The ultimate dog-friendly beaches in California

California is a utopia for lovers of the outdoors, with beautiful weather, some of the world’s finest national parks, a famous surfing culture and never-ending golden coastlines. So it follows that it’s also great for those travelling with pets, with plenty of places to play in the sun and sand. Here are the ultimate dog-friendly Californian beaches you should visit.

Estero Bluffs State Park in Cayucos

The dog-friendly Estero Bluffs State Park is located in Estero Bay, where wetlands, coastal terraces and pretty coves are home to shorebirds, marine mammals and birds of prey. Visitors can go for walks along the rocks exploring tidal pools full of hermit crabs and colourful sunburst anemones. Covering 353 acres, the park’s flat terrain is good for older dogs or for those simply after a gentle stroll along the sand – do check when low tide is before setting off, otherwise there won’t be any beach to walk on. There are several trails that start at different points of the park but each loop will take you across open landscapes and to the edge of the bluffs where some paths will lead down to the beach. Once you’ve finished your walk, rest those legs at Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles.

Fort Funston in San Francisco

In the southwestern corner of San Francisco, you’ll find Fort Funston, the Peninsula’s largest remaining dune field. Wild and windy conditions mean it’s a great spot for hang-gliding but it also has a large network of trails for hiking and horseback riding. While the wide and long sands give dogs space to run around to their hearts’ content – hopefully they’ll have enough energy to walk back to the car, otherwise you may have to carry them back up the steep sand dunes. Both owner and pet can enjoy a well-earned rest at Laurel Inn, a Joie de Vivre Hotel.

Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach

Rosie’s Dog Beach is located in Long Beach, a sunny city on the Pacific Coast within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Head to Ocean Boulevard (between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue) to find four acres of golden sand dedicated to dogs (though this dog-zone is only open from 6am to 8pm every day and regulations are quite strict, so if you arrive outside of these hours your pooch will not be welcome on the beach). But within opening times, it’s a great place for dogs to run around off the lead, splash about in the shallows and play together. Come home to the pet-friendly Ocean front near the Queen Mary. Here you can watch the sunset over the sea from your private terrace.

Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz

If you and your dog want to stretch your legs, head to Seabright Beach (just south of the Santa Cruz Beach and boardwalk), where the sand stretches out as far as the eye can see and is wide enough to feel spacious even with lots of other visitors. This area is an on-lead dog beach, with the Walton Lighthouse sitting slightly out to sea and forming a lovely backdrop. Stay just a short walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at Seaway Inn.

Huntington Dog Beach in Los Angeles

Huntington Dog Beach in Orange County is open from 5am to 10pm every day, welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes. It’s well equipped for visitors to stay for the whole day, with public restrooms, parking, a grassy area with picnic tables and dog waste bags in handy locations along the beach. And if you haven’t already got enough pictures for your pup’s Instagram feed, Fly Dog Photography host free photoshoots on the beach. Once you’ve both worked up an appetite, head to the nearby Park Bench Cafe, which has a dog-friendly menu – order a healthy vegetarian omelette for yourself and a Hot Diggity Dog (all-bread hotdog cut into small pieces with no bun) for your canine companion. Head home to spend the night at Paséa Hotel & Spa, adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier.