Beaches Blog

Here are our favorite stories about the best dog-friendly beaches in California! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we’ve got you covered with the most paw-some spots for your furry friends to enjoy some sand and surf. Check out our list below and get ready for some tail-wagging adventures!

Mammoth Lakes is the ultimate pup-cation

Mammoth Lakes is a year-round paradise for dogs, with countless hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes for swimming, and a town full of dog-loving people and pet-friendly hotels. Summer or winter, your pup will have the adventure of a lifetime here.

Dog friendly restaurants in san diego --ar 169 --v

Best city for dog-friendly restaurants in California

San Diego tops California for dog-friendly dining, thanks to year-round mild weather and hundreds of patio restaurants that welcome pups. From dedicated dog menus at The Patio on Lamont to spacious gardens at Stone Brewing, options abound.

Join the mighty mutt march!

Dog lovers rallied at Crissy Field for the Mighty Mutt March to protest proposed restrictions on dog walking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The march aimed to protect access to Fort Funston, Ocean Beach and Muir Beach.

Impact: San Francisco County

The proposed GGNRA dog rule would ban dogs from most of Ocean Beach, much of Fort Funston, and all of East Beach at Crissy Field. The Park Service budgeted .6 million to enforce the restrictions.

Impact: Marin County

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area's dog management plan would slash trail access for leashed dogs in Marin County from 24 miles to just 8 and funnel all off-leash play onto a single remote stretch of sand.

Keep Santa Cruz woofy

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches, from leash-free Mitchell's Cove to the sandy stretch at Seabright State Beach. Off-leash dog parks and the quirky concrete freighter at Seacliff Beach round out the fun.

River running with rover

Rivers offer some of the best water fun for dogs in California. Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly canoe, paddle an outrigger on the Big River estuary in Mendocino, or let your pup splash in swim-friendly waterways statewide.

Day by the bay in Benicia

The waterfront town of Benicia on the Carquinez Strait charms dog owners with art galleries, off-leash shoreline stretches, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Grab a table with your pup at Sailor Jack's or First Street Cafe.

Coastal cool-off in Monterey County

Monterey County pairs coastal and inland hiking for dogs and their people. Stroll the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, then head to Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, where dogs can roam off-leash through redwood forests and oak savannas.

Diggin’ San Diego with your dog

San Diego is a dog lover's paradise with hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park, off-leash romps in Balboa Park, and leash-free beach time at Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island. The laid-back SoCal vibe extends to your pup.

Wilderness hiking in Whiskeytown NRA

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is one of the rare National Park Service sites that allows leashed dogs on its 70 miles of trails. Four major waterfalls await, from Whiskeytown Falls to Crystal Creek Falls.

Chasing surf with your dog in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Mitchell's Cove allows off-leash play before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., while Seacliff State Beach features a curious concrete freighter hull that has stirred imaginations since 1929.

Splash-and-Cricket-sierra-hike-meadow-photo-by-Jessica-Bay

A fine find in gold country

The South Yuba River in Nevada County is a gem for dog-friendly hiking. The Hoyt Trail leads to a historic river crossing with sandy beaches, emerald pools, and granite perches perfect for a cooling dip.

Inland bounty in Monterey County

Beyond Carmel's famous off-leash beach, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley offers miles of off-leash trails, swimming holes in the Carmel River and dog-friendly water fountains. Hikes range from a flat 1.4-mile loop to a strenuous ridge climb.

Santa Cruz: As much about wine as beaches

Santa Cruz County is as much about wine as beaches. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is known for cool-climate pinot noir, and many dog-friendly tasting rooms dot the hills from Soquel to Davenport, including Poetic Cellars and Bonny Doon Vineyard.

Cupid calls in Mendocino

Mendocino County's Sheep Dung Properties offer architecturally stunning cottages on fenced rural land perfect for a romantic getaway with your dog. Nearby, Howard Creek Ranch Inn and Andiron Seaside Inn provide coastal retreats with antique charm.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay welcomes dogs with off-leash beach time at Francis Beach, hidden coves at Montara, and five miles of coastal bluff trails. Pair your sandy adventures with a meal at the dog-friendly Brewing Company patio.

17 miles of magnificence

The 17 miles of Highway 1 from Albion to Fort Bragg hold charming inns, bluff-top trails, and the artsy village of Mendocino. Dogs are welcome at coastal state beaches, the Point Cabrillo lighthouse, and the Stanford Inn.

Take a bragg-adocious break

Fort Bragg packs a lot of dog-friendly fun into a small coastal town. Roam leash-free beaches, hike the Ten Mile Beach Trail to MacKerricher State Park, and ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood forests.

Sniffing out dog-friendly trails in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers far more than freeways for dogs and their people. Hike to a 40-foot waterfall at Eaton Canyon, stroll 22 miles of coastal trail around Santa Monica Bay, or explore sandstone formations in Topanga.

Soaking up scenery in San Diego

San Diego's 18 open space preserves make it one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Hike 60 miles of trails at Mission Trails Regional Park, explore Los Penasquitos Canyon, or let your pup run leash-free on Ocean Beach.

No tent or rv? no problem…

No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.

Exploring Marin County with your dog

Marin County offers dogs everything from Headlands trails with Golden Gate Bridge views to off-leash romps on Rodeo Beach. The Tenderfoot Trail winds through cool redwoods and Terra Linda's open space spans over 1,000 acres.

Image from Favorite California campgrounds for dog lovers on DogTrekker

Rules and regs regarding Rover

Dogs are welcome at most California campgrounds, but trail and beach access varies widely by land manager. National forests and BLM lands tend to offer more freedom, while state and national parks often restrict dogs to campgrounds and paved surfaces.

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