Unleash the Fun! | Discovering the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Around Los Angeles

Ready to get outdoors with your pup? But where are dogs allowed on the beach in Los Angeles? No worries! We’ve got a list of the top beaches to take your sweet pup in L.A.

Which Beaches in Los Angeles Allow Dogs?

Are you tired of spending all your time indoors? I’m sure your crazy canine is too. Dogs love being in the great outdoors—getting exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. They crave it! So why not carve out a little time in your weekly schedule for a doggy beach day?

But wait a second… are dogs even allowed on the beaches in Los Angeles? The answer is yes! But before you take your dog to just any old beach, keep in mind that specific beaches in L.A. are dog-friendly—not all of them. And some of the dog-friendly ones will even let your well-behaved dog run around off-leash. But it may be during certain times of day, or on a certain section of the beach. 

Also, as with any dog-friendly public space, please make sure that your pup is well-behaved, listens to your voice, and doesn't struggle with aggression toward other dogs or humans. In addition to that, please always clean up after your pup! No one wants the beach covered in doggy landmines. 

7 Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

Before we jump into the best dog-friendly beaches in Los Angeles, let’s talk about some easy tips you’ll want to know for a fun and safe day at the beach with your furry best friend. 

1. Bring poop bags 

Like I mentioned above, you should always clean up after your pup. Not only is it gross, smelly, and something you don’t want to step in, it’s harmful too. The Associated Veterinary Medical Center tells us that dog poop is a pollutant, and things like bacteria, intestinal parasites, and parvovirus can be found in dog poop, and is easily transmitted from one dog to another. 

2. Bring a leash & harness 

Some dog-friendly beaches require your dog to remain on-leash. The standard rule of thumb for dog leashes is that it’s no longer than 6 feet—to help maintain control of your pup. For an easy-to-use, retractable leash, try out the “Spleash.” You can attach your favorite leash, or purchase a “Spleash” with a leash included. 

And a comfortable Y-shaped harness can give you a little extra control… in case your dog gets a little too excited around the other dogs. And don’t forget—even if the beach allows your pup to be off-leash, they’ll need to be on-leash to and from your car. 

3. Keep your dog hydrated 

Dehydration is a serious and real thing for dogs, just like it is with humans. And keep in mind that dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as we can. So running around in the hot sun can become a problem without plenty of cold, clean drinking water. 

Even though you’re at the beach, it may have a saltwater source, or the water there just isn’t very clean. Try bringing your “Spleash” with you. It can carry up to 12 oz. of fresh drinking water, and even has its own dog water bowl built in! Perfect for keeping your pup hydrated on a walk or a day at the beach.  

4. Watch out for the signs of heat stroke in a dog 

Signs of heat stroke in a dog can be dangerous, and very common in the hot summer weather. They include: excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, lethargy, stumbling, seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Immediately get your dog’s body wet, get them into the shade, and give them plenty of cold, clean drinking water. And always contact your veterinarian for additional advice. 

5. Consider using dog sunscreen 

Yes, dogs can get a sunburn too. And they are even susceptible to skin cancer. So make sure to check out some dog-friendly sunscreens for those skin exposed areas like their nose, ears, bellies, paws, and anywhere else needed. 

6. Check the heat of the sand 

Ever heard of the 7 second rule? Anytime the ground may be too hot for your dog to walk on, place the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. 

7. Watch for signs of aggression in dogs

Always be aware of your dog’s emotions, surroundings, and what signals they are trying to send you. Even if you have the sweetest, most gentle canine ever… any dog can feel threatened, scared, and react in a negative way. And most of the time, they will try to signal you first. So make sure to do everyone a favor, and keep close attention to your dog. 

And remember, another dog may not be socialized enough and could become aggressive toward you and your pup. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your “Spleash” on hand at all times. This device can shoot out a stream of water up to 14 feet. And this could help scare away any dog that is being aggressive.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches & Off-Leash Beaches In and Around Los Angeles

Now onto the fun stuff! Here’s a list of the dog-friendliest beaches you can find in Los Angeles, CA. 

Del Mar Dog Beach

Del Mar Beach is a very popular dog beach, but it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours away from downtown Los Angeles. The North side of this beach—also known as “The Dog Beach”—allows dogs to be off-leash from 29th Street to Powerhouse Park. However, they do require dogs to be on-leash from June 16th through Labor Day because of the increased number of canine and human visitors during that time. 

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is only about a half an hour south of Long Beach, and is often referred to as “Dog Beach.” It’s a 1.5 mile section of the beach, and is right near Top Dog Barkery. So you may as well take a pit stop there to pick up a special treat for your special furbaby. Just keep in mind that this dog beach does require dogs to be on leash. 

Rosie’s Dog Beach

This designated dog area at Granada Beach is in Long Beach, is 4-acres in size, and actually offers off-leash hours for your pup to roam free from 6 am - 8pm. Just keep in mind that it’s not fenced-in, so your dog must be good with voice control if you let them off-leash. This area is between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues along Ocean Boulevard, and is often marked off by cones. 

Dog Beach at Leo Carrillo State Park

The Dog Beach at Leo Carrillo State Park is about 30 minutes northwest of Santa Monica, and about 1 hour 30 minutes west of Los Angeles. This beautiful, rocky beach is often known for its surfing, swimming, hiking, and tide pools. But it is also a dog-friendly beach where pups are allowed to walk and play with you on-leash, as long as they stay west of lifeguard tower 3 and stay out of the tide pools. 

Point Fermin Park

Point Fermin Park is a dog-friendly beach at the end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula that allows leashed dogs to visit, run, splash, and play! Or you can walk your dog along the bluff on West Paseo Del Mar and enjoy the beautiful beach views with the lighthouse in the background. Just make sure you don’t take your pup down to the beach below Point Fermin—dogs aren’t allowed here. 

Dog-Friendly Los Angeles

With this many dog-friendly outdoor places in and around Los Angeles, CA—it’s obvious to see just how much these Californians love their dogs! So now it’s time for you to join them. Whether you’re just visiting LA, or you live here, make a little extra time to take your sweet pup out for a doggy beach day. 

For more articles and blogs about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the blog at Spleash.com. 

Written by Victoria Arnold