Few things beat a day at the beach, but it’s never nearly as fun if you can’t bring your furry best friend with you, right?

While California is known across the world for its surf, sun, and sand, the locals are focused on one very important fact, which beaches are dog-friendly!

If you’re going to be spending any time in California with your dog, then you’ll want to keep this list handy. We’re going to highlight the best dog beaches in California where you can have an awesome day with your pet. 

Ready to dive in?

Coronado Dog Beach

Small dog beagle puppy playing with on beach

San Diego is chock full of beautiful beaches, but a local favorite for dog owners is the Coronado Dog Beach. It’s open all year round, 24 hours a day. And it’s a leash free beach, perfect for letting your dog run wild (and meet some new friends)!

Baker Beach

The beach shore coast near the San Diego Golden Gate bridge

If you want to be able to walk your dog and still get an incredible view of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, head to Baker Beach. It’s about a mile south of the bridge near Sea Cliff and China Beach. Watch the signs as part of the beach is leash free.

Arroyo Burro Beach Park

In Santa Barbara, you’ll find the Arroyo Burro Beach Park. The dog-friendly and off leash part of the park is only about 100 feet or so from the main beach entrance when you arrive. Be sure to keep your dog on-leash until you get to this area. 

Rosie’s Dog Beach

Girl and her dog playing on beach

Rosie’s Dog Beach is part of the larger Belmont Shore Beach Area in Long Beach. The part of the beach that is dog-friendly is usually marked off with cones, so keep an eye out. Dog lovers enjoy this beach for its wide expanse of sand, plenty of room for running.

Carmel Beach

Did you know that the town of Carmel By The Sea was recently named the best dog-friendly place in America? You can’t beat that! And, it also means that the beaches in this area are great places to bring your dog, including Carmel Beach.

Fiesta Island Dog Park

Australian cattle dog is running by San Francisco Bay.<br /> ** Note: Shallow depth of field

Another favorite beach for dog owners in San Diego is Fiesta Island. There is a paved path around the island that’s about 5 miles long and is perfect for dogs. Pet owners love wandering here with their dogs and allowing them to spend some time romping in the waves.

Muir Beach

Muir Beach is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Accessing the beach is a bit more remote here than some others because it’s at the edge of a protected recreation zone, but if your dog loves wandering trails, this will be a lot of fun for them too. 

These are only a few dog-friendly beaches in California. If you’re spending any time along the cost for your next road trip, don’t hesitate to bring your dog and let them have some fun and exercise roaming around these beautiful coastal areas. 

If you’re visiting California right now and need help finding last-minute hotel deals, take a look at our sister site, HotelCoupons.com.

For more places to travel with your dog, check out this post.