Whenever it finally stops raining in Southern California (we needed it but enough already!), it’s time to once again hit the beaches. As a connoisseur of beach experiences to share with my dog I thought I’d share some of the magic by listing out my favorites. If you love adventures with your fur babies, you will love checking out these beaches. These beach spots have all been personally sampled and approved by my own fur baby Zulu!
1. Leo Carrillo State Beach (North Side), Malibu
35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Leo Carrillo is one of my all time favorite beaches in the world with its tide pools full of sea life, rocky outcroppings and picturesque scenery. Right off the 1 several miles north of Los Angeles it is a convenient day trip from the city. To the north of the main beach (which is dog free to protect wild life) there is a dog-friendly section of sandy beach pinned in by a parking lot and cliffs further north. This is an on-leash beach so keep your pooches in hand. There is even a camp ground nearby should you choose to stay awhile. But book in advance as it tends to fill up quickly especially during the summer months and holidays.
When you arrive you have the option to pay for parking by entering the camp ground entrance. You will need to travel a bit further past the first lot to get to the north side lot where dogs are allowed. Alternatively you can park on the side of the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) for free and walk down a bunch of stairs to get to the beach. Be careful if you choose this option as traffic moves fast on the the PCH!
2. Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach
5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
This fun section of Long Beach allows dogs off leash during specified hours. Check the Long Beach website for up to date information. Convenient, easy pay parking is available as well as bathrooms and special drinking fountains just for dogs. This beach has amenities for a comfortable, relaxing time. The beach is very wide so there is plenty of space for dogs to roam off-leash, making tons of furry friends and splashing in the waves.
3. Hendry’s Beach, Santa Barbara
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
A favorite and always a good time for both dogs and pet-parent’s alike, Hendry’s has a large off-leash section of beach that is nicely pinned by cliffs so dogs have space to roam but also kept safely away from parking lots and roads. Hendry’s is sure to be a fantastic time as you stroll down the length of the beach scrambling over rocks and taking in the amazing scenery alongside your K9 companion and other friendly dogs and their people.
Free parking is available, although it can get crowded, there is usually a spot available further down in the secondary lot at least. There is also a restaurant/bar called Boathouse at Hendry’s beach so you can get take out and enjoy a cocktail alongside your pooch while gazing out across the ocean. Pure bliss!
A paid dog washing station is provided as a convenience because more likely your dog will get covered in sand and seaweed. Signs of a good time indeed!
Here’s Zulu having a blast with some new friends at Hendry’s.
4. Douglas Family Preserve, Santa Barbara
2551 Medcliff Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Last but not least we give you the Douglas Family Preserve in Santa Barbara. This is not exactly on the beach but perched above it on the cliffs directly above Hendry’s actually! The views are spectacular and this is an off-leash nature preserve where dogs can frolic freely. Keep an eye on them near the cliff’s however as they only partially protected by some piles of fallen trees. The views are spectacular as you can see out to the Channel Islands.
Don’t take my word for it, here’s a first-hand view!
Have any suggestions for awesome dog beaches in So Cal? Did I miss any gems? Share about your faves in the comments. We’ll see you at the beach!