A successful day at the beach doesn’t require much: a towel, sunscreen and sandproof sandwiches are enough to enjoy the sun, sea and surf from morning to night. But if you’re like us, time spent outdoors is only truly time well spent when your favorite four-legged friend is at your side. At these top dog-friendly beaches, they can be.
Considering the massive coastline of the US – not to mention its swimable lakes and rivers – there are relatively few beaches close to urban centers where dogs are welcome to run and play unleashed. We've combed through them, from southeast to the northwest, and come up with the most scenic, exciting options for both you and your canine companion. Unsurprisingly, California and Florida have several of the best dog-friendly beaches, including the gorgeous vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands at San Franicsco's Baker Beach, the laid-back SoCal vibes at San Diego's Original Dog Beach and the free-wheeling heat and nudity at Haulover Beach in Miami. Further north, beaches like Coney Island in New York, Montrose in Chicago and East End in Portland, Maine make for splishing and splashing in the summer and cool-weather walks in the fall. Just keep an eye out for dog restrictions: some of the more popular spots prohibit pups from playing at peak hours in warmer months.
Visiting the beach is great fun, but it need not restrict travel with your dog. Pet pups are welcome at more dog-friendly bars, restaurants and venues than ever. There are even entire cities that embrace canine companionship and will make your dog feel right at home. So, grab their leash and hit the road, your hound will be more than happy to go along for the ride.
At this beach on the western edge of San Francisco, your puppy dog can frolic in the shadow of the Golden Gate. The mile-long expanse of sand stretches beneath the blustery cliffs of the Presidio with its twisted and gnarled Monterey pines. If Karl the Fog is OOO, bring a picnic and stay for awhile; at the beach’s northern end, you’ll find other like-minded sunbathers of the clothing-is-optional variety.
Even if your dog doesn’t have a turn-on-a-dime recall, off-leash play isn’t off the table at Haulover Beach Park in Miami. While well-trained pups are welcome to unrestricted play between lifeguard towers #2 and #3 from 8am to 4pm daily, those who are still learning can get their kicks at separate fenced-in enclosures for large and small dogs near the south picnic area. Elsewhere on the 1.5-mile long beach, dogs are welcome on-leash so as not to disturb nude sun worshipers along the shore.
One of the country’s first off-leash dog beaches, the Original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach continues to draw everyone from surfers to families with dogs in tow. This pooch-friendly seashore at the mouth of the San Diego River has a lifeguard on duty for swimmers with two- and four-legs, and ample 24-hour parking. While there are no concessions on the beach, you’ll find food and drink options on nearby Voltaire Street.
There are seven miles of beach to enjoy on Isle of Palms, a barrier island just outside of Charleston, South Carolina. The picture-perfect seashore, where the pillowy white sands and aquamarine ocean meet, is dog-friendly throughout the year, but just how much freedom they have depends on the month. Unleash your pup April 1 through September 14 between the hours of 5am and 9am, and September 15 through March 31 from 4pm to 10am. At all other times, your furry friend is welcome on leash.
Like other New York City beaches, four-legged friends are only welcome on the sand at Coney Island Beach eight months out of the year, October 1 through May 1, but they can enjoy the iconic boardwalk all year round. In the summertime, grab a Nathan’s hot dog for each of you and hit the promenade to take in the sights and sounds of the carnival. In chillier months, the three-mile beach makes a moving backdrop for a long, seaside walk.
In Portland, take inspiration from the locals and head to Broughton Beach, a sandy shore along the mighty Columbia River. Swim together in the cool, fresh water or leash up for a long walk complete with views of Mount Hood in the distance. On your average day, it costs $5-per-car to park, but free metro parking days take place at least once a month.
Picnic Island Park boasts the same white sand and warm waters found on all good Florida beaches, plus one thing many others don’t: an off-leash play area. A three-sided, fenced dog beach south of the fishing pier has plenty of space for paddling, playing, running and rolling in the sand. On-leash, your puppy dog can walk the shore or trails and join you for a meal at the outdoor grills. When it’s time to leave, just rinse the sand from their paws with one of the public hoses.
The only off-leash dog beach in all of LA County – Rosie’s in Long Beach – invites pups of all colors, shapes and sizes to run amok in the waves. You’ll find a large congregation of canine-kind all year long, but be warned that things can get a little hectic in the summer months. Look for the sculptures of doggos at play to locate the four-acre waterfront area between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue.
This pretty New England seashore has all the beauty and fun of its more southerly counterparts, albeit at a somewhat cooler temperature. At the East End Beach at Eastern Promenade Park, off-leash dogs can frolic in the waves and roll in the sand with their four-legged friends. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, pups can only visit before 9am or after 5pm, but for the rest of the year, the beach welcomes them all day long and into the night.
Of the two dog-friendly beaches on Chicago’s Lake Michigan, the 3.8-acre Montrose has the most space for pups at play. The fenced area welcomes dogs of any size, but things can get quite busy here in the summer. If you have a smaller or less confident dog, consider going to the Belmont Harbor Beach in the Lakeview neighborhood, instead.
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