Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 01:48 pm
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches Orange County
Table of Contents
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County:
- Huntington Dog Beach
- Corona Del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach
- Newport Municipal Beach in Newport Beach
- Balboa Pier Beach in Newport Beach
- Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach
- Main Beach in Laguna Beach
- Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach
- Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach
- San Onofre State Beach – Bluffs Beaches in San Clemente
- Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point Beach
Orange County is a dog-friendly environment when compared to other coastal areas in California. Newport and Laguna are the most tolerant, as they allow dogs on most beaches during the mornings and evenings, but Huntington Beach has the finest dog beach of all!
We have compiled a list of 10 dog-friendly beaches in Orange County and invite you to explore it and find something for yourself.
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County:
Huntington Dog Beach
Address: 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA, US, 92648
Huntington Dog Beach is a popular spot for dog owners in Orange County. The beach is located between Seapoint Street and 21st Street and offers a designated area where dogs can be off-leash. Although the city ordinance requires dogs to be on a 6 foot leash, this rule is not typically enforced.
Dog Beach is a great spot for dogs to play and swim, and owners can enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean. There are also plenty of poop bags and waste bins available, making it easy to clean up after your dog. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on any of the other HB beaches.
Huntington State Beach
Address: 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA, US, 92646
Dogs are allowed on the paved surfaces at Huntington State Beach, but not on the sand. However, there are some paved bike paths and trails where dogs can walk. The beach is 121 acres and the main dog-friendly path runs along a portion of this with a view of the ocean in the distance. For dogs who want to feel the sand under their paws, Huntington Dog Beach is located just down the road.
Newport Dog Beaches
Address: 3201 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA, US, 92663
Can dogs go on the beach in Newport Beach? Yes, dogs are permitted on all of Newport Beach’s beaches, with certain restrictions. They’re not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day of the year, and they must be leashed at all other times. This includes Corona Del Mar State Beach, Newport Municipal Beach, Balboa Pier Beach, and all other small beaches in the city.
Corona Del Mar State Beach in Newport Beach
Address: Ocean Blvd and Jasmine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92625
Corona Del Mar State Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and playing volleyball. With ample parking and a wide, flat beach area, this state-owned beach managed by the city of Newport Beach is a popular destination.
Visitors can access the beach via the paid parking lot at Ocean Blvd and Jasmine Ave, or from the free Inspiration Point parking lot at Ocean Blvd and Orchid Ave. The beach is well-protected from the waves by a couple of rock jetties, making it a safe spot for swimming.
The beach is open to leashed dogs before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.
Newport Municipal Beach in Newport Beach
Address: W Balboa Blvd & 21st Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Newport Municipal Beach is located in Newport Beach, CA and stretches from Balboa Pier Beach to the south all the way to West Newport Park to the north. The beach is continuous and offers a great place for surfers to enjoy the waves.
The wide sandy beach is also attractive for other activities such as sunbathing, fishing, and swimming. The paved Newport-Balboa Bike Trail runs behind the beach for miles and is a great way to see the peninsula. There is also the Dory Fleet Fish Market which was founded in 1891 and sells fresh seafood caught by dory boat fishermen.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 4:30pm.
Balboa Pier Beach in Newport Beach
Address: E Balboa Blvd and Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
The Balboa Pier Beach in Newport Beach is a great place for both people and dogs alike. The pier is open to fishing, but most visitors just enjoy the views from the pier or watching the surfers below.
There is a restaurant at the end of the pier, as well as other restaurants and cafes nearby. The north side of the pier has a large parking lot, but it can fill up quickly so it’s best to arrive early.
Peninsula Park is a few steps away from the pier and offers a great place to relax or play some Frisbee. South of the park is an open area of dunes and a long sandy beach known as Balboa Peninsula Beach.
The Newport-Balboa Bike Trail runs along the beach and is a great place to walk, run, or bike.
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 4:30pm.
Laguna Beach
Does Laguna Beach allow dogs? Yes, If you follow the regulations, almost all of the city and county beaches in Laguna Beach are dog-friendly. From the well-known boardwalk-lined Main Beach to its hidden coves like Crescent Bay, Shaw’s Cove, Rockpile, or Picnic Beach at Heisler Park, Laguna offers a variety of dog friendly beaches for you and your dog to enjoy.
Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., June 15th through September 10th, dogs are not permitted on the beaches. They must be on a leash at all other times.
South Laguna beaches do not allow dogs. Dogs are never permitted on the beaches of Thousand Steps Beach or Totuava. They’re also prohibited from all of Crystal Cove State Park’s beaches.
Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach
Address: Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach CA, US, 92651
Shaw’s Cove is a small, sandy beach located in Laguna Beach CA. The beach is tucked away below homes and can be accessed via a public stairway at the intersection of Fairview Street and Cliff Drive.
Tide pools are exposed at both ends of the cove during low tides, making it a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring. The beach is also popular for swimming and bodyboarding. Unfortunately, like many of the beaches nearby, Shaw’s Cove Beach is mostly wet at higher tides. However, there is an area of flat rock to climb on at the south end of the beach.
Dogs are welcome at Shaw’s Cove Beach during certain hours: Between June 15th – September 10th, the hours are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and from September 11th – June 14th, the hours are 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Parking is available along the Pacific Coast Highway. Restrooms are also available.
Main Beach in Laguna Beach in Laguna Beach
Address: Broadway St & Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach CA, US, 92651
Main Beach is the name given to the main centrally-located city beach in Laguna Beach CA. The sandy beach is home to a grassy park with a boardwalk, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts and play area for children. Lifeguards are present at the beach to ensure safety.
North of Main Beach is Heisler Park, which is known for its tide pools, and to the south is a long stretch of connected beaches. These beaches can be walked at low tide and are a popular spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing.
Metered street parking is available along Highway 1 and the many side streets. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9am to 6pm from June 15 to September 10, but are allowed on a leash outside of these dates and times.
Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach
Address: 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach CA 92651
Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach CA is a beautiful, long white sandy beach that is perfect for a day of fun in the sun. The majority of this southwest-facing beach lies in front of the private gated Lagunita housing development, which gives it a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere.
Although the public beach access isn’t obvious, it is located next to address 2713 Victoria Drive. This is a lengthy staircase that leads down to the northern end of the beach. There is also an emergency vehicle beach access ramp and footpath at the end of Dumond Drive, which makes for an easier walk from Coast Highway 1.
The Victorian La Tour Tower (this residential stair tower is sometimes known as a lighthouse structure), which was erected in the 1920s, may be seen from the edge of the rocks and around the point near the stairway access. A circular concrete pool that fills with sand and salt water from the waves is located nearby. The winter surf removes much of the sand at Victoria Beach, so this northern area is mostly rocks during that season.
Although parking near Vic Beach can be difficult to find, there are spots along the highway or on side streets. It is recommended to arrive early in the day to get a closer spot.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9am to 6pm from June 15 to September 10, but they are allowed on a leash outside of those dates and times.
Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach
Address: Pacific Coast Highway and Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Treasure Island Beach is located in Laguna Beach, CA, and is known for being a great spot for swimming due to the protection from rocks offshore and typically cleaner water. The beach is also wheelchair accessible. Parking is available along Coast Highway, in a parking garage above the beach, and at Aliso Beach Park.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9am to 6pm from June 15 to September 10, but they are allowed outside of those dates and times on a leash.
San Clemente Beaches
The one and only dog beaches in San Clemente are not technically part of Orange County, but they are very accessible. Both are found at Bluffs Beach in San Onofre State Beach. This park features six numbered hiking trails that descend the steep bluff to the beach. Dogs are permitted on beaches 1 and 6, but they must be on a leash on both trails and on the beach.
San Onofre State Beach – Bluffs Beaches in San Clemente
Address: Old Pacific Highway, San Clemente, CA 92672
San Onofre State Beach is located in Orange County, between the cities of Oceanside and San Clemente. The main area of the state park, known as “Bluffs Beach,” has a long parking lot along the bluff high above the beach. There are six separate trails that descend from the parking lot to the beach.
The area south of Trail 6 Beach is the commonly accepted clothing-optional area, but since the entire state park beach is secluded from above there might be people sans clothing anywhere. North of Bluffs Beach you’ll find Surf Beach and Trestles Beach which have separate access points and are also part of San Onofre State Park.
Leashed dogs are allowed at beach 1 and 6 only.
Dana Point Beach
Dogs are not permitted on any beaches, but a dog-friendly park located directly above the beach is available in Dana Point. Leashed dogs may be walked in Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, however they are not allowed down to the beach unfortunately.
Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point
Address: 11 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point is a beautiful sandy beach that is popular among locals and tourists alike. The beach is situated below the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, as well as the Monarch Beach Golf Links. Salt Creek runs through the beach at times, providing a natural border between the sand and the lush grassy park above.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, but they are welcome in the park. The park is a great place to take your dog for a walk, as there are plenty of picnic tables and walking paths to explore. On busy days, a shuttle service is available to take you and your pup back up the hill to the parking lot.
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Dog Owner’s Guide to Avoiding Fines on Orange County Beaches
If you’re planning to take your dog to the beach in Orange County, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations in place to avoid facing fines. Here’s a guide to help you understand the potential fines for dog owners on the beaches in Orange County.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that dogs are not allowed on all beaches in Orange County. Make sure to check the specific beach’s rules and regulations before bringing your dog.
At beaches where dogs are allowed, owners must keep their dogs on a leash at all times. The leash cannot be longer than six feet in length. Failure to keep your dog on a leash can result in a fine of up to $100.
Owners must also clean up after their dogs and properly dispose of any waste. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to $100.
It’s also important to note that certain beaches have specific rules in place for dogs. For example, at Huntington Dog Beach, dogs are not allowed in the water outside of the designated dog beach area. Violating these rules can result in a fine of up to $500.
In addition to fines for violating beach regulations, owners can also face fines for having dogs that are not licensed or vaccinated. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and licenses to avoid facing additional fines.
To avoid fines on Orange County beaches, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations in place for dogs. Keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them, and make sure they are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and licenses. By doing so, you can enjoy a fun day at the beach with your furry friend without any worries of facing fines.
FAQ
What are some dog-friendly beaches in Orange County?
There are several dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, including Huntington Dog Beach, Corona Del Mar State Beach, and Salt Creek Beach. Other options include Newport Beach’s Dog Beach and San Onofre State Beach.
Are there any restrictions for dogs at Orange County beaches?
Yes, there are some restrictions for dogs at Orange County beaches. For example, dogs are not allowed on certain parts of the beach during certain hours, and they must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s also important to clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
Can I bring my dog to a beach in Orange County if it’s not a designated dog beach?
No, you should not bring your dog to a beach if it’s not designated as a dog beach. This is for the safety and enjoyment of all beachgoers, as well as the protection of the environment. You could face fines or other penalties for bringing a dog to a non-dog beach.
What should I bring when visiting a dog-friendly beach in Orange County?
When visiting a dog-friendly beach in Orange County, it’s important to bring plenty of water for your dog, as well as a leash, waste bags, and any necessary medications or first aid supplies. You may also want to bring sunscreen, hats, and other items for yourself.
Are there any fees for visiting dog-friendly beaches in Orange County?
There may be fees for visiting dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, such as parking fees or entrance fees for certain parks. It’s important to check the specific beach or park’s website for information on any fees or permits required for visiting with your dog.
What beaches are dogs allowed on in Orange County?
There are several beaches in Orange County where dogs are allowed, including Huntington Dog Beach, Corona Del Mar State Beach, and Salt Creek Beach. Other options include Newport Beach’s Dog Beach and San Onofre State Beach.
Are dogs allowed Laguna beach?
Dogs are not allowed on Laguna Beach between June 15 and September 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, dogs are allowed on Laguna Beach during the off-season and outside of those hours. Additionally, there are some designated dog parks in Laguna Beach where dogs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed on public beaches in Orange Beach?
Dogs are generally not allowed on public beaches in Orange Beach, as it is against city ordinance. However, there is a designated dog park in Orange Beach where dogs are allowed to run and play.
Are dogs allowed Newport Beach?
Dogs are allowed on certain beaches in Newport Beach, including the designated Dog Beach area located at the mouth of the Santa Ana River. However, there are restrictions in place, such as requiring dogs to be leashed and keeping them away from certain areas of the beach. It’s important to check specific rules and regulations for each beach before visiting with your dog.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great place to bring your dog for a day at the beach, look no further than Orange County. With plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and destinations, it’s easy to find a spot that both you and your pup will love.
Watch this space for more information about when your furry friend can enjoy the beach again:
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