocean alongside your canine companion.
Remember, while dogs on a leash are welcome in the park’s day-use areas, campgrounds, and beaches, they are not permitted on the backcountry trails or dirt roads.
With two wide open beaches for your dog to frolic around, Point Mugu State Park is a real haven for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry friends alike.
Location
- Pacific Coast Hwy, NAS Point Mugu, CA 93042 – The beach is 15 miles south of Oxnard on Highway One.
Things To Know
- Dogs must be leashed
- Dogs are allowed in the campground, beaches, and day-use areas. Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails or dirt roads.
- Sycamore Cove & Mugu Beach parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.
- Get there early as lots tend to fill up by late morning.
5. Little Dume Beach
On-leash
Little Dume Beach is located in a small east-facing cove near Point Dume in Malibu, CA. This area can be popular with surfers when conditions are right, but for the most part, it’s a secluded beach that’s hardly ever crowded. It’s also a scenic spot to relax as you stare up and admire those multi-million dollar mansions of Malibu!
Because Point Dume has gated/private access that’s meant for local residents, the only direct access to Little Dume Beach is via a path that begins on Whitesands Place.
Non-residents must walk on the sand from adjacent beaches to get to Little Dume Beach. Both Point Dume and Paradise Cove are nearby options for you to park your car and walk over, but do not that you must pay to park at those locations.
Another thing to keep in mind before choosing this beach is that dogs must be leashed and stay above the mean high tide level, and not below it. This means your dog must be on their leash at all times, and they are not allowed in the water below the mean high tide level. You will need to bring your own poop bags as well.
Location
- 29208 Cliffside Dr, Malibu, CA 90265
Things To Know
- Part of Little Dume Beach is privately owned, so be sure to follow its specific rules
- Dogs must be leashed and stay above the mean high tide level, and not below it
- Unless you know somebody with a key card to use the gated beach entrance, you’ll have to walk over from Point Dume or Paradise Cove.
6. North Beach (Leo Carrillo State Park)
On-leash
Within Leo Carrillo State Park is the dog-friendly beach called North Beach. North Beach is a wide, sandy beach that’s great for families and on-leash dogs to spend the day.
Here, you’ll all be able to enjoy 1.5 miles of dog-friendly beach! While dogs sunbathe, humans can visit tide pools, caves, and reefs in the area. Do note that your dog will need to stay on a leash during its entire stay.
Looking to get a walk in with your dog? Head above the beach to explore the trails along the hillside.
Enter at the main state park entrance and follow the signs leading under the Pacific Coast Highway to the parking lot for North Beach
Location
- 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Things To Know
- 1.5 miles of dog-friendly beach with tide pools, caves, and reefs.
- Dogs must be leashed
- Dogs are not allowed near tide pools
- Dogs allowed in day-use areas, campground and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). Dogs are NOT allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).
7. Staircase Beach (Leo Carrillo State Park)
On-leash
Staircase Beach is a hidden dog beach in Malibu located on the northern side of Leo Carrillo State Park. This beach is probably best known as a great surfing spot, but dogs are more than welcome too! Despite its name, there are no stairs at this beach, which is probably good news for dogs.
You must keep your dog on the leash at this beach. Don’t forget to bring poop bags and water for you and your doggie. If you bring a picnic, pack everything out in order to keep the beach in pristine conditions!
There are two ways to access Staircase Beach. The first is by parking at the State Park’s manager residence and the other is to park at the parking lot at North Beach and walk down to Staircase Beach.
Directions: Once you see 40000 Pacific Coast Highway, make a u-turn. Slowly drive back south past the fenced and gated park ranger property until you see the hidden entrance to your right. There is no signage noting that this is the beach location. You can also park along PCH but be sure to look out for any parking restrictions.
Do note that the path to the beach is rocky and not well maintained. Good for adventurous dogs, not good for shier ones. If it’s too rocky, keep heading south and the terrain will eventually turn into sand.
Location
- 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265
Things To Know
- Dogs must be kept on leash at all times
- Restrooms are only located near the paid lot
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN ORANGE COUNTY
8. Huntington Dog Beach
Off-leash allowed
Huntington Beach is not only a popular destination among humans (surfers especially), but it’s also home to one of the best dog-friendly beaches in all of Southern California. Enter the famous Huntington Dog Beach–also known as “Doggy Disneyland” because dogs probably see it as the happiest place in the world!
At Huntington Dog Beach, there is plenty of room for dogs to run and splash in the waves. This beach not only welcomes dogs with open arms every day of the year, but it also organizes the annual dog surfing competition, Surf City Surf Dog.
Dogs are allowed between Seapoint Street and 21st Street. Although there are signs indicating the city ordinance of a six-foot leash requirement, this isn’t really enforced.
If your dog knows how to play well—you can feel free to let it roam and play freely. If your dog is not the most well-behaved, it’s probably better to keep it on a leash.
Amenities include a grassy park, picnic tables, restrooms & showers. Once you’re ready to leave, you can wash the sand off your dog’s paws in Dirty Dog Wash, located about a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Location
- 100 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street)
Things To Know
- 1.5-mile section of dog-friendly beach.
- Off-leash allowed
- Owners MUST pick up after their dogs and dispose of used bags in the trash cans.
- Doggie waste bags are available free of charge here.
- Parking: 2 lots north of Goldenwest (card only), metered parking on the streets south of Goldenwest (coins only), or in the neighborhood between Orange and PCH
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
9. The Original Dog Beach
Off-leash allowed
Located in San Diego’s Ocean Beach, The Original Dog Beach is one of the best dog beaches in all of San Diego County and perhaps even in the entire US. This was one of the first official leash-free beaches in America, where dogs are allowed to roam and play off-leash any time of the day!
While the dogs enjoy each others’ company, humans can enjoy the dramatic views of the ocean, hillsides, seacliffs, and more. You can either take a dip in the water with them, sunbathe, or simply watch the dogs enjoy the water!
After a day at the beach, you may want to head over to the Dog Beach Dog Wash (located 2 blocks away) to give your doggo a quick bath before hopping back into the car.
Location
- West Point Loma Boulevard and Voltaire Street San Diego, CA 92107
Things To Know
- Dogs can be off-leash
- Located at the northern end of Ocean Beach
- Parking: Large parking lot and street parking is usually available
10. Del Mar North Beach
Off-leash allowed
The Del Mar North Beach is the only beach in Del Mar, CA where you can allow your dog to run around and play off-leash, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Southern California.
If your dog doesn’t really care about playing with other dogs, this is an awesome place to go to play fetch. There is tons of space for dogs to run around, given that most people don’t set up blankets and chairs. This way, it really feels like a dog park in a beach setting–so you can rest easy without having to worry about a ball going rogue into someone’s beach set up.
One thing to note is that the leash policy is dependent on the time of the year. Dogs must be leashed from June 16 through Labor Day. Dogs are able to run freely from the day after Labor Day through June 15.
For the humans, there are courts for volleyball games, a big sand area, and even a small hike you can do. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and rocky cliffs! Happy dogs, happy people.
Location
- 3200 Camino Del Mar, CA 92014
Things To Know
- Day After Labor Day through June 15: Dogs can be off-leash
- June 16 through Labor Day: Off-leash dogs are permitted from dawn to 8 am; dogs must be leashed from 8 am to dawn.
- Lifeguards are on duty
- Parking is a little difficult on the weekends, so arrive early if possible
11. Coronado Dog Beach
Off-leash allowed
The romantic getaway town of Coronado in SD County is not only famous for its laidback vibes, small-town charm, and its historic hotel, but also for its dog-friendly beach! That’s right, Coronado Dog Beach is a dog-friendly, leash-free area located on the western part of the iconic Coronado Beach.
This soft-sand beach is perfect for people and their furry friends looking for wide expanses of land perfect for roaming and playing. Not only that, but the views are to die for! On your right is the Point Loma headland and to your left is the iconic Hotel del Coronado. And all around you? Tons of dogs having the time of their lives!
The off-leash dog area is marked by signs that run along Ocean Blvd from Sunset Park to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. When you’re all ready to leave, head to the doggy showers to clean the sand off you and your fur-baby.
Free parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, but since it is a longer walk to the beach from there, be sure to keep your dog leashed until you reach the beach. You can be fined if you don’t adhere to these rules.
Location
- 100 Ocean Blvd Coronado, CA 92118
Things To Know
- Dogs must be on-leash from the parking area to the designated off-leash area.
- Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach, but no dogs in the park area
- Free dog litter bags are available
- Pro Tip: Happen to be visiting on a Sunday? Hotel del Coronado holds a happy hour called “On The Rocks Yappy Hour” every Sunday in the early evening where you can get discounted drinks and complimentary dog treats (“yappatizers”) for your dogs!
12. Fiesta Island
Off-leash allowed
Have you heard of Fiesta Island in San Diego’s beautiful Mission Bay? It’s a massive park that’s always buzzing with life and a ton of fun stuff to do! They host charity walks, runs, bike races, and all sorts of cool events throughout the year.
The best part? Fiesta Island is like a pet paradise! They welcome both dogs and horses, so if you’ve got a furry friend, this place is perfect. Let your pup run wild and off-leash, feeling the sea breeze on their little faces while they explore the scenic surroundings. It’s a doggy dream come true!
But hey, let’s remember to keep the place clean and tidy. Be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your fur baby. That way, Fiesta Island stays a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy.
And that’s not all! While you’re there, you can check out the cool Fiesta Island Youth Camp and the Aquatic Center. They’re perfect for the kids, if you’ve got those with you too!
Location
- 1590 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Things To Know
- On-leash or off-leash allowed.
- Open Hours: 4:00am to 10:00pm
- Food / Beverages: Food is permitted but no glass containers. Alcohol is not permitted. Picnics are permitted.
- Restrooms: There are no restrooms available on the island.
MAP OF THE DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES NEAR LOS ANGELES, CA
ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON SANTA MONICA BEACHES?
Unfortunately, no. Your pets will have to enjoy the ocean views from a distance, as pets are not allowed on Santa Monica State Beach. Having said that, there are a lot of institutions within Santa Monica that are dog-friendly.
You can take a leashed stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and the surrounding boardwalks or allow them to run free at Airport Park Dog Park in the Ocean Park/Santa Monica Airport neighborhood. Another great option is Herb Katz Dog Park at Joslyn Park, clocking in at 1.25 acres, which also has separate areas for small and large dogs.
From there, you can enjoy a meal with them at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in the city. Some dog-friendly restaurants in Santa Monica include:
- Urth Caffé
- Il Forno Trattoria:
- The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
- Ashland Hill
- The Albright
ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON SOUTH BAY BEACHES?
(HERMOSA BEACH, REDONDO BEACH, MANHATTAN BEACH)
The short answer is NO, these beach cities do NOT allow dogs on the beach.
Hermosa Beach prohibits animals on OR off-leash in the beach area. In addition to the beach, the pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean is also off-limits for dogs. While dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, you can still walk your dog on The Esplanade, which is the street right above the beach.
There is also a very nice dog park in Redondo Beach (Redondo Beach Dog Park) with dedicated spaces for small and large dogs. In Manhattan Beach, you can take your dogs to Polliwog Park Dog Run, the largest dog run in the city. Other nearby dog parks are located in San Pedro and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
We hope you found this post useful and have found a new beach to bring your pet! What are some of your favorite dog-friendly beaches near Los Angeles, CA? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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