Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Sandy Paws Paradise: Dog Beaches With Lots of Room to Roam
When it comes to finding the perfect beach for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy, nothing beats having plenty of sandy space to roam freely. There's nothing better than watching your pup sprint across the sand and splash in the surf, unencumbered by crowds of people or restrictive leash laws. Luckily, there are a number of dog-friendly beaches in L.A. and Orange County that offer acres of pristine shoreline for pups to play and explore to their heart's content.
One prime pick for pooches is Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. With nearly 1.5 miles of sand and surf, dogs have ample room to dash and dive while taking in the refreshing ocean breezes. Another top choice is Huntington Dog Beach with its 3 miles of leash-free frolicking possibilities. Let your dog swim out to the sandbar or join in on a game of chase with new furry friends at this expansive seaside oasis.
Further south, Coronado Dog Beach welcomes pups to play amid its wide sandy expanse with views of downtown San Diego across the bay. Watch your water-loving dog paddle far out into the gentle waves or join a game of fetch across this spacious stretch of sand. For LA pups, head to Leo Carrillo State Beach and its over a mile of off-leash shoreline fun. Barking seals offshore make for excellent entertainment as dogs explore rocky tide pools and take dips in the Pacific.
When asked about her experience at Leo Carrillo Dog Beach, avid pup parent Julie raved, "I loved watching my labrador Retriever, Sadie, sprint down the beach as fast as she could, bounding over driftwood and splashing in the surf. She had so much fun exploring the shoreline off-leash and making new doggy friends to play with. It was the perfect sandy paradise for a high-energy dog like her."
Meanwhile, fellow dog owner Marco remarked, "Letting my border collie, Luna, roam free across acres of sand and surf at Huntington Dog Beach was awesome. She could really stretch her legs running at full speed and wore herself out swimming and playing nonstop for hours - I don't think I've ever seen her so tired and happy!"
What else is in this post?
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Sandy Paws Paradise: Dog Beaches With Lots of Room to Roam
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Puptastic Water Fun: Beaches With Dog-Friendly Waves
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Pooches Digging the Sand: Beaches Where Dogs Can Go Off-Leash
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Cool Canine Hangouts: Shaded Beaches for Dogs
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Doggie Dining Spots: Beaches With Nearby Pet-Friendly Eateries
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Seaside Romps and Stomps: Beaches With Dog Parks and Trails
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Dog Days of Summer: Beaches Open Year-Round for Pups
- Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Tail-Waggin' Good Times: Beaches With Dog Events and Competitions
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Puptastic Water Fun: Beaches With Dog-Friendly Waves
For water-loving dogs, nothing beats having waves to splash through and jump over. The sound of crashing surf is like a siren song to energetic pups who love to swim and play in the Pacific. Fortunately, L.A. and Orange County boast plenty of dog beaches with mellow waves tailored for good times.
At Huntington Dog Beach, dogs are free to bodysurf, fetch Frisbees in the wash, and bound through swells while staying cool on hot days. Witness one happy pooch after another leaping into oncoming waves while owners look on. Terriers, labs, retrievers, Aussies - they all revel in the fun waves, as Ariana found with her Australian Shepherd, Blue.
"Watching Blue fearlessly charge into the surf to bodysurf was a blast. He'd let the waves carry him to shore then shake off and do it all over again. For an active breed like him, having dog-friendly waves to play in is the best."
Meanwhile at Rosie's Dog Beach, mild waves make for gentle water fun. Daniel loves bringing his senior bulldog Winston here for mellow swims. "Winston isn't as spry anymore but still loves the water. At Rosie's, he can wade out and let the waves wash over him without getting knocked over, which is perfect for an older guy."
Down in Coronado, the family-friendly waves allow dogs of all ages to enjoy safe, sandy fun. Emily delights in watching her young Husky puppy, Kona, experience her first ocean encounters here.
"With Coronado's calmer waves, I don't have to worry about Kona getting overwhelmed. She can venture out at her own pace, jumping little waves and retrieving her ball. It builds her confidence in the water and she has a blast!"
For LA pups, Marina del Rey's moderate surf offers rewarding wave adventures. At the north end of the main beach near the breakwall, leashed dogs can share the waves with surfers in a special section. South Redondo Beach presents another mellow wave option in LA, where leashed dogs can ride waves in a designated area.
Up in Orange County, Laguna Beach's Dog Beach provides gentle waves dogs adore. Unleash your pup to bodyboard the swells sloshing around the nearby rocky reef. Meanwhile, Newport Beach's engaging surf lets dogs splash and swim sans leash. As Laila discovered with her water-obsessed German Shepherd, Chase, the pup-loving waves bring endless enjoyment.
"Chase lives for bodysurfing the friendly Newport waves. They're not so big that they overwhelm him but give him a great ride to shore. For wave-loving dogs, beaches like this are ideal playgrounds!"
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Pooches Digging the Sand: Beaches Where Dogs Can Go Off-Leash
Nothing feels more freeing for both dog and owner than an off-leash beach experience. Without the restraint of a leash, dogs can truly explore the shoreline and water while forging canine friendships unencumbered. For highly active and social pups, an off-leash beach is nirvana.
Fortunately, L.A. and Orange County offer numerous options when it comes to designated off-leash beaches and areas. According to Max, experienced dog owner of a high-energy Labrador named Molly, “Being able to unleash Molly to run full speed down the shore and swim after tennis balls is so fulfilling for her. She crashes hard after an off-leash beach outing since it’s such great exercise mentally and physically.”
One top off-leash pick is Huntington Dog Beach with over 3 miles of leash-free play. Watch your pup go wild playing chase, chewing on driftwood, digging holes galore and socializing to their heart’s content. Emily G. loves bringing her Australian Cattle Dog mix Rio here, saying "Rio is in heaven being off-leash at Huntington with so much freedom. She'll swim for hours and plays so hard with new dog buddies that she actually naps on the car ride home!"
Rosie's Dog Beach is another standout off-leash locale, spanning 1.5 miles of shoreline hijinks. Leila S. enjoys bringing her high-strung Border Collie Piper here to burn off steam. "Piper really needs to run full-out and be off-leash as much as possible. She has a blast at Rosie's interacting with dogs and exploring the sand dunes free as can be."
Long Beach offers another prime leash-free option with its Dog Beach Zone near Ocean and Granada Ave. Meanwhile in Orange County, Laguna Beach's sprawling off-leash Dog Beach delights pups who adore dashing through the sand and bounding into the surf sans tether.
Further south, Coronado's off-leash Dog Beach satisfies canines craving freedom. Mike S. loves bringing his young Vizsla puppy here to socialize and play fetch untethered. “Being off-leash allows my high-energy Vizsla to really stretch her legs chasing balls in the surf. She’s made great puppy friends already in this welcoming off-leash environment."
Up in LA County, Leo Carrillo State Beach presents over a mile of off-leash bliss. Katie A’s exuberant Black Lab Rex lives for romping here unrestrained. “Rex wants to play with every single dog he sees at Leo Carrillo's off-leash beach. He'll swim out to dogs in the waves and try to get them to chase him down the shore. It's doggie heaven!"
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Cool Canine Hangouts: Shaded Beaches for Dogs
When spending long days at the beach with your furry friend, finding a spot with shelter from the intense summer sun is a must. Luckily, L.A. and Orange County offer several dog beaches with ample shade courtesy of trees, bluffs, and human-made structures. Protecting your pooch from overheating and sunburn allows them to enjoy the sand and surf safely.
For Julie P., having shade options at the beach is critical for her senior chocolate lab, Max. "Now that Max is older, he needs to stay cool on hot days. I love taking him to Redondo Beach Dog Park where he can relax under the shade of trees and awnings when he gets too hot." The Redondo locale offers shade shelters and trees, along with cooling breezes off the water.
Meanwhile, Laguna Beach's Dog Beach is unmatched for keeping canines comfy. Sprawling coastal bluffs cast afternoon shade onto pockets of sand below, while palm trees dot the shore providing refuge. Longtime Laguna local Marco V. frequents this spot with his sun-sensitive Australian shepherd, Luna. "The natural shade at Laguna Dog Beach helps a lot with keeping Luna cool and comfortable. She can dip in the tide pools then rest in the shade of those huge cliffs."
Up in the South Bay, Rosie's Dog Beach delights dog parents thanks to its picnic shelters. These covered areas allow pups to get out of the sun and offer benches for humans. South Redondo Beach provides another shady escape, where an oceanside park just north of the off-leash area boasts trees and shade structures.
Meanwhile down in San Diego County, Coronado Dog Beach visitors appreciate the refuge of a large picnic shelter near the sand. Dogs can sprawl in the shade after romping on the beach, while owners eat lunch sheltered from harsh rays. According to Coronado local Susan D., "My senior terrier mix Cooper loves napping under that big shade structure so he can still enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach without overheating."
For LA dogs seeking shade, the county's Dockweiler Beach offers refuge thanks to playground equipment that casts shadows onto the sand. Just north of the designated off-leash zone, kids’ swings and jungle gyms provide shade cover throughout the morning.
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Doggie Dining Spots: Beaches With Nearby Pet-Friendly Eateries
After a fun-filled day of frolicking at the beach, you and your pooch will likely work up an appetite. Thankfully, many dog beaches in LA and Orange County have pet-friendly eateries nearby where you can grab a bite and recharge. These dining spots allow four-legged friends, so you don’t have to leave your pup behind.
According to Max T., a seasoned beachgoer with his 2-year old Beagle Bagel: “Being able to eat at restaurants where Bagel is welcome makes beach days so much easier. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we can sit outside together and refuel after she’s worn out from swimming and playing fetch.”
For breakfast and brunch lovers, Huntington Dog Beach offers inviting options like Sugar Shack Café and iconic Ruby’s Diner right on Pacific Coast Hwy. Guests rave about Sugar Shack’s pup-friendly patio, where dogs can lap up water and homemade doggie biscuits from the “Yappy Hour” menu. Meanwhile, Ruby’s allows leashed dogs on their patio and even offers a special canine menu featuring chicken breast and rice.
In Long Beach, dog owners appreciate having Parkers’ Lighthouse close to Rosie’s Dog Beach. This upscale restaurant boasts a spacious outdoor area where dogs are treated to complimentary water bowls. Nearby Portuguese Bend also provides an ideal pitstop with Trail View Cafe's burgers, sandwiches, and pet-friendly patio.
Down in Laguna Beach, visitors of the town’s scenic Dog Beach love stopping at splash-friendlyDG’s Bistro. Grab a refreshing beverage or bite on their outdoor patio just a short stroll from the sand. For Lauren T. and her senior Italian Greyhound Marty, it's the perfect pairing:
"After exhausting Marty running around off-leash at Laguna Dog Beach, DG's Bistro is a welcome oasis. Lounging on their patio with ocean views while Marty rested at our feet was just what we needed before heading home."
In San Diego, Coronado Dog Beach visitors appreciate Clayton’s Beach Café mere steps away. Dine alfresco with your pup, then head back for more frolicking with convenient beach access through the rear of the restaurant. Up in LA County, The Whaler near Redondo Beach Dog Park offers tasty gastropub eats and refreshing drinks on their dog-welcoming deck.
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Seaside Romps and Stomps: Beaches With Dog Parks and Trails
When a day of sand and surf leaves your dog still raring for more, beaches boasting nearby parks and trails extend the adventure. These pet-friendly green spaces and pathways give pooches a place to romp and ramble after the beach. For breeds bursting with energy like Retrievers and Shepherds, an engaging park or trail proves the perfect complement to the shoreline.
Avid beachgoer Max T. loves having Will Rogers State Beach's expansive grounds next door to the sand in Pacific Palisades. “After my Vizsla Rocky tuckers out from playing at Will Rogers Dog Beach, we just head up to the huge park area. He gets to sprint around the grass, play with other dogs, and sniff new smells for hours. It’s doggie heaven!”
The park portion features shady trees, benches, and access to the Backbone Trail for longer walks. Fellow Will Rogers frequenter Susan D. agrees it's a major perk: “My Australian Cattle Dog has boundless energy, so being able to extend our outing to the trails and fields here makes the day complete. She even loves wading in the park's stream!”
Down in Laguna Beach, the sprawling Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park lies just inland from the town’s charming Dog Beach. Over 30 miles of trails cater to adventurous pups via shaded single-track. Laguna resident Marco V. likes challenge his high-energy Border Collie mix on the rigorous trails after beach playtime.
“Taking the Twin Falls Trail up into the canyon wilderness gives my dog the stimulation she craves. With its ascents and creek crossings, it builds her endurance while taking in gorgeous scenery.” After trail tromping, they cool off at Dog Beach.
Further south in San Diego County, Fiesta Island's rugged terrain thrills pups once the sand and surf lose their luster. Sitting in Mission Bay adjacent Coronado Dog Beach, this nature preserve features mucky lagoons, hilltop views, and trails galore for meandering.
Mike S. frequents here often with his young German Shorthaired Pointer. “The awesome dirt trails around Fiesta Island let my hunting breed pup work off energy while exploring new sights and smells for miles. It's the best follow-up to the beach!”
For LA County dogs, Redondo Beach Dog Park delights with its 8 acres directly adjoining the sand. Pups dash about chasing balls, socializing, and scenting aromas on the expansive grass. Owners appreciate the picnic tables dotting the landscape, with coastal views beyond.
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Dog Days of Summer: Beaches Open Year-Round for Pups
When those dog days of summer hit and you’re seeking sand and surf, L.A. and Orange County offer numerous beaches open year-round to beat the heat. Avoid the seasonal crowds and celebrate summer with your four-legged friend at these prime coastal locales welcoming pups all year long.
From Tori D., longtime dog owner in Long Beach: “I love taking my high-energy Aussie mix Kiya to Rosie’s Dog Beach on sweltering summer days. The ocean breeze keeps her cool while she dashes through the surf chasing balls. Rosie’s awesome off-leash set up stays open in summer when Kiya needs lots of activity.”
This 1.5-mile shoreline gem welcomes pups daily, rain or shine. Watch Kiya delight in diving into the gentle waves to retrieve tennis balls or stick toys. Then she’ll race down the sand with exuberance, celebrating the dog days of summer.
Fellow Rosie’s regular Susan D. agrees, saying “My senior terrier mix still thinks he’s a puppy during summer trips to Rosie’s. He'll wade in the surf and trot along making new friends. I appreciate that it's open year-round so he can beat the heat and enjoy his favorite pastime."
Down in San Diego, Coronado Dog Beach offers another summertime oasis for pups. Mike S. frequents here often with his young Vizsla puppy and high-energy German Shorthair Pointer. “Coronado Dog Beach doesn't close in summer, so we can escape the heat and tire out my dogs chasing balls in the surf. The cool seawater helps keep them hydrated while they go wild under blue sunny skies."
Up in Orange County, Huntington Dog Beach delights summer pups with its expansive 3 miles of shoreline. Emily G. finds it's the perfect playground for her Australian Cattle Dog mix during long sunny days. "I love watching Rio sprint and body surf in the waves for hours on hot summer outings. She gets so riled up playing nonstop with new dog friends at this huge off-leash beach.”
Meanwhile in LA County, Will Rogers State Beach offers cooler coastal recreation when summer temps spike. Max T.’s energetic chocolate Lab Molly lives for retrieving tennis balls in the surf here on sweltering afternoons.
“Molly would overheat on land in summer but stays cool diving into the water here. Will Rogers allows her to swim and burn off energy with other playful pups all summer long as long as we avoid peak crowds."
Fetching Fun: 31 Dog-Friendly Beaches For You And Your Pooch To Enjoy In L.A. And Orange County - Tail-Waggin' Good Times: Beaches With Dog Events and Competitions
For the most social and spirited pups around, nothing beats a beach hosting events and competitions specially for dogs. From costume contests to dock diving, these lively happenings let your pooch put their charisma on display while you whoop and cheer them on. Luckily several locales in LA and Orange County organize recurring doggie functions for loads of tail-waggin' fun.
According to Susan D., a longtime regular at Huntington Dog Beach's annual Surf City Surf Dog competition, "This event is the highlight of my senior terrier Cooper's year. He struts his stuff in the costume contest wearing outrageous outfits like a pineapple suit or shark fin. It's hysterical watching pups of all ages show off their rad costumes."
The renowned competition also features a freestyle surf contest with categories based on weight. Marshawn the Corgi stuns the crowds balancing on his short legs, while Masters division dogs impress with their experienced wave riding skills. Expect a beach packed with revelry and good vibes during this yearly gathering of diehard dog lovers.
Farther south in San Diego, Ocean Beach's Dog Beach hosts a lively Dog Days of Summer costume contest every August. Amanda G. enjoys dressing up her pug Peanut Butter as a lobster or pineapple to bring smiles to beachgoers. "Peanut Butter has so much fun prancing around in his absurd outfits trying to get laughs. This carefree yearly event is the perfect excuse to let your dog's personality shine."
Costume contestant Ollie the French Bulldog makes it a family affair, with parents Justin and Sarah coordinating complementary flamingo ensembles. "We go all out planning Ollie's costume then rock matching looks as a trio. He loves being doted on!" The good-natured competition culminates in Peanut Butter nabbing the "Best Trick" category for his spinning and bowing skills.
Up in Long Beach, the Long Beach Globe Gallop 5K invites pups and people to get their beach bodies moving together. This Feel Good 5K hosted by Positive Vibes Makes Waves nonprofit attracts droves of dogs big and small. Canine-loving couple Daniel and Jen participate annually with their affable pitbull Kali. Jen remarks, "Seeing hundreds of dogs trotting down the shoreline while we cheer them on is such a blast. And Kali has a pep in her step knowing all the cheering is for her!"