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!

Hideaways by the sea

The Sonoma Coast offers dog-friendly hideaways from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. Cozy inns, vacation rentals and blufftop cottages put sandy beaches and coastal trails right outside your door.

Image from Whiskeytown calls on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly waterfalls and trails at Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is a rare National Park Service gem that welcomes leashed dogs on 70 miles of trails. Four waterfalls, lakeside swimming and stunning scenery make it worth the trek north.

Fall trekking in the SLO lane

San Luis Obispo County serves up wine tasting, coastal hikes and historic missions along a leisurely Highway 101 road trip. From Paso Robles wineries to Pismo Beach bluffs and Morro Bay seafood decks, your dog is welcome throughout.

Wilder keeping it super cool in Santa Cruz.

Set the scene in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County pairs redwood forests, sandy beaches and a walkable downtown into one excellent dog-friendly getaway. Ride a steam train, go tidepooling, hike off-leash trails and explore 15 miles of dog-welcoming coastline.

San Diego bound

San Diego offers dogs a perfect mix of urban parks, iconic hikes and off-leash beaches. From the sprawling green spaces of Balboa Park to the sand and surf of Ocean Beach, this city was made for four-legged explorers.

Pet sounds of the OC

Huntington Beach earns its dog-friendly reputation with an off-leash beach, restaurants serving canine cuisine and fun events like dachshund races. Plus, nearby hotels and trails make Orange County a great base for pup-friendly getaways.

The lowdown on dog-friendly public lands

Dogs are allowed at most California campgrounds, but trail access varies widely depending on who manages the land. National forests, BLM lands and regional parks tend to offer the most freedom for you and your four-legged hiking partner.

Exceptions to California State Parks rules

Most California state parks keep dogs off dirt trails, but a few welcome leashed pups on paths beyond the pavement. Samuel P Taylor, South Yuba River and MacKerricher state parks stand out as happy exceptions worth a visit.

Big Sur alert

Storm damage and the destruction of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge left much of Big Sur inaccessible, but a few dog-friendly campgrounds remained open via alternate routes. Here's what DogTrekkers needed to know before heading south on Highway 1.

Mendocino wines on your mind?

Mendocino County 11 wine appellations blaze with fall color in October. Drive the Highway 128 Wine Trail through Anderson Valley or head inland along the Hopland Wine Road, stopping at dog-friendly tasting rooms along the way.

Cruz the mountain wine roads with your pup

Santa Cruz County's mountain wineries offer far more than a beach-town reputation suggests. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation and Corralitos Wine Trail feature a dozen dog-friendly wineries along winding roads, pouring pinot noirs and chardonnays kissed by coastal fog.

Dog-friendly campground reservation resources

Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some know-how. This roundup of reservation resources covers state parks, national forests, utility-company campgrounds and private sites, plus a must-have guidebook that details options across the entire state.

Russian River runners

Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly SOAR canoe from Healdsburg, stopping to swim and play at sandy beaches along a leisurely nine-mile stretch. Afterward, the town's restaurants, brewpubs and dog-friendly tasting rooms are all within easy reach.

Sniff out some new places

Santa Cruz County keeps getting more dog-friendly. Dogs can now hike a 7-mile route through redwoods at Big Basin, play at the new Ozzi's Memorial Dog Park near Capitola, and enjoy bocce at Heart of Soquel Park.

Catch a wave

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches and a leash-free strand at Mitchell's Cove. Stroll West Cliff Drive for coastal views, hit the sand at Seabright Beach, or camp under the stars at Manresa State Beach.

Best beds for heads and paws

Santa Cruz County has more than 50 pet-friendly lodgings for every budget. Splurge at Chaminade Resort with its pooch patio and mountaintop trails, or keep it simple at coastal inns, KOA cabins, and vacation rentals near the beach.

Down a lazy river with rover

Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.

Say anchors aweigh on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake's 360 miles of shoreline and secluded coves make it California's houseboat capital. Rentals range from simple cabins on pontoons to floating palaces, and most marinas welcome dogs aboard for a nonrefundable deposit.

Water view dog-friendly cottages and tables

Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay in Marin County pairs luxury waterfront cottages with a celebrated oyster bar and restaurant. Seven of the twelve cottages welcome dogs, complete with pet beds, treats, and patio dining overlooking the bay.

Riding through the redwoods

Reader Diana shares her family's trip to Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz redwoods. The dogs loved riding on the caboose end, lunch at the food court was easy, and the nearby forest trails made for a full day.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz

Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 1 and Santa Cruz

Highway 1 leads to Santa Cruz, where 15 dog-friendly beaches, the iconic West Cliff Drive stroll, and miles of coastal scenery await. From Seabright State Beach to Lighthouse Field, there is sand and surf for every DogTrekker.

Shasta Lake: Dog-friendly houseboating haven

Shasta Lake is California's houseboating capital, and several marinas rent pet-friendly vessels ranging from basic fishing boats to triple-decker floating palaces. After a wet winter, the lake is full and reservations are going fast.

Noyo Harbor Inn, Fort Bragg

The Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg reopened after a six-year renovation, blending craftsman-style charm with modern comforts. Set on a bluff above the Noyo River, this 15-room B&B offers easy access to an off-leash beach and harbor views.

Hugging the coast in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches and one legally leash-free strand at Mitchell's Cove. Nearby lodging options like Edgewater Beach Inn put you and your pup steps from the sand and surf.

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