The best dog-friendly beaches in America

In some parts of the United States, any day can be a beach day, depending on the weather. And what better way to spend a beach day than with your furry best friend by your side? Before you can enjoy a day by the water with your pup, you’ll want to make a few preparations. These include looking up dog-friendly beaches nearby, familiarizing yourself with the beach’s rules and regulations for pets, and packing the necessary supplies so you can both stay safe and comfortable while you’re out in the sun, sand, and surf.

Ready to go? Start by checking out the 12 best dog-friendly beaches in America:

This walkable island bills itself as “doggie heaven,” and it’s one of a handful of dog-friendly beaches in the San Diego area. It’s home to a dedicated dog beach that allows pups to play leash-free. Pet parents are fans of the free parking on the streets surrounding the dog beach. Nearby, Wag’N Tails pet store boasts a self-service dog wash station and a chance to find a souvenir or treat for your furry friend. The spot also includes dog-friendly restaurants and bike rentals.

This low-key gem is located along the shores of South Lake Tahoe, and it’s renowned for some of the best and deepest swimming across the entire lake. Dogs can swim off-leash alongside their owners in the lake itself, but leashes are required back on the sand. Best of all, parking at this beach is 100% free.

Once a harbor defense installation, San Francisco’s Fort Funston is now lauded for its Golden Gate Bridge views and ample spots for dog walking. Besides the Golden Gate Bridge, people and their pets can also take in views of bluffs (just be careful — pets can get stuck), sand dunes, and native plants.

Fort De Soto Park is the only spot in Pinellas County that lets dogs on the actual beach with their own designated doggie spot. Pups can also explore two fenced-in areas with water stations to help them stay hydrated near the beach. The dog’s handler must be at least 16 years old, and the park closes at sunset, making it a good choice for a day trip.

This southeast Florida spot has an Instagram-worthy red lighthouse and is one of the only remaining dog-friendly beaches in the Sunshine State. Pets can run, jump, and sniff on a 2.5-mile stretch of shoreline from beach marker #26 at Marcinski Road to beach marker #57.

This hamlet on the coast of Oregon allows dogs on the beach that bears its name. But, they must be on a leash or under an owner’s voice control. The area offers travelers plenty of spots to stay the night with their pets, including hotels — or rental homes for people who want more privacy. Several restaurants and shops also allow dogs if you need a break from the beach.

Crystal Coast includes several different beaches, and some of them welcome pets with open paws. Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Atlantic Beach, and Fort Macon State Park allow doggies in select areas. Leash rules vary, so you’ll want to check with the specific beach you want to visit.

This South Carolina town is a year-round destination for beach lovers, golfers, and dogs (and their people). Pets can enjoy the beach 12 months of the year, but there are some rules during the peak season. From the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day, pets are not permitted to come on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s typically very hot during those times in the spring and summer, so it’s a good idea to avoid the sun during those hours. Stick to cooler times of the day or plan a trip here in the late summer, fall, or winter.

Dogs are welcome to walk on a leash of six feet or less on this sprawling East Coast beach, home to a 10-mile stretch of sandy shores and coastal dunes. One of the last barrier beaches to remain undeveloped on the North Atlantic coast, Island Beach State Park enjoys a gorgeous natural shoreline complete with a maritime forest (home to falcons, waterfowl, and the state’s largest osprey colony).  Swimming is usually prohibited here, though about a mile of the beach is designated for swimming during the summer when lifeguards are on-duty.

Jekyll Island is considered one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands and a pet paradise. Dogs are allowed on leashes (16 feet or shorter) in a portion of South Beach between South Dunes picnic area and St. Andrews Sound picnic area. Check signage, but dogs are typically allowed without leashes during off-peak seasons and in the early morning and evening during the summer. 30 minutes away from Jekyll Island is St. Simons, which boasts two dog parks for off-leash fun year-round.

This beach in Boyne City offers amazing views of Lake Charlevoix and a spot for dogs to swim. The surrounding area is known for its small-town charm and from skiing to camping, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to do.

A favorite spot for spring breakers and dog lovers alike, South Padre Island boasts gorgeous weather year-round and several pet-friendly beaches. The entire family, including dogs, can enjoy the sand and sea at Padre Island National Seashore, Isla Blanca Park, Andy Bowie Park, and E.K. Atwood Park.

Safety is a top priority for any new adventure with your pet. Take the stress out of the equation by making sure you’ve taken all of these factors into account before your big beach day with your dog:

On-leash vs. off-leash beaches

Leashes help keep everyone safe, but it’s understandable if you want your furry friend to have a little extra freedom during an outing. We also looked for spots that allow at least some off-leash time or space. At the popular dog beaches we chose, pups have opportunities to experience the joy of a game of fetch or some extra room to explore. Owners should always keep a watchful eye on their pets. Other dogs, people, or wildlife may not be as pet-friendly as the sandy beach itself.

Pet vaccinations

To protect your pup’s health, it’s important to make sure they’re up-to-date on all important vaccinations ahead of any outing. Core vaccines for dogs include those for Canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus-2 (hepatitis), and rabies virus. Non-core vaccines are also available for bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough), vaccine, leptospira (leptospirosis), borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), and H3N2/H3N8 (parasite and heartworm prevantatives).

👉 Puppies have different vaccination needs than adult dogs, and should follow a strict vaccination schedule to help fight off common infections. 

Packing considerations

No beach day would be complete without the right gear. Pack plenty of food and water to get your dog through the day, along with other essentials including bowls, an all-weather dog bed or dog blanket, a beach umbrella, poop bags, doggie sunscreen, and booties to protect their paws from the hot sand. If you’re planning on letting your dog go swimming, you should also bring along a canine life vest (ideally with a handle) and floating dog toys.

Proximity to other dog-friendly facilities

If you’re planning an overnight or long-distance trip, you’ll want to look up dog-friendly restaurants, stores, and hotels near the beach to ensure you don’t run into any problems during your getaway. Today, many establishments allow dogs with no problem, but each one has its own policy, so make sure to check with them before making reservations.