Are Dogs Allowed on Santa Monica Beach? 2026 Guide & Tips

If you live near the water or if you’re visiting the area, it’s only natural to want to bring your dog to the beach. But if you’re in Santa Monica, you cannot bring your dog to the beach.

But just because you can’t bring your dog to Santa Monica beach doesn’t mean you can’t take your dog to any beach in the area. We’ve highlighted a few different beach options where you can take your dog and what you should do when you decide to take your dog to splash around in some salty water!

Are Dogs Allowed on Santa Monica Beach?

Not only are dogs not allowed on the beach at Santa Monica State Beach, but they’re not allowed at any beaches in Santa Monica. This means if you’re in Santa Monica proper, you cannot take any pets to the beach, including your dogs.

However, you can take your dogs to the local piers, boardwalks, and other areas around the beach. But if you really want to take your dog to the beach, there are a few pet-friendly ones just a short drive away in the Los Angeles area.

The 4 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Santa Monica Beach

If you’re looking to take Fido to the beach and you don’t mind driving a little bit, there are a few beaches near Santa Monica where you can take your dog. We’ve highlighted four of the most popular pet-friendly beaches in the area below.

1. Huntington Dog Beach

If you want plenty of space for your dog to run, Huntington Dog Beach is one of the best options around. It’s an extremely large beach, and it’s leash optional once you’re on the sand. Just keep your pooch leashed in the parking lot and on the bluff, and only let them off-leash if they have reliable recall, since the beach isn’t fenced.

2. Rosie’s Dog Beach

Rosie’s dog beach is a part of Granada beach, and it’s a specific area where you can let your dogs off-leash. It’s an extremely popular location that hosts multiple events throughout the year, so expect a bit of a crowd if this is the dog beach you pick.

3. Leo Carrillo State Beach

While you can’t take pets everywhere at Leo Carrillo State Beach, they do have a pet-friendly section on the North Beach. However, unlike many pet-friendly dog beaches that let you keep your dog off-leash, at Leo Carrillo State Beach, you should keep them on a 6-foot leash.

4. Point Fermin Park

Unlike the other spots on our list, Point Fermin Park is a clifftop park, and dogs aren’t allowed on the rocky beach below. Still, the bluff-top paths and ocean views make it a lovely place to explore with your dog. But just like Leo Carrillo State Beach, you should keep your dog on a 6-foot leash while you’re visiting.

The 5 Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

If you decide to spend a day at the beach with your dog, there are a few things you should do to ensure you, your pup, and everyone around you has a good time. We’ve highlighted five tips you should follow for you here:

1. Bring Plenty of Water

When you’re on the beach it can involve a lot of time sitting out in the sun. You need to hydrate, and so does your dog. Bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl for them to use. Otherwise, you might need to cut your beach day short.

2. Clean Up After Them

Nobody wants to deal with a bunch of dog waste on the beach. You brought your dog, and it’s your job to clean up after them right away. Don’t let it sit, and don’t wait for someone to call you out on it. Just clean it up!

3. Watch Them

If you go to a beach where you can take your dog off-leash, you always need to keep an eye on your dog. Even if they’re not on a leash, you need to be able to control them. Whether it’s keeping them safe in the ocean or keeping them away from other dogs, keep an eye on your pooch.

4. Look Out for Hot Sand

Chances are you’re wearing flip-flops or some other type of beach shoes when you go to the beach. Your dog doesn’t have this luxury. If the sand is hot on your feet, it’s also hot on their paws. If the sand is simply too hot, it might not be the best beach day for your dog.

5. Watch Out for Jellyfish

We know to look out for jellyfish and other types of marine life. Your dog likely doesn’t already know this. Chances are they’ll be curious when they see one, and they’ll want to go and investigate. Teach them to stay away so they don’t end up getting hurt.

Final Thoughts

While you can’t take your dog to a beach in Santa Monica, there are plenty of other beaches where you can take your dog and feel welcome. A beach day with your pup can be a ton of fun, so don’t be afraid to try out a new beach where you can take them!

See also:

• Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carlsbad, CA

• Are Dogs Allowed on Miramar Beach?

Featured Image Credit: Viviana Rishe, Unsplash