Top 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go
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.
The Top 6 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. 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
5. 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
6. 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
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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Elizabeth Gray is a lifelong lover of all animals great and small. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge (literally--she has scars) with the readers. Elizabeth lives in Iowa with her family, including her two furry kids, Linnard, a husky mix and Algernon, the worldʻs most patient cat. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.
