Where Tails Wag in LA: The Best Dog Beaches in Los Angeles

Los Angeles isn’t known for its plentiful dog beaches. Unlike the East Coast and its abundance of excellent options, Los Angeles has limited pet-friendly options for its dog-loving population. While California is known for its breathtaking beaches, for LA dog owners and visitors, finding dog beaches near Los Angeles can be a trick. But we’re here to help! If you’re taking your pup for a visit or are a resident, this guide will help you find a welcoming dog beach.

Let’s jump in! 

Can You Take Your Dog to the Beach In Los Angeles?

Los Angeles tends to be very dog-friendly and you can take your pup to some beaches in and near the city. Many beaches are pet-friendly or offer designated areas for dogs to play. Popular spots like Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach and Huntington Dog Beach are among the favorites. 

Specific regulations and guidelines vary from beach to beach, including leash requirements and hours. Be sure to follow the rules to avoid fines, as most beaches are patrolled. As long as you ensure your dog is well-behaved, clean up after it, and respect beach policies you’re bound to have a pawsome time. You might even see some dolphins or whales out playing in the water. 

The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Los Angeles

The best dog beaches near Los Angeles include sand, surf, and some unique rocky shorelines too. You have plenty of options to choose from. If you’re in the area for several days, try a new beach from our list every day to find the one your pup likes the best. 

Remember, keep an eye on your dog while at the beach, and always bring fresh water. Dogs are prone to saltwater poisoning. So, make sure your fur baby isn’t drinking the Pacific Ocean. Also, always pick up after your dog and help keep these beautiful California beaches clean and pet-friendly. Please bring your own poop bags even if dispensers are available on-site, it saves a lot of money for the volunteers who often keep dispensers full.  

Suggested Reading: Pack our favorite beach accessories for dogs.

Rosie’s Dog Beach

Nestled in Los Angeles County sits a wonderful stretch of beach called Rosie’s Dog Beach. Located in the heart of the upscale neighborhood of Belmont Shores, this beach wins our vote for one of the best dog beaches in Los Angeles, well, mostly because it’s one of the only ones.

Rosie’s Dog Beach is in Long Beach just south of downtown Los Angeles, providing 4 acres of wonderful ocean waterfront just for dogs. Since this beach does not have any dedicated fencing or zoning, the end of the beach may be hard to spot. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the Dog Zone from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. But they need to be leashed on the way to the zone and outside of it. Sometimes poop bags are available in the dispenser near the trash cans, but bring your own bags just in case.

Address: 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 (The dog beach is between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue.)

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is about 10 miles south of Rosie’s Dog Beach on the Pacific Coast. It’s an off-leash optional 1.5-mile stretch of beach. However, dogs must be on a leash until their paws hit the sand. You’ll find approximately 22 doggy bag dispensers on the bike path between the Pier and Seapoint. 

Address: Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street 

White Point Beach

White Point Beach is a beautiful rocky shoreline with a bluff in southern Los Angeles. It’s not a swimming beach, but popular among scuba divers at high tide and for walking the tide pools at low tide. Dogs are allowed on the beach but must remain on a leash.

Address: 1799 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732

Oil Piers Beach

Oil Piers Beach is north of Los Angeles in Ventura. It’s a long stretch of shoreline in which leashed dogs can play. This a great place to escape busy Los Angeles, as it’s typically less crowded.

Address: Pacific Coast Hwy and Mobil Pier Rd, Ventura, CA, US, 93001

Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach is about 20 miles south of Oil Piers Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. daily. The beach has an amazing view of the Channel Islands. 

Address: 100 Ocean Dr, Oxnard, CA, US, 93035

Point Mugu State Park 

Point Mugu State Park is a popular place to RV or tent camp right on the sandy beach with the Santa Monica Mountains behind. Leashed dogs are allowed at Point Mugu while camping or in the day-use areas. However, pets aren’t permitted on backcountry trails or dirt roads in the park.

Address: 9000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, US, 90263

Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park is just south of Point Mugu State Park and north of downtown Malibu. Dogs are only allowed on the North Beach, which is north of Lifeguard Tower 3. They’re also permitted in the day-use areas and campgrounds. Leashes are required. 

Address: 35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, US, 90265

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is one of the most fun coastal towns just south of downtown Los Angeles. However, it can be extremely busy so be sure to obey the rules and make sure your dog is comfortable among the crowds. Leashed dogs are allowed before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. on oceanfront beaches. 

Address: 3201 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA, US, 92663

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Corona Del Mar State Beach has beautiful cliffs cascading onto the sand and into the ocean. The dog-friendly beach is south of Los Angeles and about 7 miles north of Laguna Beach, California. The half-mile-long beach allows leashed dogs before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

Address: 3001 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach, CA, US, 92625

Shaws Cove

Shaws Cove is a secluded section of beach in the famous Laguna Beach. Dogs are allowed on leashes between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from mid-June to mid-September, and between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the rest of the year. Be sure to double-check the signs and rules, as the times may change. 

Address: Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA, US, 92651

Where Else Can You Take Your Dog in Los Angeles? 

Being a fairly dog-friendly city, Los Angeles makes it easy to take your pet along to a lot of places. You’ll find dog parks throughout the metropolitan area. We like to use BringFido.com to find parks, tourist attractions, hiking trails, stores, and more that allow us to take our dogs. For example, attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and boardwalk are dog-friendly even though the beaches around it are not.

Many restaurants with outdoor seating in California allow dogs on a leash. Follow Popeye the Foodie for recommendations all over the greater Los Angeles area.

Remember Proper Etiquette on a Dog-Friendly Beach

Remember to have fun on the beach with your dog and observe proper etiquette. Do as the rules say and pick up after your fur baby. Also, keep your dog a respectable distance away from other humans and dogs unless there’s a mutually agreed upon meet and greet. Some people on the beach may not want to be close to your dog. We also recommend practicing the “ask to pet” rule when approaching other dogs and their owners. Even as dog owners, we never assume someone wants us to pet their dog or that it’s comfortable with strangers.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach With Your Dog

A day at a dog beach near Los Angeles or anywhere is bound to bring you smiles. It’s a great opportunity for you and your pup to get some exercise and breathe in the ocean air. Enjoy whatever time you can get by the water! 

What’s your favorite dog beach in Los Angeles? Leave a comment below.