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!

Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe

Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.

Make tracks to Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.

Paradise for water dogs

A DogTrekker reader shares her find: a secluded public dog beach on the eastern end of Donner Lake near Tahoe. With shallow water, sandy shores and plenty of pups playing fetch, it's a must-stop for water-loving dogs.

Mother and daughter with a dog resting on a pier — Adobe Images

Gotta lake it

Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.

Dogs ride and hike free at Palisades Tahoe

Dogs ride the aerial tram for free at Palisades Tahoe, where summer fun includes hiking the scenic Shirley Lake Trail, splashing in swimming holes and exploring miles of high-altitude trails from the 8,200-foot High Camp recreation area.

Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches

Lake Tahoe has several dog beaches, but off-leash spots are rare. A locals' favorite is the sandy strand at Nevada Beach, where dogs fetch sticks from crystalline water. Other options include Coon Street Dog Beach and Patton Beach.

Beach bliss at South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about. Kiva Beach offers a long sandy stretch, Regan Memorial Beach allows off-leash play, and a hidden section of Nevada Beach is a locals' favorite for fetching sticks.

Dreyfus discovers Tahoe

DogTrekker Hope S. and her dog Dreyfus packed a memorable 24 hours into a Lake Tahoe getaway, taking in Emerald Bay views and spending the night at the dog-friendly Beach Retreat and Lodge with lakeside pier walks.

Pacified in Pacifica

Pacifica offers six miles of coastline just over the hills from San Francisco, with leash-free beach romps, a spectacular hike to Mori Point, and thousands of acres of public parkland.

Five woofy waterfront campgrounds

Five favorite waterfront campgrounds where dogs can splash and play, from Big Lagoon in Humboldt County to Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, with stops at Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and Big Sur along the way.

Don’t wait: Check out Highway 88

The Highway 88 and Carson Pass corridor south of Lake Tahoe is a high-country playground dotted with lakes and laced with trails where dogs can hike off-leash. The scenery is spectacular and the crowds are thin.

More ways to play at Lake Tahoe

Dogs can swim at Lake Tahoe, and Kiva Beach at Taylor Creek is the top spot. Nearby, the Tallac Historic Site offers fascinating 19th-century estates to stroll. For lake views, hike the trail at Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

Dip into the blue

Your dog can absolutely swim in Lake Tahoe. Pocket coves along Highway 28, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, and the mellow West Shore all welcome pups. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Tahoe City for more fun.

A golden retriever, adorned in a snug-fitting water flotation vest, sits confidently on a paddleboard amidst the calm waters. The determined expression in its eyes, locked on the camera’s lens, showcases it's ready for an exciting adventure. This picturesque scene seems perfect for pet-owners searching for unique and enjoyable activities to engage their adorable canine companions.

Dog paddle safety

Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and introducing a nervous pup to water should be slow and positive. Start in shallow areas, use treats and favorite toys, and invest in a flotation vest for safety.

Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California

Southern California's best dog parks range from Hollywood Hills hikes at Runyon Canyon to off-leash beach romps at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. This north-to-south guide covers urban hideaways, oceanfront escapes and mountain vistas for every pup.

Bold photo retro 50s a woody station wagon a dog t

California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind

California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a…

5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures

Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.

New dog-friendly hotels in California

From the Sheraton Redding and Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento to boutique spots in West Hollywood and Huntington Beach, here is a statewide roundup of newly opened and recently renovated hotels that welcome dogs, listed from north to south.

2. Dog trekking through vibrant wildflower-covered mountain trail with breathtaking scenic views in the background.

Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California

California's best dog-friendly mountain hikes hide in national forests and regional parks, far from the famous national parks that ban pets on trails. Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I…

Make a splash on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, offers 370 shoreline miles of dog-friendly fun near Redding. Rent boats, swim at sandy coves, hike the Sacramento River Trail, then enjoy patio dining and pet-welcoming hotels in town. Splash! Three rivers feed Shasta Lake…

Put paws on pillows in San Diego

San Diego offers countless dog-friendly hotels, from no-fee Kimpton properties in the Gaslamp Quarter to boutique spots like Hotel Republic with its Thursday Yappy Hour. Budget-friendly chains welcome pets too, making it easy to find a place for every wallet.

A photo of dogs on a road trip in california on th

Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California

Three dog-friendly California road trips worth taking: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes through the Eastern Sierra, Jenner to Leggett along the coast, and Redding to Mount Shasta through volcanic country. Each route features pet-friendly stops and stunning scenery.

Bolinas Beach on the Marin County coast, California

Marin County’s best-kept secret that locals will deny exists

There are no signs to Bolinas — the locals keep taking them down. But if you find the turnoff from Highway 1, you'll discover off-leash beaches, secret waterfall hikes, and one of Marin's most dog-friendly towns.

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Big Bear Lake, the ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a year-round playground for dogs. Swim and kayak in summer, hike through fall colors, romp in winter snow, and enjoy spring wildflowers, all with pet-friendly lodging and dining nearby.

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