14 Best Dog Friendly Beaches Los Angeles

Are you looking for great dog friendly beaches in Los Angeles?

My dog, Theo, and I have traveled to over 7 countries together. We love adventures in the sun and sand and always look for ways to make memories together.

Los Angeles beaches are hit or miss for Theo and me because not all of the beaches allow dogs. So I have narrowed down a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in and near Los Angeles. 

I hope it helps you spend less time searching and more time playing in the sand with your four-legged friend.

1. Rosie’s Beach

Rosie’s dog beach is the best dog beach in Los Angeles. It is well known for being an excellent spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy the sun and surf together. 

Rosie’s beach is located near Belmont Shore beach, about 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.

The waves are small at Rosie’s beach, so even non-swimming dogs can get their paws wet. Rosie’s beach is also wide and long, allowing plenty of space for your dog to run and play.

One of the things that makes Rosie’s Beach so popular is its off-leash policy. Your dog can freely play frisbee and play in the waves.

The neighborhood around Rosie’s beach is also very dog friendly. Several great restaurants nearby will let your furry friend hang on the porch while you grab a bite to eat. 

The beach also has many dog waste bags and trash cans around the area, so dog owners can easily clean up after their pets.

There is a large parking lot nearby for ease of parking. For all these reasons, Rosie’s is the heart of dog beach L.A.

2. Granada Beach

Located near Rosie’s Beach in Long Beach, Granada Beach is another great off-leash beach for dogs in Los Angeles.

This beach is located between Roycroft and Argon avenues. If you aren’t familiar with the location, the dog friendly area is typically indicated by cones.

This area of the beach is known for its beach sports. You and your dog can spend an afternoon watching a fierce game of sand volleyball or even join in.

Granada is so close to Rosie’s beach that the two use the same parking lot. 

3. Point Fermin Park

Okay, so this is not a beach but a park. This dog park runs along the coastline, so while your dog’s paws won’t be in the sand, you and your pup can still enjoy the ocean views.

The park is 37 acres, so there is plenty of room to run around. In the middle of the park is the Point Fermin Lighthouse, which gives you the feeling of being on the beach close to Los Angeles.

Street parking for Point Fermin Park is along Paseo Del Mar. 

4. Huntington Beach

The Huntington dog beach is another great off-leash beach. Huntington is technically in Orange County, not Los Angeles County, but still a popular dog beach near Los Angeles. 

The waves are a bit larger here than at Rosie’s, which is great if you have a dog that really likes to swim. If your dog is not a strong swimmer, you might skip this one.

What people love most about Huntington is the scenery. Sunsets are perfect here and made even better with your dog at your side. 

After a long day of sun and surf, be sure to stop by Top Dog Barkery to give your dog a sweet treat. 

5. North Beach Leo Carrillo State Park

Located about an hour and a half from Downtown Los Angeles, Leo Carrillo Park is not technically in LA country. If you are up for a short drive, its rugged coastline is an excellent place to spend the day with your pup. 

The dog beach at Leo Carrillo State Park is in a picturesque cove with rocky outcroppings, providing a stunning backdrop for your dog’s beach adventure. 

Unlike the more urban beaches, the dog beach at Leo Carrillo State Park is easily accessible from the parking lot, making it convenient for visitors to bring their dogs and all the necessary beach gear.

6. Staircase Beach 

Staircase Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach that’s popular among locals and tourists alike. While dogs are technically allowed on the beach, Staircase beach is not the most dog friendly beach in Malibu for all dogs and dog owners. 

To get to Staircase Beach, you’ll need to navigate a steep staircase that can be challenging for dogs and their owners, particularly those with mobility issues. 

The beach is rocky and has strong currents, making Staircase Beach great for surfing but not ideal for dogs that can’t swim.

If you are looking for a spot to surf while you hang with your pup, this is the one for you. 

Dogs are not allowed on the beach during peak season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and they must be leashed at all times when on this beach.

7. Sycamore Cove Beach

Sycamore Cove Beach and Thornhill Broome Beach (#8) are both located in Point Mugu State Park. 

The park and the beach are about an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles and a little bit beyond Leo Carrillo State Park where you will find #6 on our list, Staircase Beach.

The sandy cove has picnic tables to enjoy a nice packed lunch with your dog.

These beaches have designated areas where dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water, as long as they are on a leash and under control.

8. Thornhill Broome Beach

Thornhill Broome Beach is just a mile down the road from Sycamore Cove Beach and still a part of Point Mugu State Park.

The beach is known for its wide stretches of white sand, gentle surf, and stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. 

The beach is relatively uncrowded, especially during the weekdays, making it a peaceful and relaxing destination for you and your pet.

Like Sycamore Cove Beach, dogs need to stay on leash at Point Mugu State Park. 

Parking is available just behind the beach.

9. Playa Del Rey Beach

Your dog will love being a Playa Del Rey Beach dog! Playa Del Rey is located about 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. 

The beach is too touristy, so you’ll see fewer four-legged friends if you spend a day at Playa Del Rey. 

Playa Del Rey’s chill vibe makes it a great place to walk along the beach and soak in the ocean sounds. 

The park is located just north of Dockweiler State Park. Dockweiler has RV accommodations if you and your pup want to stay at the beach. Dogs can not be on the beach at Dockweiler making Playa Del Rey your go-to spot. 

10. Marina Park Beach

Marina Park Beach is up the coast, about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the town of Ventura.

Marina Park Beach is a small, fairly rocky beach. What it lacks in sandy space, it makes up for in a lovely green landscape where you can play fetch with your fido. 

Even though the beach is small, there is plenty of room for your dog to get in the water. You can also launch a kayak or SUP here and have your dog jump in for a ride.

The nearby park has many trails to walk your dog after a day at the beach. There is also a BBQ to grill out if you and your four-legged friend want to make a day of it.

A lot is located right in front of the beach, making parking very convenient.

11. Playa Del Mar Dog Beach 

Located northwest of LAX Airport at the north end of Dockweiler State Beach, Playa Del Mar is a laidback beach for you and your furry friend.

Dogs don’t have access to all of Playa Del Mar. The dog part of the beach is from 29th street to Powerhouse Park. Locals refer to this part of the beach as North Beach.

While the park is generally off-leash, they require dogs to be on-leash from mid-June through Labor day because of the high traffic of canine and dog visitors. 

Parking for North Beach is limited. Spots can be found along Camino del Mar behind the beach and also at 29th Street.

12. Coronado Dog Beach 

Coronado Dog Beach is an excellent destination for dogs! This beach is in Coronado, California, and it is a designated off-leash area for dogs to play and run around. 

The beach is spacious and offers plenty of room for dogs to play and exercise. You can expect the beach to be well-maintained, with clean sand and water. 

Coronado beach has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with many other dog owners and their furry friends enjoying the beach together.

Water stations are available for dogs to drink from, as well as dog waste bags and trash cans for convenient cleanup.

Street parking is available on Ocean Boulevard.

13. Fiesta Island Dog Beach

If you are leaving Los Angeles to head south to San Diego, you and your pup will love Fiesta Island Dog Beach.

Fiesta Island is a large, flat island with plenty of open space surrounded by calm waters. This makes it a great place for dogs to run and play, swim, and cool off in the water. 

The island is relatively free of hazards, such as sharp rocks or debris, which makes it a safe and fun place for dogs to play around.

There are also several amenities available on the island to make your visit more comfortable, including restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking. 

14. Shoreline Beach

If you are heading north from Los Angeles on the Pacific Coast Highway towards Santa Barbara, Shoreline Beach is a great stop on your road trip.

Although not technically in LA, Shoreline Beach is a great spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy the beautiful California coastline and the views of the Channel Islands.

The beach is quite spacious, so there is plenty of room for dogs to play. 

When your pup gets tired, there is a small grassy area where dogs can take a break and rest in the shade. 

There is a parking lot nearby for easy transport to and from the beach.

FAQs About Dog-Friendly Beaches LA

Wrap Up: Best Dog Friendly Beaches Los Angeles

Finding the perfect Los Angeles dog friendly beach is a wonderful way to spend a California day. 

Since not all beaches are dog friendly beaches in L.A., it is essential to know where to go.

If you are looking for the best dog friendly beach in L.A., Rosie Beach is our #1 recommendation. Outside of Los Angeles, try Malibu, as it has many great dog friendly beaches.

If your time in Los Angeles has you up and down the coast, my list gives you all the best places to take your dog to enjoy some surf, sand, and sun.

More on Dog-Friendly California

• 15 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
• 14 Best Dog Friendly Beaches Los Angeles
• 18 Best San Francisco Dog Friendly Beaches
• Unleash the Fun: 11 of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Tahoe
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