15 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Andrea Powell
All I have to do is say the word "beach" and my dogs are running to the door and howling with excitement.
Some dogs love going to the beach just as much as their owners. Thankfully, there are several beaches located on the coasts as well as lakes throughout the United States that welcome Fido.
Just be sure to pack a few dog essentials like a leash, dog waste bags, water bowl, and a towel before heading to the beach.
Bring Fido, a team of pet travel experts, compiled a list of the best dog beaches in the U.S. and shared them with their dog-loving customers.
Calling all beach bums and their dogs...here is a list of beaches you and Fido must visit.
Lakes
1. Lake Tahoe
Photo: Pixabay/Jody SummersMany call this area one of the most beautiful places in the world and you can enjoy it with your dog. Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California and Nevada border. It is a popular summer destination with several beaches that run along its shores.
According to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome at the following areas:
Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe
North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort
Hidden and Chimney Beaches on the east shore
Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach
Ski Beach in Incline Village (from October to April only)
Echo Lakes
North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort's sandy beach is a popular place for dogs to play on the weekends. People looking to avoid the crowds are encouraged to go early in the morning or during the week.
As always, remember to clean up after your dog and keep the beach clean for all to enjoy.
2. Montrose Dog Beach - Chicago, IL
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach. Dogs of all sizes can run free in the fenced in area and allows them to swim in the lake, if they choose. Many people have raved about the beach which has free dog waste bags and a wash area.
The beach access is free, but all dogs are required to have a DFA (Dog Friendly Area) Tag which shows the dog is up to date on its vaccinations and in good health.
Dog owners are asked to follow some rules to ensure everyone remains safe and can enjoy the beach.
3. Lake Havasu - Lake Havasu City, AZ
Cattail Cove State Park has over 2,000-acres of wilderness to explore with your dog and includes a dog-friendly beach at Lake Havasu. The 45-mile-long lake is the perfect place to cool off after a scenic hike. Fido can take a dip in the dedicated dog area. Dogs must be leashed while hiking the trails but are allowed off-leash at the dog beach.
4. Lake Washington - Seattle, WA
The only dog park in Washington with beach access is Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area. The fully-fenced 8.6 area allows dogs to run and swim off-leash, but under the supervision of their parents. The area is divided into small/shy dog and large dog areas to allow all dogs to enjoy time at the beach.
East Coast
5. Wildwood Dog Park and Beach - Wildwood, NJ
Wildwood Dog Park and Beach is a dog paradise. You can't miss this dog-friendly beach with the large red fire hydrant that was designed just for dogs. In addition to having a fenced area for small and large dogs to play off-leash in the sand, the park has obstacles for the dogs to conquer and a shade area for them to rest.
6. Haulover Beach Park - Miami Beach, FL
Experience the beautiful white sandy beaches of Miami with Fido at the bark park at Haulover Beach Park. The beach is open every day from sunrise to sunset, but Fido is allowed to enjoy the sand and surf from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is divided into small and large dogs and includes shade trees, drinking fountains for dogs and humans, and waste bags.
7. Bayview Beach - Saco, ME
This dog-friendly beach in Maine allows dogs to spend the entire day alongside their humans with no time restraints. However, dogs must be leashed from April 1 to Sept. 30 to protect the piping plovers and other birds that nest on the beach.
8. Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC
Take in the majestic Atlantic Ocean as you stroll along the shore of Myrtle Beach with Fido. All dogs must be on a leash and are allowed before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Early risers may even spot a dolphin, talk about a win-win!
West Coast
9. Huntington Dog Beach - Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Dog Beach is also referred to as "Doggy Heaven". Dogs big and small have the time of their lives and want to go back for more. The 1.5-mile beach allows dogs to remain on leash or can run free if they are controlled by voice commands. Dogs can choose to run in the sand, take a dip in the water, do zoomies in the grass, and relax after taking a refreshing drink from the dog drinking fountain. The area is open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is a hot spot for both locals and visitors.
10. Cannon Beach - Cannon Beach, OR
Get away from all the hustle and bustle and unwind with Fido at Cannon Beach. The Oregon dog beach is located just outside a small town and has the most breathtaking views. Take in the Pacific Ocean and large rock formations while soaking up the sun alongside your best friend.
11. Cape Disappointment State Park - Ilwaco, WA
Don't be deterred by the name of this dog-friendly park located on the Long Beach Peninsula. It is a hidden gem. The 2,023-acre park has over 7 miles of trails to hike with your pup and several beach spots to cool off in the Pacific Ocean. Leashed pets are welcome year-round.
Gulf Coast
12. Padre Island National Seashore - Corpus Christi, TX
Stretching more than 60 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore welcomes humans and animals to enjoy nature on the undeveloped barrier island. There are wash areas for the dogs after they have played in the sand and water to their heart's content. Dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife that nest near or on the beach.
13. Dauphin Island Beach - Dauphin Island, AL
Dogs are welcome year-round at Dauphin Island Beach but must be on a leash. The only area that are not allowed is the West End Beach Park because it is home to migratory birds. The only other requirements are that owners pick up after their dogs and are considerate of other beachgoers. It is one of the few Alabama beaches that allows dogs.
14. Ocean Springs Beach - Ocean Springs, MS
The shallow water of this dog-friendly beach allows Fido to play fetch and splash in the waves for miles. Dogs must remain on-leash as they frolic along the shore. Clean, not overly crowded, and peaceful are just a few ways visitors have described the beach.
15. Rutherford Beach - Cameron, LA
Search for seashells while Fido runs in the sand and surf at Rutherford Beach on the Gulf Coast. You will have more time to play as you can drive and park right on the beach. Dogs can run off-leash as long as they are well-behaved and don't disturb other dogs or visitors.
This list is just a sample of the dog-friendly shores in the country. Check out even more here. Be sure to share your dog's favorite beach, even if it wasn't on the list.
