Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in California

Park · Dana Point, California

Bustling public beach offering a hang gliding training park, bonfires & views of departing aircraft.

24.6(6,755)

Doheny State Beach

Public beach · Alameda, California

Park area & beach has campsites in the southern end; volleyball, picnics & surfing up north.

34.5(4,543)

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach

Beach · Long Beach, California

This scenic park features a biking trail, plus areas for picnicking, swimming & water sports.

44.4(2,499)

Junipero Beach

Beach · Oceanside, California

A beach in Long Beach, California, with dog-friendly access nearby.

54.7(2,400)

Oceanside Harbor Beach

Public beach · Monterey, California

Oceanside's largest beach stretches along the harbor with a quintessential Southern California vibe. The beach features fire pits, volleyball courts, and a jetty for fishing, with 24 fire rings for evening beach bonfires. Lifeguard towers, restrooms, showers, a boat ramp, playground, and barbecue grills are all on-site. Walking distance to Oceanside Harbor's shops and seafood restaurants, this is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and watching spectacular Pacific sunsets.

64.6(2,155)

Del Monte Beach

Campground · Carlsbad, California

Strip of beach with boardwalk pathways through sand dunes, plus wildlife & picnic areas.

74.6(2,072)

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Park · Del Mar, California

200+ clifftop campsites with picnic tables & stairs to a beach park with 40+ acres for watersports.

84.7(1,611)

Dog Beach

Beach · Coronado, California

A park in Del Mar, California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

94.8(1,368)

Coronado Beach

Park · Big Bear Lake, California

A beach in Coronado, California, with dog-friendly access nearby.

104.5(1,362)

Ski Beach Park

Public beach · Malibu, California

16.25-acre park on Big Bear Lake offering sports courts, ball fields, a playground & picnic tables.

4.6(1,316)

Las Tunas Beach

Beach · Daly City, California

Public beach offering swimming, fishing & diving, with lifeguards on duty during daylight hours.

4.7(741)

Thornton State Beach

Park · Fort Bragg, California

Established in 1955, this rugged, 58-acre oceanside park features hiking & scenic views.

4.6(722)

Noyo Beach Off-Leash Dog Area

A park in Fort Bragg, California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

4.7(608)

Olde Port Beach

Beach · California

Park · Healdsburg, California

A beach in California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

4.3(531)

Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach

Public beach · Dana Point, California

This sandy shore on the Russian River has lifeguards & picnic spots, plus restrooms & a parking lot.

4.7(458)

Baby Beach

Beach · Santa Cruz, California

A public beach in Dana Point, California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

4.4(455)

Cowell Beach

Public beach · Encinitas, California

A beach in Santa Cruz, California, with dog-friendly access nearby.

4.8(355)

Swami's Beach

Public beach · Bodega Bay, California

A public beach in Encinitas, California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

4.7(308)

Doran Beach

City park · San Francisco, California

A public beach in Bodega Bay, California, with camping and dog-friendly access nearby.

4.5(136)

South Beach Park

Public swimming pool · San Francisco, California

Quaint waterfront park offering grassy areas & benches along with a playground & climbing structure.

4.5(122)

North Beach Pool

Featuring a lap pool & a recreation pool, this indoor center offers swimming lessons & classes.

Trip packing checklist

Gear for Dog-Friendly Beaches in California

Useful gear categories for this kind of water trip. These links open Amazon search results so you can compare current options before you go.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Dog Swim Vest

Helps add visibility and flotation around surf, boats, or deep water.

Collapsible Water Bowl

Makes it easier to keep pets hydrated away from facilities.

Long Beach Leash

Gives dogs room to move while staying under control where leashes are required.

Pet Drying Towel

A simple way to protect the car after wet sand and swims.