Rosie's Dog Beach
- OFF-LEASH?
- Yes
- AREA
- Long Beach
LOS ANGELES DOG GUIDE / 5 MIN READ
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
spoiler: there are fewer than you'd think.
LA has miles of coastline, but most of it is off limits to dogs. City and county rules ban dogs from most LA beaches, even on a leash. That means Santa Monica, Venice, and most beaches near the Westside are a no.
The good news: the few dog beaches we do have are great. Here's where to go, what the rules are, and how to keep your pup safe and cool.
Photo: Nathalie Anfuso / Unsplash
01 / QUICK GUIDE
The short answer
Four beaches where dogs are welcome. Two are off-leash, two are leash only.
Huntington Dog Beach
- OFF-LEASH?
- Yes, on the sand
- AREA
- Huntington Beach (OC)
Leo Carrillo State Park North Beach
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- AREA
- Malibu
Thornhill Broome Beach
- OFF-LEASH?
- No, leash only
- AREA
- Point Mugu
02 / THE BEACHES
The four dog beaches, one by one
Rules are posted at each beach, so read the signs when you arrive.
Photo: Justin Rudd / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
01 / LONG BEACHOFF-LEASH
Rosie's Dog Beach
The only off-leash dog beach in LA County. On Ocean Blvd between Granada and Roycroft Avenues. Open daily 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash on the way in, off-leash inside the dog zone
- One dog per adult
- Dogs must be over 4 months, vaccinated, and licensed
- No food allowed, for humans or dogs
- Not fenced, so your dog needs solid recall
- Parking: metered lot on Granada Ave, restrooms nearby
BEST FOR: social dogs who love running with a crowd.
Photo: Taro the Shiba Inu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
02 / HUNTINGTON BEACH (OC)OFF-LEASH ON THE SAND
Huntington Dog Beach
Worth the drive for a full beach day. Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required in the parking lot, on the bluff, and when entering or leaving
- Leash optional on the sand
- Not fenced, so strong recall is a must
- Paid parking, restrooms, picnic tables, waste bags
- The paved bluff trail is great for a leashed walk after
BEST FOR: water-loving dogs and weekend road trips.
Photo: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area / Wikimedia Commons
03 / MALIBULEASH ONLY
Leo Carrillo State Park North Beach
The closest dog beach to the Westside, about 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on PCH. The easiest beach day if you live in Santa Monica, Brentwood, or the Palisades.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Leash required, no longer than 6 feet
- Dogs allowed only north of Lifeguard Tower 3
- No dogs on the south beach, backcountry trails, or in the tide pools
- Free parking along PCH west of Mulholland Highway
BEST FOR: calm leashed walks with a gorgeous Malibu view.
Photo: Hannes Flo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
04 / POINT MUGULEASH ONLY
Thornhill Broome Beach
A quieter, more scenic option past Malibu. Leashed dogs are welcome.
BEST FOR: a peaceful escape from the crowds.
03 / BEACH DAY TIPS
Make the day easier on both of you
Bring fresh water
Salt water makes dogs sick if they drink too much.
Rinse them off
Salt and sand irritate skin and paws.
Go early or late
Fewer crowds, cooler sand, easier parking.
Know your dog
None of these beaches are fenced. If they don't come back when called, keep the leash on.
Pack bags
Picking up after your dog keeps these beaches dog-friendly.
04 / HEAT SAFETY
How to protect your dog from the heat
LA sun is no joke, especially from May to October. Dogs can't sweat like we do. They cool down mostly by panting, so they overheat much faster than people.
Photo: Jay Brand / Pexels
The 7 second test
Put the back of your hand on the pavement or sand for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws. Asphalt can get far hotter than the air temperature.
Walk early or late
Before 9 a.m. or after sunset in summer. Skip midday walks on hot days.
Stick to grass and shade
Grass and shaded paths stay much cooler than sidewalks and sand.
Water everywhere
Carry a collapsible bowl and offer water often, not just when they look thirsty.
Never leave them in the car
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can become dangerously hot within minutes.
Cool down tools
Cooling mats, a damp towel, a kiddie pool in the yard, or a fan at home.
Watch high risk dogs
Flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs), seniors, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with thick coats overheat faster.
Don't shave double coats
Breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers use their coat to stay cool. Brushing out loose fur helps more than shaving.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
- Heavy panting that won't stop
- Thick drool or bright red gums
- Weakness, stumbling, or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapse
WHAT TO DO:Move your dog to shade or air conditioning right away. Offer small sips of water. Cool them with cool (not ice cold) water, especially on the belly, paws, and neck. Then call your vet or an emergency vet immediately, even if they seem to recover. Heatstroke can cause internal damage you can't see.
05 / BOOK
Traveling and need someone to watch your pup?
The Paw Club offers home-based dog boarding and daycare in Los Angeles. No kennels, one dog at a time, and air conditioned comfort on hot days. Every new pup starts with a free meet-and-greet.
Rules and hours can change, so check each beach's official page before you go.