[2024] Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA in 2023: Off & On Leash Places - Pet Follower | Pet Guides, Health & Gear Articles by Pet Lovers & Veterinarians

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.

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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

🗺️ Address:	📍 Coast Highway and West St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times:	September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

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

🗺️ Address:	📍 30799 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🕐 Open Times:	5 am–1 am, June 15–Sept 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
💲 Cost:	Parking fee varies by location
🐕 Off-Leash:	No

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

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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