9 Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Malibu (2024)

Are you looking for dog friendly beaches in Malibu, California? I’m here to help! 

Malibu is renowned for its sandy beaches, surf culture, and luxurious celebrity mansions. This sunny city is a paradise for beach lovers, but how dog friendly are Malibu beaches?

I travel with my dog Theo all the time, and he absolutely loves beaches and swimming! Wherever we go together, I always look for the best beaches that allow dogs in the area. 

So, whether you are looking for the perfect spot to let your pup roam freely and enjoy the water or just want a nice spot to relax in the sun, the Malibu area has several beautiful beaches that cater to dogs.

Let’s look at the best dog friendly beaches Malibu has to offer!

🐾 Use Warren London Sunscreen Spray to protect your dog from harmful UV rays

Are Dogs Allowed On The Beaches In Malibu?

Contrary to what you might expect with a coastline like Malibu’s, dogs are not allowed on any public city beach. 

While Malibu is incredibly inviting for people, its city-run public beaches have strict restrictions preventing your four-legged friends from joining the fun. 

But don’t give up just yet! 

While city-run public beaches in Malibu are not dog-friendly, several state beaches are! Also, some private Malibu beaches can be dog friendly!

So you have options. You can still find plenty of opportunities to let your dog swim at Malibu’s sandy beaches! 

Beaches can fall under different jurisdictions, and in Malibu, different governing bodies oversee city and state beaches, respectively. This distinction is important because while the city is strict against dogs on their beaches, state-run beaches are more accommodating. 

Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Malibu

1. North Beach (Leo Carrillo State Park)

Leo Carrillo State Park is well known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. The park boasts over 1.5 miles of beaches, and some of them are dog friendly. 

The dog friendly section of the beach is known as the North Beach, situated north of Lifeguard Tower 3, about 25km from Malibu. It is easy to reach in 20-30 minutes following the Pacific Coast Highway.

North Beach is known for its scenic beauty, boasting tide pools, coastal caves, and a breathtaking backdrop of cliffs. Your dog will love running around in the sand and splashing in the water while you enjoy the scenery. 

Plus, there are picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your pup after a long day of play. 

Keep your dog on a leash and always clean up after them to ensure this beach remains clean and dog friendly.

Address: 35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Open: 8 AM to 10 PM, year-round

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Paid park parking or free on the shoulder of the highway

Entrance Fee: Free

2. Staircase Beach  (Leo Carrillo State Park)

Another dog friendly option located within Leo Carrillo State Park is Staircase Beach. It is technically the same beach as North Beach but has a separate entrance. It’s the northernmost part of the beach, too, which makes it feel more remote than others in the area! 

Despite its name, don’t expect to find any staircase here. Instead, you’ll have to go down a zig-zag dirt path from the entrance to the beach.

Staircase Beach offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city life. This unspoiled stretch of sand is an excellent option for dog owners seeking a unique beach experience in Malibu.

A more peaceful and relaxed environment makes it one of the best dog friendly beaches. With fewer visitors, your furry friend has more freedom to explore and play near Malibu. 

Dogs should be on a leash, but not everybody respects this rule since the beach is pretty remote, so make sure to have eyes on your pup and keep an eye out for other dogs.

Address: 40000 E Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265

Open: 8 AM to 10 PM, year-round

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Paid park parking or free on the shoulder of the highway

Entrance Fee: Free

3. Little Dume Beach

Little Dume Beach is a beautiful, secluded, private sandy beach, and it’s one of the closest Malibu beaches that allow dogs!

While it’s technically a private beach, access isn’t completely restricted. You’ve just got to know the secret passage!

You can access Little Dume Beach by strolling along the shoreline from the nearby Paradise Cove or Point Dume Beach. The easy walk along the water’s edge brings you to this serene oasis, far less crowded than other local spots.

However, don’t forget that dogs aren’t allowed to walk on the public beaches in Malibu. To bend that rule, you must carry your dog until you reach Little Dume Beach, which can be problematic if you’re traveling with a large dog you can’t lift or put in a bag.

Dogs must be on a leash here, so you can’t let your pup roam freely.

Address: Whitesands Place, Malibu, CA 90265

Open: Year-round, no restrictions

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Paid parking next to nearby Paradise Beach

Entrance Fee: Free

Best Dog Friendly Beaches Near Malibu

4. Sycamore Cove Beach

Sycamore Cove Beach is a beautiful beach approximately a half-hour drive north of Malibu. 

But don’t let the distance deter you. This beach is well worth a trip!

Unlike the previously mentioned Leo Carrillo State Park beaches, you don’t need to hike to get to this beach. Parking is right next to the beach, making it one of the most easily accessible Malibu dog beaches.

The allure of this beach is its pristine white sand that sparkles under the California sun. It is wide and never feels crowded, even in the summer. The calm waters make it perfect for your pup to splash around and enjoy their beach day with you! 

The beach is open from 8 AM to sunset, meaning you’ll have more time there during long summer days.

Sycamore Cove has picnic tables and grills free for public use, so it is also a great spot to enjoy a barbecue or picnic! 

Address: Sycamore Canyon Rd & E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Open: Year-round, 8 AM to sunset

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Paid parking next to the beach

Entrance Fee: Free

5. Thornhill Broome Beach

Thornhill Broome Beach in Point Mugu State Park is another fantastic option just a short drive from Malibu. 

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, this beach offers a majestic blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, with numerous hiking trails.

The beach is sandy, but the part next to the water is lined with a couple of meters of pebbles to prevent sand erosion, so you should bring water shoes if you or your dog has sensitive feet. 

If you like easy-access beaches, you’ll love this one since it’s right next to the parking lot.

This area is also a camping spot, with a campground right on the sand. Imagine the joy of waking up to the sound of waves and watching your dog frolic around on the beach at sunrise. 

Address: 9000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Open: Year-round, 8 AM to 10 PM

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Paid parking nearby

Entrance Fee: Free

6. Point Mugu Beach

Point Mugu Beach is another dog beach near Malibu, within Point Mugu State Park. It is a great beach to visit if you’re hiking in the area or looking for a calmer beach to let your dog explore.

As the mountains surround the beach, it feels more secluded than other beaches along the coastline. The beach features white sand, with a long stretch of shallow water to refresh on a sunny day. 

The waves can get quite intense at times, so be careful when letting your dog in the water.

This beach has no amenities, so be sure to bring everything you might need for a day in the sun. A campsite is nearby, where you can access showers and toilets, but don’t expect cafes and shops along the shore.

Address: Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Open: Year-round, 8 AM to sunset

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Free along the highway or paid on a parking lot

Entrance Fee: Free

7. Rosie’s Dog Beach

Rosie’s Dog Beach, located at the end of Imperial Highway in Long Beach, is undeniably the most popular pet friendly beach in Los Angeles. It stands out as one of the only off-leash dog beaches in the area.

This remarkable beach provides ample space for your dog to run and play, spanning a half-mile coastline where leash laws are non-existent from 6 AM to 8 PM daily. This means you can happily let your pup roam freely without any concerns.

The beach is diligently maintained and has a lifeguard tower on both ends. Baskets with dog toys are available to borrow if you need something to entertain your dog.

Rosie’s Dog Beach is so popular that the city artificially extended the beach to provide more space for your pup to explore, run wild, and play with other dogs.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’re only allowed to bring one dog per adult.

Address: 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States

Open: Year-round, 6 AM to 8 PM

Leash Rule: Off-leash

Parking: Paid parking next to the beach

Entrance Fee: Free

8. Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach might seem like quite a drive from Malibu, but it’s definitely worth the trip to visit Oxnard and see sea lions enjoying the sun on the beach!

Dogs are only allowed on the beach between 5 PM and 9 AM, so it is a great option for a late afternoon beach trip after work.

This broad sandy beach with gentle waves is one of the favorites among dog owners. While leashes are required, the length of the beach provides plenty of room for you and your furry friend to enjoy a long, leisurely walk.

The beach is also renowned for its sea lion sightings, offering a unique wildlife encounter.

Additionally, the serene and scenic environment of Silver Strand Beach provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. 

Address: 2323 Roosevelt Blvd #1, Oxnard, CA 93035, United States

Open: Year-round, 5 PM to 9 AM

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Free parking nearby

Entrance Fee: Free

9. Oxnard Hollywood Beach 

The Oxnard Hollywood Beach is yet another fantastic dog-friendly beach in the area. This expansive beach offers a beautiful coastline where your dog can frolic to their heart’s content.

Like the nearby Silver Strand Beach, Hollywood Beach only welcomes dogs from 5 PM to 9 AM, and dogs should always be on leashes.

The beach is long with clean, soft sand, setting the stage for a relaxing day of sunbathing, picnicking, or playing fetch. As it is a sheltered cove, the water is still, with no waves, so it is easy and safe to swim in the water.

Address: Ocean Drive and La Granada Street, Oxnard, CA 93035

Open: Year-round, 5 PM to 9 AM

Leash Rule: On-leash

Parking: Parking along the boulevard

Entrance Fee: Free

Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches in Malibu

As someone who has visited countless beaches with their dog, here are some expert tips for spending time at dog friendly beaches in Malibu! 

Check Beach Rules

Before heading to the beach with your pup, check the beach rules. Some beaches have specific times when dogs are allowed or may require leashes.

Most dog friendly beaches near Malibu are open year-round without restrictions, but some have specific opening hours that you should be mindful of. 

Bring Essentials 

Pack the essentials for your dog! Some things that should be on your beach day packing list are extra water (it’s not always available), dog treats, a leash, waste bags, and a portable water bowl. 

If your dog is active, bring toys like frisbees or balls they can play with on the beach. It is the perfect opportunity for them to run around and be playful, especially if you go to one of the off-leash beaches. 

Use Sunscreen

Believe it or not, dogs – especially those with short or light-colored fur – can get sunburned, too. 

Use pet-safe sunscreen to protect your dog from harmful UV rays.

You can get a sunscreen balm to protect the nose, paws, and other hairless areas or a sunscreen spray to protect your pup’s coat and skin.

Provide Shade

Even if you use sunscreen, you should ensure your dog has a shady resting spot. That could be under an umbrella, a pop-up tent, or a towel draped over several stakes.

Generally, you should avoid intense afternoon sun. Dogs can quickly develop a heatstroke if they can’t cool down fast enough.

Monitor the Heat

Be mindful of the temperature of the sand to avoid overheating and dehydration. Hot sand can burn your dog’s paws, so visit the beach early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. 

Before making your dog walk on the pavement in the summer, always check the ground temperature with your palm. If it’s too hot for your palm, it will be too hot for their paws.

Clean Up After Your Dog

One of the main reasons you can’t find an off-leash dog beach in Malibu is that people don’t want to see dog poop on the beaches. 

Always pick up after your dog! Not only is it a common courtesy, but leaving pet waste can harm the environment and the beach’s natural wildlife.

Best Dog Friendly Things To Do In Malibu

Malibu isn’t just about beaches. It also offers a great selection of dog parks and hiking trails, perfect for a day out with your best bud!

Best Dog Park In Malibu – Malibu Bluffs Park

A visit to Malibu Bluffs Park is one of the best dog friendly activities in Malibu City. This community park overlooks the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning sea views and hiking trails. 

The park also features several picnic areas and even a whale-watching station. It’s an ideal spot to spend a relaxing afternoon and catch the sunset over the horizon.

While Malibu Bluffs Park is a great place to enjoy with dogs, there is currently no designated dog park in Malibu. So, don’t expect particular games or facilities designed to amuse dogs, like agility equipment or fenced off-leash areas. 

That being said, the wide-open spaces, the fresh ocean air, and the unbeatable views make it a fantastic place for a stroll with your pup.

Best Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Malibu

Hiking is another fantastic activity to add to your Malibu itinerary if you have an active dog who enjoys the outdoors!

Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon is a must-visit place for people who love hiking with their pup(s)! 

This scenic trail in the hills right above Malibu is a paradise for dogs with its quiet, shaded paths and many paths to explore. Plus, there’s a stream and a small waterfall, making it a refreshing retreat in the summer!

Zuma Canyon Loop Trail

Zuma Canyon Loop Trail is another dog-friendly hiking option in Malibu. Nestled in the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains north of Malibu, this 17.2 km loop trail is long but offers panoramic ocean and mountain views. 

The hike follows a slightly challenging terrain, so it ensures a great workout for you and your pup, while the abundant wildlife adds an element of adventure to your hike. 

Charmlee Wilderness Park

Charmlee Wilderness Park is about a 40-minute drive from Malibu and is best visited on a day trip in California. 

Sprawling across 590 acres, it offers miles of dog-friendly trails that wander through stunning meadows and impressive ocean overlooks. There are 4 designated hiking trails in the park, ranging from 3.7 to 6 km.

Grotto Trail

The Grotto Trail is another fun short hike in the area. This 4.8-kilometer trail, nestled in the mesmerizing Santa Monica Mountains, is notably scenic and passes in and out of shade as it follows a small creek. 

A truly unique feature of the Grotto Trail is its magnificent grotto, a rocky cave adorned with a trickling waterfall that creates a serene ambiance! 

The trail is suitable for all fitness levels. 

Mishe Mokwa to Tri-Peaks and Sandstone Peak

Mishe Mokwa to Tri-Peaks and Sandstone Peak is a moderately challenging loop trail, and it’s a great option for those seeking a more adventurous hike. 

The 9.7-kilometer trail offers extraordinarily diverse landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views. The trail leads to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sandstone Peak. 

You’ll have stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the surrounding countryside from here. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts

You’ll find several dog friendly beaches in Malibu where your pup can enjoy playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean.

While the city’s public beaches may be off-limits, Malibu still has plenty of state beaches you can visit with your dog.

From the idyllic North Beach in Leo Carrillo State Park to the beautiful Sycamore Cove Beach, there are beaches for hiking lovers and more accessible options for those with mobility issues.

So pack up your beach gear, leash up your dog, and prepare for a fun-filled day of sun and sand, and get ready to discover every dog beach Malibu has to offer!

🐾 Use Warren London Sunscreen Spray to protect your dog from harmful UV rays

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