California

California is a state with many dog-friendly beaches.  Some are better for swimming, while others are more suited to long walks on the beach. If you’re thinking about taking your pet to the beach this summer, here are some of California’s best dog beaches.

K9 Training Institute

Best Dog Beaches Near Los Angeles

Many beaches in Los Angeles allow leashed dogs, but it can be more challenging to find off-leash dog friendly beaches.

Huntington Beach Dog Beach

If you’re looking for dog friendly beaches near Los Angeles, head on over to the Dog Beach at Huntington Beach. This 1.5 mile stretch of beach located between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street is officially approved for off-leash dogs. They have 22 doggy bag dispensers located along the bike bath that borders the beach. To keep the beach free and open, be sure to be a responsible dog owner and pick up after your dog.

The beach is volunteer run and is always in need of volunteers, donations, and sponsors, so if you enjoy using this fantastic dog beach, consider supporting them!

Rosie’s Dog Beach

Located in Long Beach between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue, Rosie’s Dog Beach has been a destination for dog lovers since 2003. Take your dog to the beach or to the nearby Belmont Brewing for a fun afternoon in the sun.

Best Dog Beaches near San Francisco

There are quite a few off-lease dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

  • Crissy Field Beach – East & West
  • Lands End Beach
  • Fort Funston Beach
  • Esplanade Beach
  • Ocean Beach
  • Muir Beach
  • Rodeo Beach

Dog Beach Rules

  • No food allowed: You know how it is when there’s food around – your dog goes crazy. While many dog owners try to train their pets not to beg when food is around, it’s just easier to keep them away from the temptation altogether. In addition, dogs can easily dig up and eat trash that people leave behind – putting them at risk for illness.
  • No more than three dogs per person: According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which manages dog beaches in the state, “No person shall permit more than three dogs under their direct control at any one time on any beach.”
  • No glass containers: Whether you’re on a patio enjoying a beer or sitting on the beach with your favorite glass of wine, glass containers are dangerous for dogs. They can easily lacerate their mouths and tongues when they accidentally bite into a shard of broken glass while drinking water or investigating their environment. If you must bring glass to the dog beach, make sure it’s in a protective case.
  • No rough play in deep water: There are many owners that like to play games with their dogs at the dog beach, and many dogs are excellent swimmers. But not all dogs are good swimmers, or do well with many other dogs in the water with them. It’s safer to play a game like fetch when it’s just you and your dog. However if other dogs are involved in a game that involves deeper water, it’s best to move that game to the beach itself.