One of the best things about the spring and summer that is soon approaching is fun in the sun with friends. For us, leaving our pups behind is not always an option – they deserve to romp and splash in the salty air too. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll with your canine companion or a more active game of frisbee and fetch, a dog-friendly beach provides an opportunity for both you and your pet to exercise and socialize together. Most of the beaches in LA do not allow dogs to roam freely, but keep that tail wagging because we found five wonderful beaches close by that provide both on and off-leash options.
Top Tip: Remember to bring plenty of water for you and your pet, and make sure to double-check the restrictions before you go, as tickets can be quite costly. Also, make sure your dogs are properly licensed and wearing their collar just in case they get excited about a floating scent in the air and happen to wander off.
Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach
Location: Ocean Blvd., between Granada Avenue. and Roycroft Avenue
Hours: 6am-8pm every day.
Rosie’s Dog Beach is a fan favorite for off-leash dog beaches. Named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog, you’ll find every type of dog here from the tiny toy group to Great Danes. The beach is open every day from 6 am to 8 pm and it’s a wonderful option to socialize your dog and talk to fellow dog owners. It is usually crowded, but there is a spacious parking lot that charges $1 per hour, and we’ve also been able to snag some free street parking as well. We appreciate the (mostly) clean restrooms and showers available, since rinsing off before getting back in the car after a sandy day is a must. Rosie’s offers plenty of trash cans to dispose of any waste, and the vibe here is friendly and warm. Also, after working up an appetite in the sun all day, you can check out many of the dog-friendly restaurants that Long Beach has to offer as well.
photo by – Bring Fido
Granada Beach
Location: Ocean Blvd., Belmont Shore
Hours: 6am-8pm every day.
Granada Beach is another option in Long Beach for smooth and sandy beaches that you and your doggie can enjoy. It is near Rosie’s, just between Roycroft and Argon Ave. Pups can play off-leash here and splash around in the ocean, but make sure to keep an eye on your dog at every moment while they are in the water. We’ve seen some fun volleyball games happening at this beach and it’s also a great place to bike as well if your dog is trained to stay on a leash beside you. Parking is available in a large parking lot at this location and also along Ocean Blvd. Look for signs to the Granada Boat Launch. 
Huntington Dog Beach
Location: Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach
Hours: 5am-10pm every day
Although it is technically located in Orange County, Huntington Dog Beach is still worth mentioning on this list due to its proximity to Los Angeles and its stunning beauty. A fun day trip just outside of LA, this beach stands out for great summer hours, as it is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has two metered parking lots available for $2 per hour. Additionally, Huntington Dog Beach provides dog waste bags for those who forget to bring their own, and there are also picnic tables and public restrooms on-site. Leashes are required when entering and exiting the beach, but dogs are permitted to roam freely on the sand while on site. This beach is also a great claim to fame for being the home of the Surf City Dog events.
photo by – Bring Fido.com
Marina Park Beach
Location: South end of Pierpoint Blvd. Ventura
Hours: 7AM-9:30pm
This small but beautiful and rocky beach is located in Ventura Harbor and allows leashed dogs to frolic. There are also options for grilling, if staying the day and having some BBQ, veggie burgers or hot dogs sounds enticing. You can swim in the water as well, take out a kayak, fish, run, bike surf, and paddleboard. If you’re also bringing some actual non-fur babies, there is a grassy area fun for children at this beach, and Ventura also offers quite a few dog friendly breweries and spots to hit up after your day in the sun. It does get very crowded here during the weekends in the summer months, so we recommend grabbing an iced coffee and getting a spot early in the AM.
Leo Carrillo Beach
Location: South Coast Highway, Malibu
Hours: 8AM-10pm
Just north of Lifeguard Tower #3, the promised land for pooches exists in the form of gorgeous Leo Carrillo Beach. A popular spot for joggers, hikers, and just beach lovers alike, we love this beach for its seclusion and scenic beauty. We’ve also seen many dolphins popping out of the ocean and putting on a show for both human and doggie spectators. There is a separate entrance for Staircase Beach, but both areas require dogs to be on leashes. . Some parking options include parking for $3 an hour, or find free parking on the highway and walking down the big wooden staircase.
Photo By – Time Out.com
Now that you know which beaches to take a furry friend, maybe it’s time to find a furry friend. We’ve found the best place to adopt a dog in LA.
