Top 12 Beaches For Dogs

Sand, waves, the smell of fish and plenty of birds to chase – these are just a few of the reasons dogs love beaches! If you are looking for the ultimate shore to take your dog to, then check out these 12 amazing beaches that welcome you and your four-legged best friend. Do you have a favorite beach not mentioned? Share it in the comments!

#1 – Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is known for being very dog friendly. It has great hiking and walking trails, complete with doggie clean-up stations for your convenience. Get hungry? Almost every restaurant in town is dog friendly and so are many of the hotels including The Inn at Laguna Beach and Laguna Beach House. They don’t even charge an extra fee for your buddy to stay with you.

#2 – Indiana Dunes, Lake Michigan, Indiana

Although not an ocean beach, the Indiana Dunes consistently ranks among the best beaches, and both Indiana Dunes State Park’s beach and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Kemil Beach welcome dogs for playing in the sand or splashing in the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. Dogs should generally be on leash while on the trails or beaches, unless swimming. The visitor center offers doggie bags and a drinking bowl and water upon request.

#3 – Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago, Illinois

Just fifteen minutes from the heart of downtown Chicago, this off-leash dog beach is maintained by a volunteer organization who is dedicated to keep it nice for everyone’s enjoyment.  The giant dog beach is right next to the Montrose Beach for humans and is easy to access, even by wheelchair. Definitely a place to stop with the pups next time you visit the Windy City.

#4 – St. George Island, Florida

Meagan Watson says that St. George Island is THE place for dogs. Her family has been renting a house here for several years and believes it just might be heaven on Earth for our four-legged friends. Dogs are allowed off-leash, it’s super clean, people are friendly and your pup is even welcome in the restaurants. Watson says you don’t even have to wear shoes to get service!

#5 – Hobie Cat Beach, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

The white sandy beaches and azure-colored water of this beach, known for its snorkeling, make it a lovely place to spend the day with your best bud. Despite the name, this beach is dog friendly! It’s a sailboat hot spot, so if you and your pup fancy a day at sea, this is a great vacation destination.

#6 – Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara, California

Located in Santa Barbara (which is amazingly dog friendly in and of itself!) this beach allows your dog to be off-leash, so he can get the full benefit of swimming, digging and running on this white, sandy beach. There is a restaurant and public restrooms nearby, and even a doggie dish to make sure your dog gets water throughout the day. After a fun day, take your dog to the Monarch Pet Spa, a self-service dog wash, so you don’t have to bring the ocean home with you!

 

#7 – Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Looking to catch some waves on your vacay? If so, then this may be your beach. It attracts surfers from all over the world and even holds several surf contents annually. Casamar Suites Hotel is a nearby pet friendly hotel and it more than happy to host you and your surfing pup.

#8 – Fingal Heads Beach, Kingscliff, Australia

This stunning beach in Australia has a few off-leash dog areas where your dog can run and swim to his heart’s content. Otherwise, they are welcome on lead. Local cafes in the area often have water bowls set out for thirsty pups.  The white sand, deep blue sea and dark green foliage make this a beautiful spot to enjoy nature with your dog.

#9 – Miami Beach, Florida

There are many options for travelers with dogs in the Miami Beach area. Several beaches are dog-friendly, including Haulover Beach Park, Bark Beach at North Shore Open Space Park, Key Biscayne  and Flamingo Dog Park. Each of these parks has their own amenities including doggie water and waste stations, shade trees, picnic tables, trails for hiking and, of course, beach for swimming. The Whitewoof Lounge at the Whitelaw Hotel has a weekly event every Wednesday that benefits the 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades, Florida – a group that rescues unfortunate dogs dumped by their owners left for dead in the wild Everglades. Most of these dogs are found banged up. They are then rescued, nursed back to health, and then put up for adoption at loving homes.

#10 – Cherry Beach Dog Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This is a 10.9 acre off-leash dog park that is very popular with nearby residents. The area is sectioned off from the “human side” and allows swimming as well as running room. The beach is a mix of sand and rock, with an amazing view of the lake and harbor. There is usually some sort of food truck there as well, in case you get hungry.

#11 – Rimini Dog No Problem Beach, Rimini, Itally

This beach just might beat them all in terms of “dogs rule – humans drool.” The entire space was created in partnership with a dog behaviorist to ensure it was suited to a dog’s needs. In fact, you can’t go to the beach if you don’t have a dog with you! There are showers for your dog, an agility space to train or play in, unfenced and fenced umbrellas “cabanas” (for dog’s that like their space), and even free dog training courses.

#12 – Fort De Soto Paw Playground and Beach, Saint Petersburg, Florida

This off-leash beach is sectioned off for big and small dogs, which is fantastic. It even has dog showers so you can clean your pup up before heading home. There are also leash areas in other parts of the beach. There is plenty to explore, including an old Spanish fort. Camping is available too, so you can your pup can stay for a weekend…or two! It’s been named the #1 beach in America twice by Trip Advisor, so it’s definitely worth a visit.