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Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

Australian Kelpie black with tan dog at the beach

If you’re looking to enjoy a day at the beach in Los Angeles, you’ll find miles of public shore access that’s just a quick drive or public transit ride away. However, dog owners who want their pets to join them will have limited options. Many of the beaches nearby don’t allow even leashed canines. Fortunately, as long as you have access to a car, beach access is an easy (traffic-dependent) drive from most parts of the city. Here are the top dog-friendly beaches in and around Los Angeles.

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The Top 7 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles

1. Leo Carrillo State Beach

️Address: 35000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Times: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: $12/day parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Located in Malibu, just up the coast from LA
  • Follow posted signs, as dogs are not allowed in all areas
  • Showers, camp store, restrooms, and campground available
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • A popular spot for surfing, windsurfing, and exploring the unique landscape of tide pools and caves

2. Staircase Beach

️Address: 40000 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Times: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: $12/day parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • A remote beach located just north of Leo Carillo
  • Narrow, rocky path to reach the shoreline
  • No restrooms, trash cans, or water at this beach
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • A popular spot for surfing
  • Google Maps directs you to the parking lot

3. Sycamore Cove Beach

️Address: 9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Open Times: 8 a.m. to sunset
Cost: $12/day parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Day-use beach located in Point Mugu State Park
  • Picnic tables, restrooms, grills, and trash cans available
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • Dog-friendly campground also located in the park
  • Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails

4. Granada Beach

️Address: 5100 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Open Times: 1 hour before sunrise to 10 p.m.
Cost: $2/hour parking
Off-Leash: Yes, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in designated locations
  • Small dog beach just south of Los Angeles
  • Parking, restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags available
  • Look for cones marking the off-leash areas
  • Volleyball courts and a bike path also located at this beach
  • Beach often hosts volleyball tournaments and other special events

5. Rosie’s Dog Beach

Address: 5000 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Open Times: 1 hour before sunrise to 10 p.m.
Cost: $2/hour parking
Off-Leash: Yes, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • LA County’s official and largest off-leash dog beach
  • Parking, restrooms, trash cans, and limited waste bags available
  • Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
  • Shared beach space, so be respectful of other beachgoers
  • Dogs are not allowed outside of posted hours

6. Huntington Dog Beach

️Address: 100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Open Times: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Cost: $2/hour parking
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Located in Orange County, about 1 hour south of L.A.
  • Parking, restrooms, trash cans, picnic tables, and water available
  • Keep dogs on leash until reaching the beach
  • Don’t leave used waste bags behind

7. Del Mar Dog Beach

️Address: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Open Times: 24 hours; dog-friendly hours vary by season and location
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, with seasonal and location restrictions
  • Located about 2 hours south of Los Angeles, so best for weekend trips
  • Dogs allowed on all beaches, with hourly and seasonal restrictions
  • Mainly street parking, usually free
  • No leashes longer than 6 feet
  • Bring your own waste bags

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Conclusion

Before any trip to the beach near Los Angeles, be prepared to keep your pup cool and hydrated. Pack water for drinking and rinsing your dog, along with shade, doggy sunscreen, and waste bags. Always keep your dog under control, pick up after them, and follow all posted regulations. With so few dog-friendly beaches close to Los Angeles, the last thing that you want to do is let your pup be a nuisance!

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Featured Image Credit: K.A.Willis, Shutterstock

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