Top 7 Beaches To Take Your Dog
Summer is here at last, but it won’t last forever! If going to the beach is your idea of summer fun but you don’t want to leave your precious pup behind, you’re in luck! There are plenty of amazing dog-friendly beaches around the U.S. that you’re sure to love.
Check out these dog-friendly beach options and then pack your beach gear, some sunscreen, and lots of water. It’s time to hit the beach!
Best Dog-Friendly Beach Spots in the U.S.
There are dog-friendly beaches in multiple states, whether you’re wanting to visit the west coast, the east coast, or simply a large lake! However, with so many options, we thought we’d narrow it down to the 7 beaches we think you and your dog will enjoy the most.
1. Huntington Dog Beach - California
Starting on the west coast, you can head down to the City of Huntington Beach in Orange County, California for an amazing day at the beach with your dog. Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of golden sands where dogs can roam leash-free!
You will need a leash to get your dog from the car to the beach and you will need to pick up after your pet, but with doggie bags and waste receptacles all along the beach, this should be an easy task!
After playing at the beach, try one of the nearby dog-friendly restaurants for a delicious meal and a cool drink, then head back to one of the area’s many pet-friendly hotels for a relaxing night in.
2. Cannon Beach - Oregon
In northern Oregon, you’ll find the breathtaking Cannon Beach, another dog-friendly option! This stunning beach offers amazing views of the lovely Haystack Rock and stunning ocean sunsets or sunrises while offering miles of sand and surf where dogs can play.
As long as you keep your dog on a leash or can control them with your voice, you are welcome to bring dogs to Cannon Beach! You may also enjoy exploring the nearby Ecola State Park or heading in to dine at one of the town’s many dog-friendly restaurants.
3. Montrose Dog Beach - Illinois
On the shore of the lovely Lake Michigan in the great, windy city of Chicago, you and your dog can frolic and play in the popular Mondog Dog Park which includes Montrose Beach. The park is fenced in on three sides and includes doggie bags at the entrances to help you clean up after your pup.
In order to visit this beach, you do need to get your dog a Dog Friendly Area (DFA) Tag to show that they’re up to date on vaccinations and won’t bring any diseases to the park. However, with that tag, you can spend hours frolicking in the water and sand!
After a busy day at the beach, try any of a large number of Chicago’s dog-friendly restaurants, then settle down in a pet-friendly hotel for a relaxing evening.
4. Warren G. Magnuson Park - Washington
Seattle is a popular tourist destination for dog owners, and that’s for good reason! One of the many benefits of visiting Seattle is the nearby Warren G. Magnuson Park and its large off-leash dog area.
Explore a fully-fenced 8.6 acres of trails, grassy play areas, and beachfront land. There’s even an area for small and shy dogs if your pup is not super friendly with other dogs!
Along with this amazing park area, Seattle has lots of dog-friendly restaurants (Norm’s Eatery is one of the best dog restaurants around), activities, and hotels to fill your time and give you a truly amazing vacation experience.
5. Jupiter’s Dog Friendly Beach - Florida
Enjoy the warmer shores of Florida beaches in the lovely town of Jupiter. Jupiter’s Dog Friendly Beach is made of 2.5 miles of sand and surf where dogs can play off-leash or on, depending on your preference.
Keep in mind that you must have a well-behaved dog and you should keep them leashed when walking to and from the car. The beach also offers lots of doggie bags so you can pick up after your pup when they poop!
In addition to the lovely beach area, Jupiter is a safe and fun city for dogs to vacation in! Enjoy food at a wide variety of pet-friendly restaurants and be sure to pick lodging in one of the area’s multiple pet-friendly hotels, too.
6. Herring Cove Beach - Massachusetts
Looking to explore more of the east coast and the cooler waters of the Atlantic? Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts is an amazing option! This beach offers lots of food carts and boardwalks alongside the gentler waves of the harbor.
There are some caveats to bringing your dog to this beach. You will need to keep them on a leash at all times and you will need to stay outside of the lifeguard-protected areas where people tend to swim. This beach is also closed during winter months to protect native birds.
However, in addition to the beach, there are lots of fun things you can do with your dog in Provincetown! Go sailing or boating, take in some whale-watching, and taste some delicious food all with your dog by your side! Provincetown is known for being an incredibly dog-friendly city.
7. Dauphin Island - Alabama
This beautiful barrier island south of Alabama’s mainland is about as dog-friendly as a place can get! You do have to keep your dog leashed, but most of the island’s beaches are dog-friendly! Just steer clear of the West End Beach, a haven for migratory birds.
When you’re not relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, you can explore the Audubon Bird Sanctuary with dog-friendly hiking trails, romp through parks, and indulge in delicious fare at multiple dog-friendly restaurants. There are also plenty of dog-friendly hotels to stay in for the night!
Take Your Dog on the Vacation of a Lifetime
As you can see, there are many amazing beaches, restaurants, and hotels open to dogs, no matter where in the U.S. you may want to visit. As long as you can keep your dog well-behaved and pick up their poop without trouble, you’ll have lots of fun traveling with your pup!
If you need help preparing for a vacation by picking up the dog poop accumulating in your yard, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’d be happy to help you prepare so you and your dog can escape for a fun beach adventure wherever you want to go!