Between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County, California features miles of pristine coastline just waiting to be enjoyed. If you want your dog to join your beach excursion, you’ll find plenty of choices in Orange County. However, because of the popularity of most beaches in the county, dogs are generally prohibited during busy hours and seasons. Check the rules before you head for the shore with your pup. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, CA.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA
1. Huntington Dog Beach
- Restrooms, water, picnic tables, and waste bags are available
- Located near a busy highway
- Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the sand
- It’s recommended that your dog wear a visible license
- Remove all full poop bags to avoid fines
2. West Street Beach
- Remote and usually less crowded beach
- Street parking only
- No restrooms or water are available
- Bring your own waste bags
- A popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community
3. Little Corona Del Mar Beach
- Limited street parking only
- Beautiful views
- Steep but accessible path down to the beach
- Restrooms, showers, and trash cans are available
- The rocky shoreline is popular for diving and exploring tide pools
4. Newport Beach
- Dogs are allowed on all 8 miles of beaches in the city of Newport Beach on-leash and during posted hours
- Parking options vary by location and may be metered
- Bring your own waste bags
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
5. Aliso Beach Park
- Restrooms, showers, a playground, and concessions are available
- Pay attention to dog hours—they vary by the season
- You’ll share the beach with surfers, swimmers, and skimboarders
- Don’t let your dog bother any marine life
- Bring your own waste bags
6. Treasure Island Beach
- Gorgeous views from the cliffs
- Can be a bit of a walk to get to the beach
- Restrooms, showers, water, and concessions are available nearby
- Watch out for dangerous currents
- Bring your own waste bags
7. Corona Del Mar State Beach
- State-owned beach, managed by the city of Newport Beach
- Parking lot available, but it fills up quickly
- Restrooms, showers, water, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts are available
- Wide, flat beach—don’t let your dog bother the sunbathers
8. Balboa Beach
- Includes the beach around and south of Balboa Pier
- Limited parking, get here early
- Restaurants, walking/biking path, restrooms, showers, and water are all available along this beach
- Bring your own waste bags
- Tends to get less busy than other areas of Newport Beach
9. Marina Park
- A small, sandy area located alongside Newport Marina
- Limited parking, shared with the nearby community center
- Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a restaurant located nearby
- Popular with families, keep your dog under control and follow all posted rules
10. Santa Ana River Beach
- Limited street parking only
- No restrooms or other facilities at the beach itself
- Known locally as “River Jetties”
- Stay out of the river itself—it may be contaminated with runoff
- Not an off-leash area but not all dog owners follow the rules
Conclusion
To help inspire local authorities to keep Orange County beaches dog-friendly, be sure to follow leash laws and pick up after your pup. To be safe, pack your own waste bags, water, and dog-safe sunscreen. Rinse the salt and sand off your dog before you head home, and of course, pay attention to the weather and don’t let your pup get overheated. This precaution may be easier on Orange County beaches, where dogs are often prohibited during the hottest part of the day anyway.
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Featured Image Credit: Ogutier, Pixabay
