California is one of the most canine-friendly states in the country. The Golden State is a canine paradise due to its temperate climate, wide open spaces, and hospitable communities, but its 840 miles of Pacific coastline is the state's most attractive feature. From San Diego to the North Coast, dogs are welcome on several of California's beaches.
These seven dog-friendly beaches, ranging from southern to northern California, are a must-visit if traveling through the Golden State with a four-legged travel partner.
Rosie's Dog Beach, Long Beach
Rosie's, the only genuine dog beach in Los Angeles County, is a four-acre playground where leash-free dogs can play with the crashing waves and lounge on the sand. This family-friendly Long Beach spot is popular because of its shallow waters and convenient location, but parking can be challenging to come by on sunny weekends. Remember to bring some change for the parking meters, towels for your dog, and an empty stomach because dog-friendly Plunge is just a short drive down the beach and serves delicious breakfast burritos.
San Diego
Begin in San Diego by visiting Del Mar Dog Beach. During the summer, dogs can be on a leash, whereas during the off-season, they are free to roam unrestricted without a leash. San Diego beach day is ideal any time of year since "off-season" typically still implies temperatures in the 70s and sunny skies.
Ensure you have everything you need before setting off for the beach! Camping spots along the coast fill up months ahead of time around here. San Elijo State Beach is the best option in the area if you plan a few months ahead. There are dog-friendly amenities at this beachside campground. Also, Cardiff State Beach lies a brief distance to the south.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay ranks as one of CA's most often requested dog-friendly vacation spots. You can enjoy the famous ocean vista at Morro Rock Beach while walking your dog on a leash. Your dog is welcome to run loose at Toro Creek Beach, popularly called Morro Bay Dog Beach. This length of beach connects the two portions of Morro Strand State Beach.
Morro Bay is a popular resting spot for dog owners, with conveniently accessible overlooks, dog-friendly eateries, and even dog-friendly boat rides. Atrip to Morro Bay State Park means you can take your dog on most trails and camping areas.
Del Mar's Dog Beach
North Beach in Del Mar has all the makings of a dog park: lots of oceanfront, shallow sandbars, and good land shielded from strong winds and rough seas. Kids and dogs can splash around in the calm waters, which open all year but require a leash from June 16 to Labor Day. The Helen Woodward Animal Center offers summer surf and stand-up paddleboard classes and the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon for canines that shred each fall. Dog owners and their pets can register for a session online and then relax with a sandwich afterward on Board & Brew's pet-welcoming patio.
Big Sur
Big Sur is unquestionably one of the most stunning coastal locations in California. You won't be able to take your canine companion with you on any of the hikes or trips in the state parks of Big Sur. Instead, Sand Dollar Beach is located south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and is a great place to pull over and stretch your legs if you're driving up Highway 1 with your dogs. Surfing and jade stone hunting are wonderful here. But remember, canines must remain on a leash at this beach.
Huntington Beach's Dog Beach
While dogs are not allowed on the rest of the warm SoCal shoreline at Huntington Beach, they are welcome on the 1.5 miles between Goldenwest and Seapoint avenues. Puppies get to play whatever they like and interact with one another when they can access the sandy dog-friendly beaches. Everyone will enjoy seeing the dogs ride the waves when the annual Surf City Surf Dog competition occurs. Therefore, Corgi owners should check the schedule for So-Cal Corgi Nation meet-up days.
Conclusion
If your dog is your favorite travel buddy, you know that there are some things you can't do when you go on an adventure with them. Although dogs like playing on the sandy shores and water, they aren't always allowed at public beaches.
However, you can still take your dog with you, despite the rules, but you'll need to plan. You can start by exploring the best beachside rest stops (as well as the most picturesque dog-friendly campgrounds) during your next California road journey.
