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!

Sensory overload in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's coastline offers dozens of beaches, bluff-top trails and dog-friendly inns where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. From Sea Ranch to Bodega Bay, leashed dogs are welcome along miles of rugged, scenic shoreline.

If everybody had a surf dog…

Huntington Beach's Dog Beach is a leash-free paradise where pups chase balls along the surf. Beyond the sand, dog-friendly dining, an off-leash park and four oceanfront resorts with special pet packages make Surf City a top canine destination.

Urban rambles in San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly big city anywhere. Crissy Field, Fort Funston and Bernal Heights Park offer off-leash romps with stunning views, while the Presidio, Golden Gate Park and waterfront trails provide on-leash adventures.

East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District manages 65 parks spanning 114,000 acres with 1,200 miles of dog-friendly trails. Well-trained dogs can hike off-leash in many areas, from popular Point Isabel shoreline to the remote Ohlone Wilderness.

There are many ways to camp

Not a tent person? California glamping has you covered, from safari-style canvas tents at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City to Airstreams at AutoCamp near Yosemite, the Russian River, and Santa Barbara. Many welcome dogs.

Muir Beach, Marin County

Muir Beach in Marin County is a sandy crescent bordered by bluffs where dogs under voice control can romp off-leash. It is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with miles of trails and views of the bridge.

Noyo Beach, Mendocino County

Off-leash beaches are rare on the Mendocino Coast, but Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg lets your pup run free on dark sand right in town. Larger Seaside Beach six miles north is another option.

Fort Funston, San Francisco

Fort Funston in southwest San Francisco is off-leash heaven for dogs, buzzing with canine activity even on foggy days. Trails lead down to a wild, wave-swept beach that rejuvenates human spirits and sends tails into overdrive.

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

Carmel City Beach is perhaps the best-known off-leash dog beach in the country, a powdery mile-long strand within walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Nearby, Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach offers dramatic sea stacks and pink sand.

Rosie’s dog beach

Rosie Dog Beach in Long Beach is the only legally off-leash beach in Los Angeles County, open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For leashed beach walks, the Malibu coast offers scenic alternatives at Leo Carrillo State Park.

Redwoods, rivers, Rover and you

Beyond the Russian River, Sonoma County's northern coast around Gualala offers whale watching, redwood groves, and sandy beaches for a peaceful dog-friendly getaway. Stay at the Whale Watch Inn, hike the Bluff Trail, and explore Gualala Point Regional Park.

You can bet your Bodega on this

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a prime spot for crabbing off the jetty with your leashed dog when Dungeness season opens in November. Between whale watching, beach walks at Doran Regional Park, and fresh crab, a coastal weekend awaits.

Monterey County parks

Beyond famous Carmel Beach, Monterey County offers miles of off-leash hiking at Garland Ranch Regional Park, scenic views at Jacks Peak, and 20-plus miles of trails at Toro County Park. Well-behaved dogs can roam free on many of these paths.

Activities for every family member at the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino is a playground for all ages, including four-legged family members. Paddle the Big River on a canine cruiser catamaran, bike coastal trails, or browse the lobby bookshop.

Go boho on the Bohemian Highway

The 10-mile Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County winds through artist-filled communities, organic farms, and one-of-a-kind shops. Stay at the Creekside Inn in Guerneville, explore funky Occidental, stock up on sourdough in Freestone, and finish with coastal views at Goat Rock.

Hike, splash, camp at Tuolumne County lakes

Tuolumne County's mountain lakes offer swimming, hiking, camping and boating with your dog. From popular Pinecrest Lake to massive Lake Don Pedro, where you can rent a dog-friendly houseboat, there is a waterside adventure for every pup.

Walking trails and waggin’ tails near the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes walking with your dog a wellness practice. Trails through Mendocino Headlands State Park and Van Damme State Beach are a short drive away, offering ocean views and forest beauty.

Dogcation adventures at the Stanford Inn and beyond

DogCation contest winner Jolene shares her Mendocino County adventure with two pups at the Stanford Inn by the Sea. Highlights included canoeing up the Big River, riding the Skunk Train from Willits, and spending days on Fort Bragg's off-leash beaches.

Paws for an overnight break in Mendocino County

With summer crowds gone and low-season specials in play, fall and winter are ideal for a dog-friendly Mendocino County coast getaway. The Little River Inn, Beachcomber Motel, and other welcoming properties offer cozy rooms and easy beach access.

Hike-in breakfast with a view

Hike two miles up Mount Tamalpais to West Point Inn for a monthly pancake breakfast with sweeping views. Or head to Cavallo Point Lodge near the Golden Gate Bridge for trails and a dog-friendly patio restaurant.

Soak up some coastal scenery in Monterey County

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches 18 miles of paved, scenic coastline perfect for walking with your dog. Pair it with an inland hike at Garland Ranch Regional Park for off-leash trails through redwoods and open savannahs.

Take time to coast

Mendocino County's vast public lands offer everything from off-leash coastal walks at Stornetta Public Lands to beach romps at Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse even has pet-friendly vacation rentals right on the grounds.

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Lots to do on dog-friendly Cannery Row

Monterey's Cannery Row is a dog-friendly destination packed with waterfront restaurants, wine tasting rooms, shops, and pet-welcoming hotels. Stroll the historic mile of coastline and soak in the seaside atmosphere with your pup.

Tails wag on Big Sur Coast

A drive along the Big Sur coast with your dog means breathtaking ocean views, purple-sand beaches, and walks through towering redwoods. Dog-friendly stops include Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, and several state park campgrounds with cabins for overnight stays.

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