Salty Sea Pups: Dog-Friendly Beaches from Coast to Coast

Photo courtesy of Four Paws Pet Sitting Services

As any canine lover can attest, dogs love the beach for the same reasons humans do. Salt air, sunshine, crashing waves, and a wide-open stretch of sand to frolic in and play with reckless abandon. For dogs who love the water, a trip to the beach—and some tasty treats—is about as good as it gets.

However, due to the fragility of dune landscapes, most beaches reinforce strict no-pet policies. And even if pets are allowed, you must know the regulations of each beach. Some areas might be dog-friendly, but a leash is always required. Know that this is for good reason. Dogs can easily upset the balance of the ecosystem by digging in the sand, damaging the flora, and disturbing the natural habitat for birds, turtles, and other sea life. Some beaches change their regulations seasonally and also limit the times of day your pup is allowed on the sandy shores. But if you do your research and follow the guidelines, it’s well worth it for you and your furry friends. Most of us treat our pets as part of the family, and they deserve to experience all of life’s adventures with their people.

So, embark with us on our journey as we discover some of the best dog-friendly beaches from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Gulf Coast in between.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks Beaches, Southern Atlantic Coast

Labrador on an Outer Banks Beach  with tennis ball in sand
Photo courtesy of The Outer Banks

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this expansive stretch of sandy shores welcomes dogs with open arms. With miles of pristine beaches to explore, furry companions can roam leash-free in some areas, their tails wagging in delight as they chase seagulls and splash in the surf. While many beaches may have seasonal restrictions, the visible signage and designated dog-friendly zones ensure a seamless experience for both dogs and their owners.

Whether basking in the sun or frolicking in the waves, the Outer Banks beaches—from Cape Hatteras and Nags Head to Duck and Kitty Hawk—offer a quintessential coastal experience for canine adventurers. Visit The Outer Banks of North Carolina for a list of seven dog-friendly beaches and their specific guidelines.

Fort De Soto Park Beach, Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg, FL

Three dogs going into the ocean at Fort De Soto Park Beach on gulf coast near St. Petersburg, FL
Photo courtesy of Pinellas County

Tucked along the sun-kissed shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast and near St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park Beach stands as a beacon of canine paradise. Here, sandy stretches sprawl for miles, inviting furry friends to scamper freely along the shoreline. With designated dog-friendly areas and amenities, including water fountains and waste disposal stations, this beach ensures a comfortable experience for both dogs and their owners. Additionally, leash-free zones allow dogs to unleash their inner adventurers as they bound across the sand and splash in the gentle waves.

The beach entrance is at the dog park’s far southwest corner. Click here to review the dog park rules and discover additional dog parks located in Pinellas County.

Block Island, Rhode Island, East Coast

Poodle standing on rocky shoreline of Block Island, Rhode Island with whitecapped waves and people fishing in the ocean.
Photo courtesy of Visit Rhode Island

Off the coast of Rhode Island, a hidden gem called Block Island awaits seafaring canine voyagers. Accessible by ferry, this idyllic oasis offers a dreamy retreat for dogs and their owners to explore together. With miles of pristine beaches to roam and rolling waves to splash in, furry companions can express their adventurous curiosities amidst the island’s unspoiled natural beauty. While some areas may have seasonal restrictions, designated dog-friendly beaches such as Ballard’s Beach and Fred Benson Town Beach ensure a memorable experience for dogs and their humans. Whether strolling along the shoreline or basking in the sun, Block Island provides a perfect escape for pups (and people) seeking seaside bliss.

All the beaches on Block Island welcome leashed dogs year-round. And off-season, state beaches welcome leashed dogs from October 1st to March 31st. Click here for a list of Block Island beaches.  

Canon Beach, Oregon, Pacific Northwest Coast

Black retriever dog on Canon Beach in Oregon with the iconc Haystack Rock formation and ocean in the background
Photo Courtesy of Canon Beach

Just 90 minutes from Portland, Canon Beach on the rugged shores of Oregon’s Pacific Northwest coast could very well be dog heaven. Famous for its towering basalt monolith known as Haystack Rock, this extraordinary coastal domain welcomes furry visitors with open arms. Dogs are allowed off-leash, provided they are under voice control, and there are miles of sandy beaches for the pups to comb.

This dog-loving destination even hosts an annual dog show every October in front of Surfsand Resort, an iconic dog-friendly oceanfront hotel. Nearby Ecola State Park offers dog-friendly hikes, where leashed dogs and their humans can meander through a lush Sitka spruce forest and nine miles of scenic coastline. Click here for more detailed information about dog-friendly Canon Beach.

Huntington Dog Beach, California, Southern Pacific Coast

Five dogs posing in the water at Huntington Dog Beach in Surf City USA, southern California.
Photo courtesy of Dog Friendly SoCal

Dogs reign supreme on Huntington Dog Beach in the heart of Surf City USA®. Tucked away along the sun-drenched shores of Southern California, this canine playground offers a seaside haven for furry friends to romp and roam to their heart’s content. Stretching across 1.5 miles of glistening coastline, the beach sits along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street.

There’s plenty of space for off-leash frolicking, with a rolling surf for strong-swimming pups to catch a wave or two. Dog-friendly amenities include showers and convenient designated parking. Guests can enjoy oceanfront views with their dogs at Huntington Beach’s pet-friendly hotels. Visit Huntington Dog Beach Rules for more tips and guidelines to ensure a safe and extraordinary experience for you and your pet.

Stay tuned for future seasonal postings featuring dog-friendly beaches, as we’ve barely scratched the surface. You can also visit Outside to explore many more dog-friendly beaches across the country. No matter where your pups may roam, here’s wishing them an exhilarating summer of unleashed adventures on the beach.

Jeanne Delathouder

I was born in Chicago, raised in the Midwest, and studied creative writing and journalism at the University of Iowa. I was quickly immersed in Southern culture when I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and became a writer and editor for Southern Accents Magazine at Time Warner. The lavish interiors and grand architecture of the region inspired me to study interior design while working as
an editor.
Today I am a lifestyle journalist, editor, brand strategist, and communications specialist with more than 25 years of experience managing and producing content for magazines, books, digital, television, and sales/marketing/PR assets. My diverse career history illustrates a proven track record of my ability to work collaboratively with editors and art directors, write creatively on a multitude of topics, implement projects, manage relationships, write with a mission, connect with a multitude of consumers, and effectively translate research outcomes into compelling content that drives action. I am an adaptable communicator and brand ambassador with specialties that include creative storytelling, content marketing, and project management.