174 dog-friendly beaches in California

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Featured beaches

Albany Bulb Beach

Albany

Albany Bulb Beach, situated behind Golden Gate Fields racetrack along the Alameda County coast in California, is a haven for dog lovers seeking a waterfront adventure.

Alder Creek Beach

Big Sur

Alder Creek Beach, located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, Monterey County, offers a serene escape for both humans and their furry companions.

Baker Beach

San Francisco

Dog-friendly Mile-long Baker Beach in San Francisco lies at the foot of the rugged cliffs on the western shoreline of the Presidio.

Beachfront Park

Crescent City

This is a great park to see some of the local attractions, ride your bike, walk your dog, or picnic, right on hwy 101 in downtown Crescent City.

Bean Hollow State Beach

Pescadero

This is one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the San Mateo coast.

Big Lagoon County Park

Trinidad

Please note: ocean side of the sand spit can host sneaker waves. Keep the kids and pets in tow.

Big River State Beach is located on the south side of Mendocino, about 2 miles north of Little River. The west side of the beach is dog-friendly. Access the beach by vehicle from Highway 1, or by trails down the bluffs.

Black Point Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala. Trails start at Highway 1 parking areas and cross bluff-top meadows and forests to rugged coastline.

Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages the Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access Trail, one of six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala.

Bolinas Beach

Marshall

Bolinas Beach is an off-leash beach that can be hard to find, as residents of Bolinas do not openly court visitors and regularly remove road signs.

Cardiff State Beach

Oceanside

Located on the San Diego Coast, which has been called the Riviera of the West, Cardiff State Beach has a gently sloping sandy beach with warm water. The site offers swimming, surfing and beachcombing.

Carmel Beach

Carmel By The Sea

Carmel Beach is known for its white sands and the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is particularly popular among dog owners because dogs are allowed to roam off-leash under the supervision of their owners.

Carmel Meadows Beach

Carmel By The Sea

Carmel Meadows Beach, located in Carmel By The Sea along the Monterey County coast, is a serene destination offering a perfect blend of nature and relaxation.

Carmel River State Beach

Carmel By The Sea

Carmel River State Beach, located in Carmel By The Sea along the Monterey County coast, offers a picturesque one-mile crescent of blue waters that attract both locals and visitors.

Carmet Beach

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Chicken Ranch Beach

Point Reyes Station

Chicken Ranch Beach, located in Point Reyes Station, Marin County, California Coast, is a picturesque destination offering access to Tomales Bay.

Chimney Beach

Incline Village

Chimney Beach, a secluded dog-friendly spot on Tahoe's Nevada side, is a hidden gem easily accessible from Highway 28 in Incline Village, Washoe County.

China Camp State Park

San Rafael

China Camp State Park is located along the shores of San Pablo Bay, near San Rafael, California. The park encompasses 1,640 acres on the San Pedro Peninsula, which extends out into the Bay, approximately 15 miles north of San Francisco.

Clam Beach

Trinidad

Please note: dogs allowed off leash on the wave slope as long as they are under voice control and on-leash on dry sand.

Coon Street Dog Beach

Kings Beach

A dog‑lovers paradise at Lake Tahoe Coon Street Beach (aka Coon Street Dog Beach) sits at the east end of Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe, offering an off‑leash haven for pups ready to bound freely.

Coronado Dog Beach

Coronado

Coronado's Dog Beach offers leash-free fun year-round and is conveniently located across from Sunset Park on Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to Coronado's North Island U.S. Naval Station. The off-leash dog beach is located at the north end of Central Beach.

Crescent Beach

Crescent City

This is a long stretch of beach between South Beach and Endert's Beach that has easy access to restrooms, off street parking, picnic tables and nearby hiking trails. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Crissy Field

San Francisco

Crissy Field is a great place to enjoy with your dog in San Francisco. It used to be an airfield that belonged to the United States Army.

Del Mar City Beach

Oceanside

Del Mar City Beach stretches from 15th Street near Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park northward to the cliffs at North Beach (aka Dog Beach). A great place for swimming, surfing, walking, and jogging.

Del Mar North Beach

Del Mar

North Beach, affectionately called “Dog Beach” by dog owners, is located north of 29th Street and stretches nearly one-half mile to the Solana Beach border.

Del Valle Regional Park

Pleasant Hill

Please check Del Valle Regional Park website for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) warnings before your visit. Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a 5,000-acre park set amid oak-studded hills.

Dillon Beach: A adventure

Marshall

When planning a trip to Dillon Beach, always double-check the latest off-leash rules. While DogTrekker provides regular updates, ensure the area still allows voice control for your dog before letting them off the leash.

Doran Regional Park

Bodega Bay

Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish and stroll. And best of all, dogs on leash are welcome throughout the park.

Duncan’s Landing

Bodega Bay

Duncan's Landing, located in Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, is renowned for its historical significance as an early-day landing point for coastal ships and its reputation as the most perilous spot along the Sonoma Coast, characterized by its large and unpredictable surf.

Faria Beach Park

Ventura

Campsites at Faria Beach Park in Ventura, Ventura County, California, are highly sought after by outdoor enthusiasts seeking a picturesque coastal retreat.

Fiesta Island

San Diego

Dog-friendly Fiesta Island, situated within Mission Bay, is a sprawling park that attracts numerous charity walks, runs, bicycle races, and special events. It is particularly renowned as the host of the annual Over-the-Line tournament.

Fort Funston

San Francisco

Fort Funston, on the western edge of San Francisco, is a 200-foot high windy bluff offering some of the best hang-gliding opportunities in the country.

Francis Beach Campground

Half Moon Bay

Francis Beach Campground in Half Moon Bay is a stunning coastal destination on the San Francisco Peninsula combining beachfront access with campground facilities. Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground and on the beach, making it a fantastic spot for...

Freshwater Lagoon Beach

Trinidad

Freshwater Lagoon Beach, located in Trinidad, Humboldt County, along the California Coast, offers a serene escape for water enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Furlong Gulch

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Garrapata State Beach

Carmel By The Sea

Garrapata State Beach, located in Carmel By The Sea, Monterey County, California Coast, is a haven for water enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Glass Beach

Fort Bragg

Glass Beach is the well-known southern beach of MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg. Dogs on leash are welcome. The beach can be accessed from the south end of Elm Street.

Gualala Point Regional Park

Gualala

Gualala Point Regional Park is a 195-acre park on the Mendocino-Sonoma County line with sandy beaches, open meadows, coastal forest, a campground, and seasonal fishing on the Gualala River.

Harbor Cove Beach

Ventura

Harbor Cove Beach, also known as "Mother's Beach," is a beloved destination in Ventura, California, offering a safe and family-friendly environment for visitors of all ages.

Hidden Beach

Aptos

Hidden Beach in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California Coast, is a serene oasis within a 1.5-acre neighborhood park, offering a delightful escape for both locals and visitors.

Hobson Beach Park

Ventura

Located North of Faria Beach Park and the Rincon Parkway along Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway, Hobson Beach Park in Ventura, Ventura County, California offers a picturesque coastal escape for visitors and their furry companions.

Huntington Beach Dog Beach

Huntington Beach

Every salty dog's paradise, Huntington Dog Beach runs about 1.5 miles along the bluffs between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets and is the only stretch of beach in Huntington Beach where dogs are permitted and allowed off-leash.

Hurricane Bay

Tahoe City

Hurricane Bay Beach is located on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore where local homeowners moor their boats in this beautiful bay.

Its Beach

Santa Cruz

Its Beach, located in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California Coast, is a hidden gem for dog lovers seeking a tranquil coastal retreat.

Jug Handle Beach

Fort Bragg

Jug Handle Beach, situated within Jug Handle State Natural Reserve in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, offers a serene coastal retreat for visitors and their furry companions.

Kellogg Beach

Crescent City

Kellogg Beach, located north of Crescent City in Del Norte County along the California Coast, is a serene destination where leashed dogs are warmly welcomed.

Kiva Beach

South Lake Tahoe

Dog-friendly Kiva Beach offers a strip of lakefront beach at the mouth of Taylor Creek on Tahoe's southwest shore. Some years there's sand, some years there's not.

Limantour Beach

Point Reyes Station

Please note: leashed dogs are allowed on the southeast end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the northwest as this area is a protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.

Little Sur River Beach

Carmel By The Sea

Little Sur River Beach, located in Carmel By The Sea, Monterey County, is a delightful destination for water fun enthusiasts and their furry companions. This picturesque beach offers a serene escape for visitors seeking a tranquil coastal experience.

Luffenholtz Beach

Trinidad

While DogTrekker regularly updates off-leash rules, it is important to check to be sure that this area still allows voice control prior to removing your dog’s leash.

Main Beach – Del Mar

Del Mar

Del Mar, located in San Diego County along the California Coast, boasts a long-standing reputation as a dog-friendly city. Since its incorporation in 1959, Del Mar has welcomed furry companions with open arms.

Manresa State Beach

Aptos

Manresa State Beach, located in Aptos, Santa Cruz County along the California Coast, offers a serene getaway for beach-loving travelers and their furry companions.

Marin Headlands

Sausalito

You've seen the views a million times in photographs, but if you haven't soaked them up in person, well...don't forget your camera!

Marshall Gulch

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Mile Rock Beach

San Francisco

Mile Rock Beach in San Francisco offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog while exploring the natural beauty of Lands End Park.

Mill Creek Picnic Area

Big Sur

Mill Creek Picnic Area in Big Sur, Monterey County, is a serene spot that offers more than just picturesque views.

Miller Boat Launch

Marshall

Miller Boat Launch is a very popular four acre site on the east side of Tomales Bay, a few miles north of Marshall.

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline

Richmond

The 307-acre Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, offers a beautifully landscaped shoreline picnic area, a fishing pier at a historic site and a hilltop with excellent panoramic views of the north Bay Area.

Mitchell’s Cove Beach

Santa Cruz

Mitchell's Cove Beach, located in Santa Cruz, offers a picturesque coastal retreat for both locals and visitors. Administered by the City of Santa Cruz, this serene beach welcomes leashed dogs at all times.

Mondos Beach

Ventura

Mondos Beach in Ventura, Ventura County, California, is a versatile destination catering to families, sunbathers, beginner surfers, stand-up paddleboarders, and longboard enthusiasts. The beach offers a picturesque setting for a day of relaxation and water activities.

Moonstone Beach

Trinidad

Moonstone Beach, located just south of Trinidad in Humboldt County along the California Coast, offers a picturesque setting for water fun with your furry companion.

Moran Lake Park

Santa Cruz

Moran Lake Park surrounds a lagoon in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz. The park has its own parking area, restroom facilities, and even has a dirt trail running along the north side of the lagoon.

Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay

Let Morro Rock, a 581-foot-high volcanic plug and major coastal landmark within Morro Bay State Park, be your guide as you explore two dog-friendly beaches. Both beaches require dogs to be on a six-foot leash.

Moss Landing Beach

Moss Landing

Romp on this beach tucked in behind a main street in Moss Landing. This beach is located behind MBARI. There is an entrance next to Phil's Fish Market and at the end of Sandholt Road.

Muir Beach

Muir Beach

Muir Beach, located just 16 miles north of San Francisco, offers a peaceful escape from city life, with its rugged coastline and serene atmosphere. For dog lovers, the good news is that a portion of Muir Beach is dog-friendly.

Nevada Beach and Campground

Zephyr Cove

Dog-friendly Nevada Beach is located about a mile from the parking lot at Highway 50 and Kahle Drive. A portion of this .7-mile-long beach, one of the most beautiful at Tahoe, is dog-friendly.

New Brighton State Beach

Capitola

Named for its British namesake, New Brighton State Beach in California is a scenic marvel that has attracted both humans and wildlife for generations, including those with four-legged companions.

North Point Beach

Morro Bay

The scenic North Point Beach in Morro Bay allows dogs on a leash, making it a great spot for a quiet walk along the sand or a relaxing afternoon by the ocean.

Noyo Beach

Fort Bragg

Noyo Beach is a small but popular off-leash dog beach located where the Noyo River meets the Pacific Ocean in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, along the California Coast.

Ocean Beach

San Francisco

Ocean Beach in San Francisco is the widest and longest expanse of sand on San Francisco’s shores, extending from the Cliff House to Fort Funston along the Pacific Ocean, and is adjacent to Golden Gate Park.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

San Diego

Ocean Beach Dog Beach is located in the community of Ocean Beach. This is a wide beach, approximately one mile long,

Oil Piers Beach

Ventura

Oil Piers Beach is a long stretch of sand located between the Ventura County communities of Mussel Shoals and Seacliff Beach Colony, right next to Highway 101.

Oyster Bay Regional Park

San Leandro

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline waterfront parkland is on the site of a former landfill is a work in progress popular with dog owners from surrounding communities.

Pacifica Esplanade Beach

Pacifica

Pacifica Esplanade Beach in Pacifica is a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline on the San Francisco Peninsula where dogs can enjoy the sand, surf, and salty ocean air.

Pebble Beach

Crescent City

Pebble Beach, located in Crescent City along the California Coast in Del Norte County, is a picturesque stretch of connected coves that offers a serene retreat for both locals and visitors.

Pebble Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks oversees six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala along the stunning California Coast.

Pebble Beach Dog Beach

Tahoe City

This hidden little spot has no “official” name, but that won’t stop your dog from jumping into the cool, clear Lake Tahoe waters here.

Pfeiffer Beach

Big Sur

Pfeiffer Beach, a renowned spot on the Big Sur coast in Monterey County, California, offers a picturesque setting for water fun enthusiasts and their furry companions. Managed by the U.S.

Pine Oak Lane North Beach

Fawnskin

Pine Oak Lane North Beach is a quiet, dog-friendly beach on the north shore of Big Bear Lake near Fawnskin in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access

Bodega Bay

The Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail leads to a beautiful, quiet beach on Bodega Bay. Each access point is a steep, half-mile trail that leads to a spectacular view of hidden coves and rock formations.

Pismo State Beach

Oceano

Pismo State Beach in California is a welcoming location for dogs and their owners. Dogs are allowed at this beach and on the park trails as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet.

Point Isabel Regional Park

Pleasant Hill

There are beautiful views of the Golden Gate and Marin County from the Point Isabel Regional shoreline, a landscaped, 23-acre dog park at the west end of Central Avenue in Richmond, part of the East Bay Regional Park District.

Point Pinole Regional

Pleasant Hill

The journey is as scenic as the destination at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, a 2,315-acre parkland right next to densely populated Pinole, Richmond, and San Pablo.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,000-acre preserve on a distinctive, triangle-shaped peninsula north of San Francisco in Marin County.

Portuguese Beach

Bodega Bay

Three miles north of Bodega Bay on Highway 1, Portuguese Beach in Sonoma County is a haven for water fun enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Regan Memorial City Beach

South Lake Tahoe

Regan Memorial City Beach, located in one of South Lake Tahoe's oldest neighborhoods, offers a charming retreat for locals and visitors alike.

Rio Del Mar State Beach

Aptos

Located in Aptos along the stunning Santa Cruz County coastline, Rio Del Mar State Beach is a must-visit destination for water enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Robert W. Crown

Alameda

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, part of the dog-friendly East Bay Regional Park District, offers a splendid blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities over its 2.5-mile sandy expanse.

Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove

Big Sur

Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove, located along Monterey's Big Sur coast in Monterey County, California, is a must-visit destination for dog owners seeking a picturesque and dog-friendly beach experience.

Sand Harbor Beach, Lake Tahoe

Incline Village

Situated on the breathtaking shores of Lake Tahoe within the Tahoe Nevada State Park, Sand Harbor Beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring mountain views.

Santa Maria Beach

Point Reyes Station

Santa Maria Beach, located in Point Reyes National Seashore, is a serene coastal gem on Drakes Bay.

Sea Ranch Public Access Trails

The Sea Ranch

Seabright Beach

Santa Cruz

Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California, is a welcoming destination for dog owners looking for a beach day with their furry companions.

Seacliff State Beach

Aptos

Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, California, offers a welcoming retreat for dog lovers and their furry friends.

Seaside Beach

Fort Bragg

Seaside Beach is a beautiful and dog-friendly beach located approximately 6 miles north of Fort Bragg. It offers stunning views and ample room for your dog to stretch his legs and run off-leash till he's too tired to move!

Shadow Cliffs Regional

Pleasant Hill

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, located in Pleasant Hill, Alameda County, in the East Bay Area, offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Shell Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala. One of these trails, the Shell Beach Coastal Access Trail, offers a picturesque 0.65-mile one-way journey through pines and coastal landscapes.

South Beach

Crescent City

South Beach, located south of Crescent City Harbor near Highway 101 in Del Norte County along the California Coast, offers a delightful retreat for beach-loving locals and visitors alike.

South Beach – Del Mar

Del Mar

Del Mar, located in San Diego County along the California Coast, offers a delightful beach experience for both dogs and their owners.

Steelhead Beach Regional Park

Forestville

Steelhead Beach Regional Park is known best for its beach access to the Russian River. However, this 26 acre park also includes several short trails that may be connected to make a .9 mile loop through a forested area.

Stengel Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Temporary Closure: Stengel Beach access is closed for stairway repairs. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala.

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Jenner

This 210 acre park includes a campground with coin operated shower facilities and flush restrooms, and day use parking. There is a half-mile trail leading to the historic one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse.

Stinson Beach and Upton’s

Stinson Beach

Parking at Upton's Beach from Stinson Beach is near the southern end of the strand, which is owned by the federal government.

Surfer’s Point Beach

Ventura

Surfer’s Point Beach, located off Figueroa Street in Ventura, is renowned as one of California’s top surfing and windsurfing destinations.

Trinidad State Beach

Trinidad

Trinidad State Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach just north of the Trinidad Harbor and pier.

Walk On Beach Sea

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks oversees 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala along the stunning California Coast.

Willow Creek Beach

Big Sur

Willow Creek Beach, located along Highway 1 in Big Sur, Monterey County, California, is a picturesque destination offering stunning scenic views of the California Coast.

Agate Beach

Bolinas

Agate Beach, a 6.6-acre coastal gem near Bolinas in Marin County, California, beckons water enthusiasts with its nearly two miles of ocean shoreline accessible at low tide.

Anchor Bay Beach

Anchor Bay

Please note: Anchor Bay Beach is privately owned; accessed via Anchor Bay Campground. Public use of the beach is available. Day use fee: $3 per adult (dogs and kids are free), $5 parking fee, per car.

Arroyo Burro Beach

Santa Barbara

While DogTrekker regularly updates off-leash rules, it is important to check to be sure that this area still allows voice control prior to removing your dog’s leash.

Asilomar Natural Dunes Natural

Pacific Grove

Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve in Pacific Grove, Monterey County, California, offers a serene escape for both two-legged and four-legged visitors.

Asilomar State Beach

Pacific Grove

Please note: leashed dogs are allowed at Asilomar State Beach. Please consider families with infants and young children who frequent the beach when walking dogs by keeping them under control and picking up after your pet.

Avila Beach

Avila Beach

Please note: dogs are allowed on Avila Beach (leashed) before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on Avila Beach between the hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Balboa Beach

Balboa

Balboa Beach, located on the Orange County coast in California, offers a delightful seaside escape for both humans and their furry companions.

Butterfly Beach

Montecito

Butterfly Beach, located in Montecito along the California coast in Santa Barbara County, is a picturesque on-leash beach that stands out as one of the loveliest spots in the area for both locals and visitors.

Carnelian West Beach

Carnelian Bay

Carnelian West Beach offers a picturesque coastal escape for both humans and their furry companions.

Caspar Beach

Caspar

Caspar Beach, situated on the stunning California Coast in Mendocino County, is a haven for water enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Cayucos State Beach

Cayucos

Cayucos State Beach is known for its beauty, fishing pier and historical buildings. Many of the buildings left over from the prospering old town still stand as a variety of shops such as restaurants, antique stores, and specialty items.

Centerville Beach County Park

Ferndale

Please note: dogs under complete voice control are allowed off leash on entire beach October through-February. Dogs must stay on wave slope from March to September. Please pick up after your dogs.

Chambers Beach

Tahoma

Chambers Beach, located one mile south of Homewood on Hwy. 89 in Tahoma, El Dorado County, California, is a picturesque spot perfect for sunbathers, swimmers, and picnickers alike.

Cook’s Beach

Gualala

Cook's Beach, located just north of Gualala in Mendocino County along the California Coast, offers a serene retreat for water-loving visitors and their furry companions.

Corona del Mar Main Beach

Corona Del Mar

Corona del Mar Main Beach, located in Orange County along the California Coast, offers a picturesque setting for water enthusiasts and their furry companions.

County Line Beach

Malibu

Located along the Malibu coast in Los Angeles County, County Line Beach is a popular destination for surfers and divers alike.

Crab County Park beach

Ferndale

Crab County Park beach, located in Ferndale, Humboldt County, is a charming off-leash beach that forms part of the picturesque Eel River estuary.

Davenport Beach

Davenport

Davenport Beach, located in Santa Cruz County along the California Coast, offers a serene escape for water-loving visitors and their furry companions.

False Klamath Cove

Klamath

False Klamath Cove, located within Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park in Klamath, California, offers a dog-friendly coastal retreat for water enthusiasts. This easily accessible 1/2-mile sandy beach is a picturesque spot to explore with your furry companion.

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