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Pet-Friendly Beaches across the US
Thinking of taking your Dog to the Beach?
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Taking your dog to the beach can be a great way to get exercise, cool down, snap a few Instagram photos, share quality time with your companion canine, and have fun. It is pure joy to see dogs running on the beach. But the beach can be hot. Luckily, there are dog swim areas for your dog to cool down.
It is easy to find listings of beaches across the U.S. that welcome dogs, on leash or off leash. There are listings by states you can find online and check the municipal by-laws. Here’s a list of 8 Dog-friendly U.S. beaches that I came across: Double Bluff Beach, Washington; Cannon Beach, Oregon; Huntington Dog Beach and Carmel Beach, California; Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts; Block Island Mansion Beach, Rhode Island; Wildwood Dog Park & Beach, New Jersey; Jupiter Dog-Friendly Beach, Florida.
Before you decide to visit to a dog-friendly beach, here are some helpful tips:
1. Check the Beaches Rules and Regulations Before You Go:
Every beach has its own set of rules and regulations. Since most public beaches restrict dogs in the summer, it can be challenging to find a beach where dogs can swim and cool off in the water. Most dog-friendly beaches require dogs to remain on leash, sometimes even in the water. Some beaches allow dogs during the off-season, or during certain times of the day. Other beaches have a designated portion of the beach where dogs are allowed. There are beaches that are dog friendly where dogs are allowed off-leash. For instance, when I lived in Southern California, I would often take my dog, Charlie, to Huntington Beach, CA. I kept him on leash at all times as those were the rules even though there was a designated area where dogs were permitted to be off-leash. Check the listing for the beach online that you want to visit with your dog.
2. On-Leash or Off-Leash Beach:
Make sure you check the state’s regulations. Also, it’s important to follow the regulations before you go and follow the guidelines. You can check individual beaches online for the rules ahead of time and even when you arrive at the beach, read the signs posted.
Most beaches do have strict no-pet or on-leash policies. There are beaches such as Huntington Beach, CA (mentioned above) that offer dedicated areas where dogs are allowed to run off leash in the designated dog beach area. Other beaches included are: Bark Beach at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, Florida; Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Venice, Florida, and Wildwood Dog Park & Beach in Wildwood, New Jersey.
3. Keep your Dog Safe at the Beach:
Be aware there can be hazards for your pet at the beach. Bring fresh water. Running on the sand can be hard for your dog, and they can easily get overheated in the sun as it can be hard to find shade. Remember, dogs and your other furry friends don’t produce sweat glands like humans so it’s important to keep them well-hydrated.
Bring plenty of fresh water. Don’t let your dog drink the ocean water; salt water can make dogs sick. Never leave your dog unattended and be aware of objects/items that can be hidden in the sand such as: broken glass, rocks, hooks, coral, and garbage. There can be ticks and other bugs at the beach so preventative medicine can help.
4. Respect the Ecosystem:
Beaches are beautiful places with natural landscapes but they are fragile ecosystems. Allowing dogs to dig in the sand can cause damage to the environment, as there can be habitat that needs to be protected, such as nesting turtles or endangered birds. Make sure not to let your dog dig as there can be turtle nests that can protect and keep wildlife safe and respected. Many beaches have varying regulations depending on the season, to protect wildlife. Regulations can change throughout the season and even at different times of the day.
5. Keep Beaches Dog-Friendly:
Respect the rules of the beach and the beach’s culture. Please keep your dog on a leash where it is required even if others are not. Keep an eye on your dog and stay close by when they are off-leash. Unattended dogs can get into trouble. Do your part to be a responsible dog parent and help keep beaches clean and pick up after your dog!
For a listing of beaches and resources/websites to check out you can click on your state:
https://petfriendlytravel.com/dog-beach-us
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-dog-friendly-beach-2024
To find out more about pet-friendly beaches across the U.S., and tips, you can listen to my recent radio interview with Rudy Maxa from RMWorldTravel. Listen here