A beach designated as pet friendly does not mean dogs are allowed to romp in the waves and run the coastline freely. Vacation Pet Friendly has thousands of listings of pet friendly beaches. However, if beachgoers are hoping to let their dogs play without restraint, they need to know that these areas are referred to as “dog parks” or “off-leash beaches, ” and are limited in the U.S. Simply type in the city name you want to visit and find you will find the nearest dog beaches. Fortunately for pet owners, there are plenty of beaches where dogs have enjoyed running off-leash for so long, no one questions whether it is a pet friendly beach or a true off-leash dog beach. No matter what, it is always wise to bring a leash, just in case. Southern California takes the lead in dog beaches, with plenty dotting the coastline from San Francisco to San Diego. Florida also is home to many dog beaches
Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach, CA - Rosie’s Dog Beach is the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County. It is a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic Pool. The area runs 235 yards along the water and is 60 yards deep, totaling 2.9 acres for dogs to play. It also has a low, made-for-dogs water fountain on the beach. Only one dog per owner is allowed. Beachgoers may enter at the beachfront parking lot at Bennett Ave. or park on the street for free.
5000 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA Hours for dogs: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. dailyOcean Beach Dog Beach, San Diego, CA
This large happening dog beach is located in the northern section of Ocean Beach. It is San Diego’s original dog beach at which generations of dogs have splashed in its waves and romped in its sand for years. The beach offers a wide stretch of Southern California sand along the Pacific Ocean.
5059 Newport Ave. San Diego, CA (619) 236-5555This stretch of off-leash dog area in Coronado is at the most northern region of the public beach. It is makes for a great getaway with furry friends with its wide and sandy shores sprawling along the Pacific Ocean and the world-famous Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop. 101 Ocean Blvd. Coronado, CA 619-522-7342
Below are some of California’s cities where you will find dog beaches.
Albany
Aptos
Arcata
Avila Beach
Big Bear Lake
Big Sur
Bodega Bay
Bolinas
Bolinas
Capitola
Cardiff
Carmel
Carmel By the Sea
Carpinteria
Caspar
Cayucos
Cloverdale
Corona Del Mar
Coronado
Crescent City
Davenport
Del Mar
Del Mar
Ferndale
Fort Bragg
Fresno
Goleta
Paw Park South Brohard Beach, FL
Bonita Beach Dog Park, Bonita Springs, FL This is a large sandbar on the north shore of New Pass and one of the few beaches in the region where dogs are allowed. Visitors may enjoy the sunsets overlooking the Gulf of Mexico from this clean stretch of off-leash dog beach. As an added benefit, it neighbors Lovers Key State Park–known for its breathtaking scenery. There is plenty of free parking.
865 Bonita Springs, FL 239-707-1885 Hours: 24/7Below are some cities where you will find dog beaches in Florida.
With a mountainous backdrop, interesting large offshore rock formations, twisted pieces of driftwood and the roar of a restless surf, this beach is a true Oregon coastal experience. Dogs are allowed off leash, but must be remain under voice command.
Ocean Ave. Cannon Beach, OR 97110 (503) 436-2623Double Bluff Beach, Whidbey Island, WA South Whidbey Islander’s consider this off-leash dog beach its best-kept secret. Dogs enjoy its two miles of play area that even at high tide is hundreds of feet wide. For extra fun, the shoreline is dotted with driftwood that dogs love jumping. It offers easy beach access, seashell collecting and clamming. Beachgoers enjoy views of Mt. Rainier, the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Peninsula. The beach has a grassy picnic area with benches and restrooms. A dog-height drinking fountain also is provided to keep pets hydrated. To reach Double Bluff Beach, travelers should take SR 525 south on Double Bluff Road, which ends at the beach.
Double Bluff Road Whidbey Island, WashingtonFollowing are some of the cities you will find dog beaches in the Great Northwest.
Duck Beach, Outer Banks, NCThis beach is in the northern Outer Banks seaside town of Duck, North Carolina. Here dogs are allowed to play off leash throughout the year. The beach has an abundance of dunes and sand paths, making this a dramatic, beautiful setting. Dogs must wear ID tags at all times.
1200 Duck Rd. Duck, NC (252) 255-1234Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan, NJ This beach offers 55 acres of undeveloped seashore where dogs are welcome to play off leash. Locals call this “the dog beach” because it is the only one where canines are permitted year round. Dogs of all sizes are invited to play in the waves and run on the sand.
391 Third Ave. Manasquan, NJ 08736 (732) 922-4080Following are some of the cities you will find dog beaches on the East Coast.
