Leo Carrillo State Park spreads across 1.5 miles of beach in Malibu, and the best part for dog owners is that leashed dogs are welcome on the sand. You’ll find everything from tide pools and coastal caves to explore at low tide, plus reefs that make the water interesting if you’re into surfing, windsurfing, or fishing.

The main campground sits under massive sycamore trees that provide real shade, which matters a lot when you’re out here with a dog on a warm day. Even if you’re not camping, it’s a nice spot to settle in for a few hours. The beach itself is relatively protected, so the water tends to be calmer than some of the more exposed Malibu spots.

If your dog is up for more than just beach time, Leo Carrillo has back-country hiking trails that wind through the surrounding landscape. These aren’t quick walks—they’re actual trails that give you a sense of getting away from the coast. The views looking back toward the ocean are worth the effort, and trails like this keep dogs engaged in a way a flat beach walk doesn’t always do.

A practical note: parking fills up on weekends, especially in summer, so an early arrival makes a real difference. The beach can get crowded, but because it’s fairly large, you can usually find quieter stretches if you walk along the shore. Bring water for your dog—there’s shade under those sycamores but not a lot of freshwater access once you’re settled in. The caves and tide pools are genuinely fun to explore, though you’ll want to keep an eye on tide times if you’re heading into them with your dog.