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.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Clemente, CA (With Pictures)

two Happy welsh corgi pembroke dogs at a beach

San Clemente, California, is a beach destination ideal for all types of travelers. The sun, sand, and surf make it an enjoyable place to spend the day or weekend with family or friends. What’s even better is that San Clemente and the surrounding area have some of the best pet-friendly beaches in the Golden State!

Here are our top 10 picks of dog-friendly beaches in and near San Clemente, California.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Clemente, California

1. San Clemente State Beach

️Address: 📍225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
Open Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • This beach has a large grassy area for picnicking or playing Frisbee
  • Beautiful views of the San Clemente Pier and the surrounding coastline
  • The beach is great for swimming, surfing, fishing, and more
  • Cabanas are available for rent
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

2. Cress Street Beach

️Address: 📍Cress St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Open Times: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • The waves are great for surfing or boogie-boarding
  • Small grass area, perfect for picnicking
  • The beach is lined with palm trees and other coastal vegetation
  • A few beach chairs are dotted along the sand
  • No dogs allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 10
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

3. San Onofre State Beach

️Address: 📍28200 Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
Open Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $15 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • This beach has a large grassy area for picnicking or playing Frisbee
  • The beaches that are dog-friendly include Beach 1 and Beach 6
  • Beautiful views of the San Onofre Bluffs and the surrounding coastline
  • The beach is great for swimming, surfing, fishing, and more
  • Camping is available in designated areas of this state park
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

4. Capistrano Beach

️Address: 📍Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, CA 92624
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A 10-minute drive from San Clemente
  • From June 15 to September 10, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for rent
  • The beach has a concession stand with snacks and drinks
  • Some areas are occasionally closed due to climate damage or erosion
  • Dogs must remain on a leash, and owners must clean up after their pets

5. Doheny State Beach

️Address: 📍25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: $15 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • A 15-minute drive from San Clemente
  • Beautiful views of the harbor and marina
  • Several areas are designated for surfing, fishing, and swimming
  • The boardwalk is great for taking a leisurely stroll with your pup
  • A concession stand is located near the entrance of the beach so you can grab snacks on the go
  • Amenities include restrooms, showers, and BBQ grills
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

6. Aliso Beach Park

️Address: 📍31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A 20-minute drive from San Clemente
  • Dogs are not permitted on the beaches between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from June 15 to September 10
  • This beach is packed with amenities, such as restrooms, showers, BBQ pits, and picnic tables
  • The beach offers beautiful views of the ocean and is great for swimming or building sandcastles
  • Several areas are designated for surfing, fishing, and bodyboarding
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

7. Huntington Dog Beach

 Address: 📍Huntington Beach, 20211, Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but in designated areas only
  • A 45-minute drive from San Clemente
  • One of the only off-leash dog beaches in the area
  • An ideal beach for pups to play off-leash with other dogs
  • Beautiful views of the Huntington Beach pier and the surrounding coastline
  • Concession stands are available for snacks on the go
  • Dogs must be leashed when not in the off-leash areas, and owners must clean up after their pets

8. San Elijo State Beach

 Address: 📍2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A 45-minute drive from San Clemente
  • This beach has a large grassy area for picnicking or playing Frisbee
  • Beautiful views of the nearby surf spots and cliffs
  • The beach is great for swimming, surfing, fishing, and more
  • Several areas are designated for camping in the sand dunes
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets

9. Coronado Dog Beach

️Address: 📍Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but in designated areas only
  • A 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from San Clemente
  • Great off-leash beach and dog park
  • This beach is great for swimming or playing with your pup
  • Sand is soft and perfect for lounging on a sunny day
  • Beautiful views of the Coronado Bay and San Diego skyline
  • Several areas are designated for picnicking, fishing, and surfing
  • Concession stand is available for snacks
  • Dogs must be leashed when not in the off-leash areas, and owners must clean up after their pets

10. Dog Beach San Diego

 Address: 📍San Diego, CA 92109
Open Times: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but in designated areas only
  • A 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from San Clemente
  • Great off-leash dog beach
  • Sand is soft and perfect for lying out on a sunny day
  • Beautiful views of the San Diego skyline and surrounding coastline
  • Concession stand is available for snacks
  • Nearby parking lot makes it easy to access from the main road
  • Dogs must be leashed when not in the off-leash areas, and owners must clean up after their pets

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Conclusion

There are a plethora of dog-friendly beaches in and near San Clemente, California, for you and your pup to enjoy! Whether you’re specifically looking for surf and sand or just somewhere to walk your dog, there’s a place out there that’s perfect for both of you. From San Onofre Bluffs to Cardiff State Beach and everything in between, explore the beauty that these diverse beaches have to offer, and make fur-tastic memories with your canine best friend!

Happy exploring!


Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, 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.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Is It True That Australian Shepherds Like to Cuddle? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

As a dog owner, the idea of cuddling with our pets throughout the day is one of the most appealing aspects of bringing...

Dog Skin Discoloration: Vet-Reviewed Causes & Treatment

Many of us don’t regularly see the majority of our dog’s skin because of their fur coat. You may get a glimpse at...

How to Check Your Dog’s Vital Signs At Home: 5 Vet-Reviewed Steps

As dog owners, we want to ensure our pet is kept healthy and happy under our care. If you want to keep your...

10 Best Dog Training Collars in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Making sure our dogs are properly trained and socialized is one of our most significant responsibilities as pet owners. While experts generally recommend...

More related

9 Best Calming Dog Beds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Some dogs are rescued from bad backgrounds while others have always lived a life of luxury, and both types of pets can develop...

150 Popular & Unique Basenji Names (With Meanings)

The Basenji is most commonly known as the barkless dog, but there is so much more to this incredible breed. Originally bred to...

How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Shed? 5 Possible Reasons (Vet Reviewed)

The Tibetan Mastiff has a thick double coat that is soft and cuddly to the touch and requires little to moderate grooming most...

Can You Marry a Dog? Unusual Facts Explained

Legally speaking, marrying a dog is not recognized in any country. Generally, this is because marriage must occur between two consenting individuals. Who...

Keep reading

6 Best Dog Foods For Pugs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

One of the oldest and most popular dog breeds, the wrinkled face and curly tail of the Pug are adored worldwide. With their charming personalities and adorable looks (is there anything cuter than a Pug puppy? We think not!), Pugs...

Hungry pug dog with food bowl ready to eat

Can Dogs Eat Pringles? Vet-Approved Health Facts & FAQ

Having a dog in the house makes it hard to snack in peace. Whether you’re having a healthy bite or indulging in one of your favorite junk foods, like Pringles, it’s not uncommon to have big doggie eyes begging for...

Can Dogs Eat_pringles

The Farmer’s Dog vs Just Food For Dogs: 2026 Comparison, Pros & Cons

When you make the jump from kibble to fresh food, the number of choices can be astounding. With so many companies offering fresh food options, it can be hard to decide where to go. The Farmer’s Dog and Just Food...

Dogster_Dog Food The Farmer_s Dog VS Just Food

Can Adult Dogs Eat Puppy Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

We all know that there is puppy food and adult dog food. If you are the proud owner of a new puppy, congratulations! But if you already have an adult dog in the home, you know that there’s potentially going...

Can Adult Dogs Eat Puppy Food

10 Best Dog Foods for Rottweilers in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Rottweilers may look big and intimidating, but these dogs are gentle giants that are often misunderstood. If you haven’t met this breed before, then you don’t realize how sweet they really are. Aside from their kind temperance, they are most...

Rottweiler puppies eating from a bowl

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review 2026: Pros & Cons and Recalls

Review Summary Purina has been one of the top producers in the pet food industry for over 90 years and has been a trusted brand for just as long. Since it has such a large variety of brands and recipes,...

Dogster_Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review

10 Best Legume-Free Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Food sensitivities can make shopping for dog food difficult, especially if your dog is allergic to common ingredients like legumes. While there are benefits to adding legumes to your dog’s diet, there are several reasons that you might prefer to...

dog eating from bowl in kitchen

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? 5 Common Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It isn’t odd for dogs to eat cat poop, though the behavior may be quite disgusting in our minds. There are many reasons for this behavior. Most of them are harmless — it’s just something that dogs do. However, there...

Austrian black and tan hound dog eating the grass