Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

12 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the US (2026 Update)

Share

bluetick coonhound dog lying at the beach

Going to the beach with your dog is an excellent way to provide an enriching outing for them. Dogs can run around in the sand, cool off in the water, or just sunbathe next to you. When visiting a beach, it’s important to check to ensure it allows dogs. Not all beaches are dog-friendly and won’t allow dogs, even if they’re leashed.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the United States. All these beaches welcome leashed dogs, and some of them even let them play off-leash.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Top 12 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the US

West Coast

1. Double Bluff Beach, Washington

Double Bluff Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @arlo.wondermutt
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍6378 S Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, WA
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Dogs must be leashed before entering and leaving the beach area
  • Has a dog wash station on site
  • Parking is limited, and it can be difficult to find free parking

2. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Image By: Instagram @lifewith.remy
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍2864 S Pacific St, Cannon Beach, OR
🕐 Open Times: 24/7
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Dogs must be leashed if they’re not trained under voice control
  • Make sure to bring fresh water and waste bags with you
  • Cannon Beach is a very dog-friendly town

3. Huntington Dog Beach, California

Huntington Dog Beach, California
Image By: Instagram @huntingtondogbeach
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Has two parking lots nearby that charge $2 per hour
  • Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the beach
  • The beach isn’t fenced and isn’t recommended for dogs that don’t have good recall
  • The beach can be reserved and closed for weddings and other special events

4. Carmel Beach, California

Carmel Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @tiberius2021
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean Ave & Scenic Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Dogs are allowed to be unleashed but must remain under voice control
  • Make sure to leash your dog before entering and leaving the beach
  • Don’t use the bluffs as a shortcut to the beach because this will cause damage
  • Fire pits are allowed until 10:00 PM

dogster paw divider

East Coast

5. Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts

Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts
Image Credit: Instagram @littlebrowndoggg
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍Province Lands Rd, Provincetown, MA
🕐 Open Times: Year-round from 6:00 AM–12:00 AM
💲 Cost: $15–$25
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
  • Beach is located along the Province Lands Bicycle Trail
  • Has gentler waves and is a popular place to watch sunsets
  • Protected birds nest at this beach, so be mindful of pet signs
  • Annual park passes are available if you’re planning multiple visits

6. Block Island Mansion Beach, Rhode Island

Block Island Mansion Beach, Rhode Island
Image Credit: Instagram @dogsofblockisland
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍1701 Mansion Rd, New Shoreham, RI
🕐 Open Times: Year-round, from sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
  • Secluded and quiet beach with big waves
  • Has a parking lot, but it’s easier to access by bike or foot
  • Admission and parking are both free

7. Wildwood Dog Park & Beach, New Jersey

Wildwood Dog Park & Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @wwdogpark
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍3000 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
🕐 Open Times: Year-round, from sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
  • Has on-site water stations and clean-up bags
  • Dogs must be leashed when walking on the beach
  • Park has a lot of climbing and play equipment for dogs

dogster paw divider

South

8. Jupiter Dog-Friendly Beach, Florida

Jupiter Dog-Friendly Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @palmbeachesfl
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍48 Ocean Blvd, Jupiter, FL
🕐 Open Times: Year-round, from sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Dog-friendly area is 2.5 miles long and is located between beach markers #26 to #57
  • Check water conditions daily for sea life and jellyfish
  • Dogs must remain leashed while walking from the car to the beach
  • Dog waste bags are located at every crossover

9. Fort De Soto Dog Park & Beach, Florida

Fort De Soto Dog Park & Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @colt_rein
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL
🕐 Open Times: Year-round 7:00 AM–Sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Dog beach area entrance is located in the southwest corner of the dog park
  • Entrance is free, but there is a $5 vehicle parking fee
  • Has on-site water stations
  • Dogs must be leashed when walking through county parks and aren’t allowed on boardwalks or observation towers.

10. Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @its.truffles
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍N Loop Trail, Jekyll Island, GA
🕐 Open Times: Year-round 24/7
💲 Cost: $8 daily fee
🐕 Off-leash allowed? No
  • Beach is open 24/7, but make sure to check tide charts before visiting
  • Best time to visit is during an outgoing tide or at low tide
  • Has a lot of driftwood for dogs to explore and snoop around
  • Has a lot of scenic areas and good photo-taking opportunities

dogster paw divider

Midwest/Great Lakes

11.  Kirk Park Beach, Michigan

Kirk Park Beach
Image Credit: Instagram @chicitybears2
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive, MI
🕐 Open Times: March 1–October 15: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; October 16–February 28: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes, in the south end of the beach
  • Requires motor vehicle parking fees from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
  • Dogs are allowed off-leash on north end of the beach from October 1–April 30
  • Dogs aren’t allowed on playground areas and off-trails and in park buildings or restrooms
  • Dog leashes can’t be longer than 10 feet in on-leash zones

12. Montrose Dog Beach, Illinois

Montrose Dog Beach
Photo Credit: Instagram @dzikabrand
️ 🗺️ Address: 📍4697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, IL
🕐 Open Times: Year-round, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed? Yes
  • Requires a Chicago Dog-Friendly Area (DFA) tag for entry
  • Paid parking lot and street parking available
  • Can get very crowded during the peak season in the summer
  • Beach is fenced, but dogs can escape the area depending on water levels and sand buildup

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Conclusion

There are tons of fun beaches across the US that you and your dog can visit. Just keep in mind that each beach has its own unique set of rules, and some require registrations or entry fees. So, make sure to check a beach’s rules and regulations ahead of time so that you arrive prepared and are able to enter the beach without any issues.


Featured Image Credit: mark__graham, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Dogster's Digital Magazine is Back!​

Dogster Magazine Cover June 2026

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real dog stories & community features

The Organization Helping Pets Feel Safer, Happier, and ‘Fear Free’ – Heroes of the Pet World

For many pet owners, stress during veterinary visits, grooming appointments, travel, or even routine handling can feel like an unavoidable part of life...

Why Some Dogs Treat Mealtime Like Playtime – And When to Pay Attention

Most dogs are reliable eaters. Bowl goes down, food disappears. So when a dog starts batting kibble across the kitchen floor, tossing pieces...

Major Win for Dogs: Ontario Becomes the Final Province to Ban Ear Cropping and Debarking

​​Ontario has approved new animal welfare regulations that will prohibit elective ear cropping and devocalization (debarking) procedures in dogs from January 1, 2027....

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Most Adorable Puppy (June 8, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

More related

10 Great Valentine’s Gifts for Dogs in 2026

Valentine’s Day is a big deal in the United States, with people planning on spending nearly $26 billion in 2024. While a significant...

Why Does My Cat Hate My Dog? Possible Reasons & Vet-Approved Tips

Cats and dogs can get along well. They can live in the same house, share the same spaces, and even form close bonds....

Pupsentials Custom Embroidered Pet Portrait Sweatshirt Review 2026: The Best Heartfelt Gift for Animal Lovers

When it comes to celebrating the important people and animals in your life, custom gifts are some of the best ones you can...

Redesigning Dog Parks: A New Way for Pups to Play

We all know our dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family. We celebrate their birthdays, spoil them with toys and treats, arrange play dates,...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Brownies? Vet-Approved Facts, Risks & FAQ

Brownies have long been an American favorite for those who love sweets. They are gooey, sweet, and filled with chocolaty heaven. For dog owners, we’re sure there has been a time when your dog stared at you longingly because they...

Can Dogs Eat Brownies

6 Best Dog Foods for Firm Stools in 2026 – Reviews and Top Picks

Does your dog have recurring cases of mild gut upsets? Or are their stools always a bit on the loose side, and you would like them a bit firmer? Sometimes, a change in diet can help with either of these...

Shiba Inu dog eating from stainless steel bowl

Can Dogs Eat Ginger? Vet-Verified Benefits, Risks & FAQ

Ginger has long been used for everything from cooking and flavoring to being added to medicines. The benefits of ginger have been documented and proven effective for humans, but what about dogs? Ginger is also considered beneficial for dogs and...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger

Can Dogs Eat Wasabi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Wasabi is known for its strong, spicy flavor and is enjoyed for its powerful kick. Typically served as a paste, wasabi comes from the underground stem of the wasabi plant (Eutrema japonicum), which is often referred to as Japanese horseradish...

Can Dogs Eat Wasabi

Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

When you’re sitting at the kitchen table, it’s a common sight to have your dog giving you puppy eyes, begging for food. But just because they want something doesn’t mean you should give it to them. That’s the case with...

Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese

Can Dogs Eat Artichokes? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Artichokes are large thistle-like perennials grown for their edible flower buds. Their leaves, stems, and roots are often used to make extracts for medicines, but the plant can also be used in recipes like dips and side dishes. The plant...

Can Dogs Eat Artichokes

Can Dogs Eat Gummy Worms? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives

We take our dogs with us wherever we go, spoil them on holidays, and consider them part of our family. So, it makes sense if you’d like to share your favorite activities and snacks with them, too. But what if...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Gummy Worms

True Chews Dog Treats Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls & FAQ

Review Summary True Chews dog treats are part of the Blue Buffalo line (though they weren’t always) and can be located in most pet stores and online, so you may be familiar with them. The brand offers a fairly good...

Dogster_True Chews Dog Treats Review

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter