We and our munchkins love to get their feats and paws dirty in the sand. So, we have sniffed out some of the best and known Dog-Friendly Beaches where your pooch can tag along with you. Let’s start the surf!
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Dog-Friendly Beaches Florida
Florida State of the US is situated in the middle of the Atlantic and The Gulf Of Mexico. Florida has about 663 miles of beach. Known for its beautiful and breath-taking shores, Florida has become one of the most popular vacation destinations and has multiple numbers of beaches that are dog-friendly. Here are some of the best pick for you:
Fort De Soto Dog Beach
Situated on the southern tip of Tierra Verde, is the Fort De Soto dog beach which is a beautiful white sand ocean with greenery surrounding the place. This beach allows dogs on and off the leash. They have a playground called ‘paw playground’ where the dogs can go off-leash. For the rest of the beach, the leash has to 6 ft. in length.
Area: 3500 Pinellas Bay way S, Saint Petersburg, FL, US 33715.
Nearest City: St Petersburg.
Amenities: Dog Park, dog shower, food stalls, parking.
Timing: 7 am to 9 pm.
Walton Rocks Beach
Walton Rock dog beach is one of the most spacious dog-friendly beaches in Florida State of The US, with around 24-acre space. This beach is located in amid of The Jensen beach & Hutchinson Island. You can have a nice full-family picnic here, too. Dogs are allowed with leashes on.
Area: 6700 Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, FL, US 34957.
Nearest City: fort pierce.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, parking,
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.
Jupiter Beach
This is, hands-off, the best off-leash dog-friendly beach in Florida. Situated in the northern part of Palm Island, Jupiter beach allows off-leash dogs to roam and wander freely up to an extent of the beach. The leash-free area covers 2.5 miles. Visitors can park in the free parking lot.
Area: 48 Ocean Blvd, Jupiter, FL, US 33458.
Nearest City: palm beach.
Amenities: Dog poop bags for free, parking, trash cans.
Timing: 6:30 am to 9 pm.
Dog-friendly Beaches NJ (New Jersey)
Situated on the North-eastern part of the US is the New Jersey State which has 130 miles of Atlantic coast. The Jersey City has exquisite museums and The Statue of Liberty which holds a lot of history within. This place is also famous for its food, intense politics and beaches. It also holds 2nd rank in the nation’s best dog-friendly beaches.
Wildwood Dog Park & Beach
Wildwood Dog Park & Beach is located between Glenwood and Maple Avenue. This beach has plenty of space to lay down and soak up the sun, while your little friend enjoys a dip in the beach. Dogs are to be put on a leash while roaming on the beach but can be unleashed in the park nearby. It is the perfect weekend getaway spot.
Area: 3000 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ, US 08260
Nearest City: wildwood.
Amenities: Dog Park, Freshwater available in the park, dog toys, beach taxi, doggie bags.
Timing: Open for 24/7. But advised visiting when the lifeguards are present.
Island Beach State Park
Island beach state park is a narrow coastline with a beautiful scenic view and a perfect place to swim, go fishing, surfing, diving, etc. The best part? You can bring your munchkin, too! They allow dogs of all sizes with a leash on. The leash length should be 6ft. (max). Dogs are allowed in the area between 7 South and Jetty. Dogs are also not allowed in the swimming area.
Area: 2400 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ, US 08752.
Nearest City: Trenton.
Amenities: surfing, fishing, lifeguards, parking.
Timing: 8 am to 6 pm.
8th Avenue Dog Beach
Located in the Asberry Parley Beach, 8th Avenue Beach is a fun sandy shore-side. They allow dogs of all kinds and sizes. Dogs are allowed to get off-leashed all day in between October 1st – May 15th. From May 16th – September 30th, un-leashed dogs are allowed before 8:30 am. During the summer season, the place becomes crowded. So, caretakers may want to see a certificate of non-aggression if you wish to let lose your dog.
Area: 1740 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, US 07712.
Nearest City: Trenton.
Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, dog shower.
Timing: 24 hours open.
Dog-Friendly Beaches NC (North Carolina)
Located on the South-east part of the US, is North Carolina with the Atlantic Ocean on its East. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th most packed of all the other states. NC is known for its Cheer wine & art museums. This US State consists of multiple numbers of dog-friendly beaches with plenty of amenities. Here are a few of them:
Carolina Beach
Situated on the coast of NC, Carolina Beach is the home to flytrap trail & fishing spot. Nearby, you can find restaurants & amusement rides. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 am and after 5 pm from April to September. From October to March, leashed dogs are allowed for all hours of the day. A fine of 250$ will be imposed if found violating any rule.
Area: 1598 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC, US 28428.
Nearest City: Wilmington.
Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, dog shower, restaurants nearby, amusement rides, trash cans, doggie bags, camping.
Timing: 24 hours open.
Emerald Isle Beach
Situated in the town of Emerald Isle, the emerald beach has a beautiful view of the subset and sunrise. It is like dog heaven. This beach is truly dog-friendly as they allow un-leashed dogs all around the year. Covering almost 12 miles of coast, Emerald beach is one perfect spot to spend time with your pooch and see the sunset.
Area: 398 Ocean Dr, Emerald Isle, NC, US 28594.
Nearest City: Jacksonville
Amenities: NA
Timing: 24 hours open.
Kitty Hawk Beach
Kitty Hawk beach is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Dare County. They are dog-friendly and allows dogs of all sizes and kinds. From 10 am to 6 am, handlers are allowed to take their dogs on the public beach. For un-leashing, a dog, take permission from the caretaker. If your dog isn’t notorious, you can keep them unleashed.
Area: N Virginia Dare Trail & Fonck St, Kitty Hawk, NC, US 27949.
Nearest City: Elizabeth city.
Amenities: Lifeguards, parking, dog shower.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches San Diego
San Diego is a beautiful city located on the pacific coast of California. This city is known for its parks, warm climate, and beaches! Not all beaches in San Diego are dog-friendly, but there are plenty of beaches in this city to go with your dog. Here are a few of them:
The Original Dog Beach
The original dog beach is one of the most crowded and famous in San Diego. Located on the Northern end of the ocean, the original was the first beach to allow people to bring their off leashed pooches. You have to get permission from the County Dept. for letting your dog roam freely. Vaccination and collars are checked at the dept.
Area: 5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA, US 92107.
Nearest City:
Amenities: lifeguards, doggie bag, trash cans, restrooms.
Timing: 24 hours.
Fiesta Island Dog Beach
Searching for the perfect get-away destination for your coming weekend? Well, search no more. Fiesta Island, situated within Mission Bay, is a calm and mind-soothing place that rarely gets packed. They have a Dog Park where the dogs can go unleashed. You and your dog can also enjoy a dip in the calm bay water, too!
Area: 1590 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA, US 92109.
Nearest City:
Amenities: Lifeguards, parking (from 5 am to 10 pm), doggie bags at the entrance.
Timing: 24 hours.
Pacific Beach
This beach is located in the middle of Pacific Beach and the crystal pier of San Diego. The city view from the crystal pier, which is a public fishing spot, is breath-taking. There is, also, a bike path where you can find a couple of restaurants and other shops. Dogs are not allowed on the property between 9 am to 4 pm from November to March & 9 am to 6 pm from April to October.
Area: 4500 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA, US 92109.
Nearest City:
Amenities: Trash cans, Dog Park, lifeguards.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches Santa Cruz
Santa Crus is a city that lies on central California’s coast and is known for vintage clothes, moderate climate, and natural environment & redwood forests. Santa Cruz city came into recognition in the year 1866 (1877 officially). Santa Cruz also has dog-friendly beaches with enough amenities. Here are some of the best:
Lighthouse Field State Beach
This city lies on the coastlines of central California. This beach has a Santa Cruz surfing museum, inside the Lighthouse which came in the year 1967. This property is owned by State Park System, California. This is the perfect spot for taking shots of a golden sunset. Dogs are allowed but should be on leash overtime.
Area: Santa Cruz, CA, US 95060.
Amenities: Outdoor shower, restrooms, drinking water, parking.
Timing: 7 am till sunset.
Sea bright State Beach
This beach covers an area of half a mile between Santa Cruz beach boardwalk & Santa Cruz harbor. Sailboat races are being held in this property, starting from spring and lasts by the end of October. Only leashed dogs are allowed. They have a lifeguard during the summers.
Area: 15 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, US 95062.
Amenities: Firepits, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, parking.
Timing: 6 am to 10 pm.
Twin Lakes State Beach
Situated on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz County is the Twin Lakes beach. There lies a lake on the backside named as ‘Schwan’ Lake, which has a variety of birds around it. Perfect bird spotting point. You can bring leashed dogs for a quality-time vacation. This is a good spot for picnics and swimming.
Area: 2218 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, US 95060.
Nearest City:
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, fire pits, lagoon, and wetland.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches MA (Massachusetts)
This state of the US is the most populous in New England region. This is also one of the newest England state and it is also known by the name ‘Commonwealth of Massachusetts’.
Pilgrims and Mayflower are some of the interesting things here. Massachusetts have plenty of pet-friendly dogs where on leashed and off-leashed dogs are allowed. We picked some of the popular ones for you:
Herring Cove Beach
Located on the tip of Cape, Herring beach is a part of the Cape Cod national seashore. Though the coastline is pretty vast, only a small portion of it is under the lifeguard surveillance. This is the perfect place if you wish to see a perfect sunset in Massachusetts. Dog are allowed on the portion where there is no public and should be leashed every time.
Area: 300 Province Lands Rd, Provincetown, MA, US 02657.
Nearest City: New Bedford.
Amenities: Showers, food nearby, restrooms, handicap chairs, lifeguards.
Timing: 24/7 open.
Sandy Neck Beach
It is a saltwater beach with pebbly sand. This beach allows off-road vehicles, with permission from Sandy neck Gatehouse. Permission is to be taken between 8 am to 9 pm. There will be none of the lifeguards available after Labour Day. It is areas longest beach, with 6 miles of coastline. You can enter this beach from Barnstable as well as from Sandwich. From September till May, on leashed and off-leashed dogs are allowed to enter the property.
Area: 425 Sandy neck Rd, Barnstable, MA, US 02668.
Nearest City: New Bedford.
Amenities: Lifeguards, food nearby, showers, restrooms, camping, swimming lessons, handicap chairs.
Timing: 24 hours.
Marconi Beach
This beach is a part of the Cape Cod National seashore and holds a lot of history. This beach is named after an Italian inventor called Guglielmo Marconi who transmitted 1st trans-Atlantic wireless communication in the year 1930. Lifeguards are seen from June till Labour Day. This beach is also famous for its large dunes. The moderate-high waves make them perfect beach for surfing. Leashed dogs are welcomed.
Area: Marconi beach Rd, Wellfleet, MA, US 02667.
Nearest City: New Bedford.
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, boardwalk.
Timing: 6 am to 12 midnight.
Dog-Friendly Beaches Michigan
It is located in the Great Lakes and Mid-west region of the US. This state is famous for its great lakes (Huron), friendly & hospitable locals, and long shorelines. They have the longest shoreline the Entire US. The capital of this state is Lansing. This state also comprises of some beautiful picturesque beaches that are dog-friendly, too! Let us show you some of them:
Norman F Kruse Park
This beach is recognized by its dunes. It is also a major picnic spot and has four picnic shelters. Beach and dunes are accessible by ramps. They also have a dog beach with a set of rules-to-follow. The dogs can be kept off the leash in that area.
Area: 3205 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI, US 49441.
Nearest City: Muskegon.
Amenities: Nature trails, playground, basketball court, restrooms, food nearby, picnic shelters.
Timing: 5:30 am to 11 pm.
Nordhouse Dunes
Located on the lower peninsula of Michigan, Nordhouse dunes are the perfect adventurous spot for friends and family. Behind them, is a 3450-acre national forest. It is home to many sandy beaches. Dogs are to be put on a leash. There are hiking and camping spots nearby.
Area: West forest trail Rd, Manistee, MI, US 49411.
Nearest City: Manistee.
Amenities: Restrooms, fire rings, water, parking.
Timing: NA.
Grand Haven City Beach
It is situated in between The Bi-mar (a beach-front restraint) & Grand haven state park beach on harbor drive. This is a sandy beach on Lake Michigan with an area of 3250 lineal feet. They also conduct Sandcastle building contests, kit events, pole vaulting, and weddings. Dogs are allowed in the south of the buoy marked swim area before 11 am and after 5 pm.
Area: 1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI, US 49417.
Nearest City: Grand haven.
Amenities: Restrooms, parking, beach access walkway, picnic tables, buoy marked swim area.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches Virginia
Virginia, also known as ‘the birthplace of the nation’, lies in the southern part of the US. This state is known for its peanuts. The first peanut grown in the US was in Virginia. This place is also couple-famous for its historical museums and beaches. Here are some of the beaches to check out:
Ocean View Beach
Oceanview beach is a white sand beach located on Norfolk’s Chesapeake Bay with an area of 6.5 acres. Visitors come to enjoy beautiful sunrise/sunset, swimming, nature trails, canoeing, etc. Dogs are allowed seasonally & not allowed on the white sand part. From Memorial Day till Labour Day, dogs are not allowed in between 10 am and 6 pm.
Area: 111 W Ocean Avenue, Norfolk, VA, US 23551.
Nearest City: Norfolk.
Amenities: Parking, restrooms, freshwater, Dog Park, fishing, jet skiing.
Timing: 24 hours.
First Landing State Park Beach
Formerly known as the Seashore state park, First Landing state park has got his new name because this place is near to the site of the first landing of Christopher Newport. This beach has several things to offer to its visitors, like- Swimming, public beach, camping areas, and hiking areas. First landing state park beach covers 15 miles of area.
Area: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA, US 23451.
Nearest City: Virginia beach.
Amenities: Restrooms, trails for hiking, parking, food nearby.
Timing: NA.
Kiptopeke State Park
It is a state-owned park, located on the southern end of the eastern shore of Virginia. This beach allows dogs on the left side of the beach & right side is for the public, which has fun activities to do like boat launching.
Area: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA, US 23310.
Nearest City: Virginia beach.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, yurts (half tent, half cabin), lifeguards.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches South Carolina
South Carolina is a south-eastern state of the US. And is known for its shoreline and Marsh like Sea Island. SC is also the nation’s largest peach producer. Before being called ‘palmetto state’, SC was known as the ‘Iodine State’. The state of South Carolina has beautiful beaches, filled with fun activities and luxurious resorts. Here are some of the most-known beaches just for you:
Isle Of Palm
It is positioned in between Atlantic Ocean & Intracoastal Waterway and features a beautiful beach with plenty of amenities and activities to do. The isle of palm cover about 12 miles of area. Championship of golf and tennis occurs often in this property and has other recreations too. Dogs are allowed in this property. You can get them off-leashed between 5 am to 9 am. At all the other time, dogs should under the supervision of their owners and should be kept leashed.
Area: 810 Ocean Blvd, 10th Avenue to 14th Avenue, Isle of palm, SC, US 29451.
Nearest City: Isle of palm
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, resorts, live music, golf & tennis areas, volleyball area,
Timing: 24 hours.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a city and the perfect vacation spot for friends & friends on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast. Myrtle Beach is in the centre of the Grand Strand. The beachfront is good for having a walk or to grab a bite. This place also has the country’s tallest Ferris wheel aka Sky wheel. Dogs are allowed in between 5 am to 10 pm from May till Labour day. Dogs should be on a leash every time.
Area: Myrtle Beach, SC, US.
Nearest City: Myrtle.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, food nearby, amusement park, water sport, lifeguards.
Timing: NA.
Alder Lane Beach
Alder Lane Beach resides inside the Hilton Head’s Historic Forest Beach Community. This 12 miles shoreline is far from the hustle-bustle of the city life. Here, you can relax and soak the sun with your little friend. Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 5 pm (from April to September). Dogs must be on a leashon this beach. The owners are required to keep the beach property clean by cleaning their dog’s waste.
Area: William Hilton Pkwy and oceanfront Blvd, Hilton head island, SC, US 29928.
Nearest City: Savannah.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, lifeguards, outdoor shower, and beach mat surface.
Timing: 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly Beaches Maine
Maine is the North-eastern most state in the US. It is famous for its rocky shorelines and nautical history. This place has some of the best beaches in the world. Maine is also known for its lobster production and has the longest coastline (longer than California’s coastline)
Wells Beach
This beach lies on the Southern Maine coast. Wells has four beaches under them – Moody beach, Crescent Beach, Wells beach & Drake’s Island beach. Wells beach is filled with dunes and is the perfect beach for you and your little friend. This beach also hosts events like Wells chili festival and Wells Christmas parade. The gazebo at Well’s harbor is good to watch summer concerts, fireworks, fairs, and other festivals.
Area: Mile Rd & Atlantic Ave, Wells, ME, US, 04090-0000
Nearest City: Saco.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, lifeguards, outdoor shower, surfing, body boarding.
Timing: 24 hours.
Kennebunk Beach
Kennebunk comprises of three beaches– Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach. This beach is a peaceful one with a lot of pebbles and rocks around the shore. There is also a park nearby for dogs and humans. This beach is perfect for long walks while enjoying the view of the sunset. Dogs are allowed but not between 7 am to 8 pm. Lifeguards are also there from June to September. You can also enjoy a view of fireworks which are held on the 4th of July.
Area: Beach Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME, US 04043.
Nearest City: Saco.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, lifeguards.
Timing: 24 hours.
Short Sands Beach
Short sands beach, also known as shorty’s, is in Oregon. This is a sandy beach with a lot of greenery around it. People come here mostly to surf. This area comes under Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area and hence has some guild lines to follow. Besides the beach, there is a hiking point too. You can go all up till. They allow dogs, but it must be on a leash every time. Dogs are allowed before 6 am and after 8 pm.
Area: 31-37 Ocean Ave, York, ME 03909, United States.
Nearest City: Dover.
Amenities: Restrooms, water, parking, lifeguards, outdoor shower.
Timing: 24 hours.
Hey, Readers!
This was all about some of the most known Dog-friendly beaches. Have you ever been to any of these beaches? Or planning to? Let us know about your experience, in the comment section below. For more such fun content, stay tuned and follow our social handlings.
Happy Petting To You Guys!
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