Dog Friendly Beaches in the United States

Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in the United States where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand. Use the links/map below to find a dog-friendly beach in the United States.

Pet Friendly 8th Avenue Dog Beach
8th Avenue Dog Beach 8th Avenue Dog Beach is pet-friendly. If your hound was born to run, plan an off-leash romp at the 8th Avenue Dog Beach in Asbury Park. After a game of fetch or Frisbee, jump in the water with your pooch for a refreshing swim. Dogs are always allowed on the beach between mid-September and mid-May. If you are visiting in summer, schedule an early morning or late evening visit, as dogs are not permitted between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. See Details
Pet Friendly Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park
Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park The Fort De Soto Park has large fenced areas for both large and small dogs, including dog showers for those hot days. Dogs are allowed anywhere in the park on a six-foot leash, except on any beach. The Paw Playground area is the exception -- dogs are allowed on the beach, and they are allowed off leash on that area of beach. They can also run free inside the fenced areas. On a hot summer day, you can cool off your dog by hosing him down, and drinking water is available too. The park also has plenty for two-legged visitors too -- an old Spanish fort to explore, gorgeous parks, overnight camping with plenty of amenities, and picnic areas. The north beach was named "America's #1 Beach" in 2008 & 2009 by TripAdvisor. See Details
Longport Dog Beach Longport Dog Beach (also known as Somers Point Dog Beach, Malibu Beach, or just Dog Beach) is an off-leash dog beach located at Malibu Beach Wildlife Management area where dogs of all sizes can play in the sand and water. The beach is located at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge on the Longport side across from the fishing pier. Owners must bring their own water and waste disposal items. There are no trash receptacles so be prepared to dispose of all trash off-site. See Details
Fiesta Island Park Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park has lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters allow the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip. There is a designated off-leash location on the backside of the island as Sea World will be on your left, fenced-in front with signs. Bring water for your dogs. See Details
Myrtle Beach (Dogs on Beach Policy) Most public beaches in the Myrtle Beach area are pet friendly during early morning hours or during late evenings year-round. From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10 am and after 5 pm. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk only between 5am to 10am from May 1 through Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. At all times when dogs are allowed on the beach, they must be on a leash that is seven feet or shorter, and dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of the droppings. See Details
Assateague National Seashore Dogs are allowed on the beach along the Maryland portion of Assateague National Seashore, but are not permitted on the nature trails or anywhere within the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times. See Details
Dog Beach at Pier Park Dog Beach at Pier Park is a pet-friendly space in Panama City. Located on the right side of the pier, dogs must be kept on-leash and cleaned up after. See Details
Sandy Hook/Gateway National Park Sandy Hook/Gateway National Park is pet-friendly between certain dates. Dogs are not permitted on ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through Labor Day due to piping plover season. Pets are permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash. Dog owners must carry out all trash, and make preparations for carrying out dog waste. Parking is $20 in the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. See Details
Jupiter Beach (Off-Leash Beach) Jupiter Beach is home to one of Florida's best off-leash beaches. Dogs are free to roam a designated section of the beach running along A1A near Ocean Cay Park. Visitors can park their cars for free in the lot at the intersection of Ocean Blvd and Marcinski Rd or in one of the spaces along A1A. Friends of Jupiter Beach (FJB) is dedicated to keeping the beach clean & dog-friendly by promoting the rules of the beach & continuous beach cleanup activities. Dogs are not allowed in lifeguard areas or Town of Jupiter parks, (Carlin Park). See Details
Smyrna Dunes Park Dogs are welcome to join you on-leash at this lovely inlet which also includes showers, bathrooms, and plenty of parking. This park has five ecosystems represented within it, elevated boardwalks, picnic pavilions, nature trails, an observation tower, and more. See Details
Lee County Dog Beach Lee County Dog Beach, also known as Bonita Beach Dog Park, is located along the edge of Lover's Key State Park. It’s an off-leash beach to let your dog run free and frolic in the shallow, calm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are no fences, leashes, or worries. Just plenty of dogs of all sizes to play with. Many people visit that don't even have dogs but enjoy watching them run and play with their furry friends on land and water. You can't see it from the main road, but follow the signs around the trees and a clearing will open up to Dog Beach. During high tide, you may have to wade through some water to get to it so be prepared. There is a portable toilet, and no running water so remember to bring some for your pet. Please follow the rules to make it a safe, clean enjoyable place for all. For more information visit www.leeparks.org or call (239) 533-7275. See Details
Gulfside City Park Gulfside City Park is pet-friendly. One of the many pet-friendly beaches of Sanibel Island, Gulfside City Park is located near a City of Sanibel and Federal nature preserve. The beach is also home to threatened and endangered nesting shorebirds and sea turtles during much of the year. Dogs must be kept on a leash (maximum 8 feet) at all times, and owners are required by law to clean up after their pets. There are picnic tables, wash stations, and restrooms available, and an hourly parking fee is charged between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm (free after 7 pm). See Details
First Landing State Park Beach Pets are allowed in all Virginia State Parks. State regulations prohibit pets at designated swim areas and require pets to be confined or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and kept under supervision while in the park. Pets are also not allowed in public facilities (bathhouses, visitor centers, park offices, restaurants, etc.) While pets are allowed at False Cape State Park, they are not permitted access through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. To avoid potential inconvenience, we ask that you bring proof of current rabies vaccination. This is strongly recommended in Virginia Beach where a rabies alert is in effect. This massive historical park includes an authentic Indian village, 20 miles of walking trails, and a beach that's dog-friendly year round. The park is the site of the first landing of the Jamestown colonists in 1607. Now, as Virginia's most-visited state park, it's a natural oasis in Virginia Beach's urban oceanfront area. The park has 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. Offering many recreational and educational activities, it's a great place to explore unusual habitats featuring bald cypress trees, lagoons, rare plants and wildlife, and maritime forest ecology. Cabins, water and electric hook-up campsites, picnic areas, boat ramps and a camp store with bicycle rentals are also available. See Details
Wildwood Dog Park and Beach Wildwood Dog Park and Beach is pet-friendly. Formerly the Poplar Avenue Beach, this is a dog-friendly spot to romp in the sand and surf. Owners can walk their dog under the boardwalk at Maple Avenue to access the beach. The area features plenty of room for you and your pooch to soak up the sun and take a dip. Dogs must be leashed on the beach itself, but the nearby dog park is leash-free. Fresh water is only available inside of the park, not on the beach. There are no opening times for the beach, but the City recommends swimming while a lifeguard is present. See Details
Coronado Dog Beach Coronado's Dog Beach is a dog-friendly, leash-free on the western part of the beach in Coronado, CA. The area is marked by signs that run along Ocean Blvd. from Sunset Park on Ocean Drive, to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, but it is a rather long walk to the beach from there, so be sure to keep your dog leashed until you reach the beach. Coronado Animal Patrol maintains a zero-tolerance policy with fines up to $500 for unleashed dogs. Owners must monitor their dogs at all times and clean up after them. Dogs must have current licenses and be free from contagious diseases. Excessive barking and aggressive behavior are not permitted by dogs or humans. No food or pet treats allowed. There are no restrooms, but there is a foot shower south of the entrance on Ocean Blvd. The city provides free dog litter bags at the entrance to the run. See Details
Fenwick Island State Park Fenwick Island State Park has a nice, uncrowded beach for most of the year. For rules and regulations, please call (302) 227-2800. Fenwick Island State Park is located on Route 1, north of Fenwick Island. See Details
Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area is the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet. The 55-acre site is a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or go sunbathing. Dogs are welcome at Eastern section of the beach, but they must be leashed at all times to preserve the delicate coastal habitat. The Western section of the beach has been designated "dog free." See Details
Haulover Beach Park Haulover Beach Park features a bark park with an enclosure for small dogs (less than 35 lbs.) and large dogs (more than 35 lbs.) located near the south picnic area. Entrance to the bark park is through parking lot #3 located on the west side of Collins Avenue if traveling southbound or through parking lot #4 located on the east side of Collins Avenue if traveling northbound. The bark park features shade trees, picnic tables, and drinking fountains for both dogs and their companions, as well as doggie waste bag dispensers and waste containers. The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm in the designated beach area between lifeguard tower #2 and #3 only. Dogs are welcome with their companion on the portion of the beach directly across from the bark park and accessible through parking lots #3 and #4. Dogs must be on a leash at all times except within the designated beach area. See Details
Picnic Island Beach Dog Park Dogs are welcome to play off-leash at the beach here. Just be careful as the area is not fully fenced. See Details
Rosie's Dog Beach Rosie's Dog Beach is located along Ocean Blvd between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues in Long Beach, CA. This area is not fenced in and is not a dedicated "dog beach." Some bags are provided in dispensers, but users are encouraged to bring their own bags from home. The Dog Zone is in effect from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Rosie's Dog Beach one may be closed occasionally due to a special event or poor beach conditions. Dogs are not permitted at times other than scheduled hours, or any other place than Dog Zone and access paths. Please see the website for more dog beach rules. See Details
Freeman Park Freeman Park on Carolina Beach welcomes dogs on a leash from April 1 to September 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under voice command and their owner is near. Owners must carry a minimum of two suitable plastic or paper waste containers until it can be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle. The bags must be produced and shown upon request. See Details
Honeymoon Island State Park Freedom to roam, white sandy beachfront, gentle lapping waves and crystalline water means happy pooches and owners alike. In addition to having their own beach on the southern tip of the island, dogs are also allowed on the nature trail. Pets must be on a 6-foot handheld leash at all times while in these areas. See Details
The Original Dog Beach Perhaps the most popular canine hotspot in San Diego is The Original Dog Beach located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. Here, dogs can roam off leash at any time of the day. Owners should take care to pick up after their pets. After a day at the beach, you may want to head over to the Dog Beach Dog Wash to give Fido a bath. Located at 4933 Voltaire Street, the Dog Wash is just two blocks away from the beach. See Details
Nahant Doggie Beach Dogs are welcome on the beach from October 1st through April 30th as long as they are leashed. They are strictly prohibited the rest of the year. See Details