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

dog sitting on the beach

Image Crerdit: Olesya Kuprina, Shutterstock

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Dogster Team

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 surrounding 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.

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The Top 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

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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: Olesya Kuprina, Shutterstock

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About the Author

Nicole Cosgrove

Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.

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