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

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West Coast East Coast South Midwest/Great Lakes

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.

Top 12 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the US

West Coast

1. Double Bluff Beach, Washington

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

️ ?️ 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

️ ?️ 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

️ ?️ 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

East Coast

5. 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

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

️ ?️ 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

South

8. Jupiter Dog-Friendly Beach, Florida

️ ?️ 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

️ ?️ 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

️ ?️ 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

Midwest/Great Lakes

11. Kirk Park Beach, Michigan

️ ?️ 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

️ ?️ 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

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