Top 10 Pet-Friendly Beaches in California

California, with its stunning coastline and picturesque beaches, is a paradise for beach lovers and their furry companions. If you’re planning a beach getaway with your pet, here are the top 10 pet-friendly beaches in California, complete with directions, activities, and nearby attractions.

1. Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Highway 1 and exit at Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Follow Ocean Avenue west until you reach the beach.

What to Do:

• Let your dog run off-leash and play in the surf.

• Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic pathway above the beach.

Nearby Attractions:

• Carmel Mission Basilica Museum: Explore the history and beautiful gardens of this historic mission.

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: A short drive away, offering breathtaking coastal views and hiking trails.

2. Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Goldenwest Street. The dog beach is located between Seapoint Street and 21st Street.

What to Do:

• Enjoy a long stretch of beach where dogs can roam off-leash.

• Participate in dog surfing events held periodically.

Nearby Attractions:

• Huntington Beach Pier: A great spot for fishing, dining, and people-watching.

• Pacific City: A shopping and dining hub with ocean views.

3. Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Ocean Boulevard to Granada Avenue. Rosie’s Dog Beach is located between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues.

What to Do:

• Let your dog play off-leash in the designated dog area.

• Join in on one of the regular beach clean-up events.

Nearby Attractions:

• Aquarium of the Pacific: Explore marine life exhibits and shows.

• Shoreline Village: A charming waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a boardwalk.

4. Coronado Dog Beach, Coronado

How to Get There:

• By Car: Cross the Coronado Bridge from San Diego and follow signs to Ocean Boulevard. The dog beach is at the northern end of the beach.

What to Do:

• Enjoy off-leash playtime with your dog in the designated area.

• Watch Navy SEALs training on the nearby military beach.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hotel del Coronado: An iconic historic hotel worth a visit.

• Coronado Ferry Landing: Offers shopping, dining, and beautiful views of downtown San Diego.

5. Montara State Beach, Montara

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Highway 1 south from San Francisco. The beach is located just north of Half Moon Bay.

What to Do:

• Leash your dog and explore the scenic bluffs and tide pools.

• Enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views.

Nearby Attractions:

• Half Moon Bay: Offers charming shops, restaurants, and pumpkin farms in the fall.

• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: Great for tide pooling and spotting marine life.

6. Crissy Field, San Francisco

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Marina Boulevard to Mason Street. Crissy Field is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

What to Do:

• Walk along the sandy beach and let your dog play off-leash.

• Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nearby Attractions:

• The Presidio: Explore hiking trails, historical sites, and museums.

• Palace of Fine Arts: A beautiful spot for photography and picnics.

7. Del Mar Dog Beach, Del Mar

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take I-5 to Via de la Valle, then head west to Camino del Mar. The dog beach is located at the north end of Del Mar Beach.

What to Do:

• Let your dog run off-leash and play in the waves.

• Participate in dog-friendly events like surf competitions.

Nearby Attractions:

• Del Mar Fairgrounds: Home to the San Diego County Fair and horse races.

• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Offers scenic hiking trails with ocean views.

8. Muir Beach, Marin County

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Highway 1 north from San Francisco, then follow signs to Muir Beach.

What to Do:

• Walk your dog on a leash along the sandy shore.

• Explore nearby hiking trails with stunning coastal views.

Nearby Attractions:

• Muir Woods National Monument: Famous for its towering redwoods.

• Point Reyes National Seashore: Offers dramatic coastal scenery and wildlife viewing.

9. Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach

How to Get There:

• By Car: Take Highway 101 to Price Street, then follow signs to the beach.

What to Do:

• Dogs are allowed on-leash on the beach and pier.

• Enjoy beachcombing and watching the sunset.