10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S 2025

There’s nothing like a nice day on the beach with your entire family. And we mean your whole family — dogs included.

Dogs have long been man’s best friend, and more than ever, people are considering their furballs just another one of the group. According to a 2019 survey by SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, 98% of people surveyed consider their dogs to be members of the family. That makes it little surprise that more people are looking to take their pets on vacation with them too, including to beach vacations around the nation. If you’re looking to travel with your pup to a gorgeous beach for your next getaway, we’re here to help. Here are 10 of the best dog-friendly beaches in America.

Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach is known as one of the best stretches of sand in America for surfers, but it’s also an excellent location for your pup. Your four-legged friend is allowed to join in the fun in Surf City USA on the sand between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street. Street parking is available for $2.00 per hour in two nearby lots, and the beach is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Additionally, the beach hosts dog-friendly events such as the So Cal Corgi Beach Day and the Surf City Surf Dog competition.

Wildwood Dog Beach, New Jersey

Fido will have a great time at Wildwood Dog Beach, located in the town of Wildwood. This doggie beachside paradise features a fully fenced-in sandy park area and the chance to splash into the ocean for a little swim. Note: Dogs on the beach must remain leashed, but leashes in the park are optional. There are also plenty of poop bags available, allowing you to keep the beach clean.

Jupiter Dog Beach, Florida

Jupiter Dog Beach has welcomed dogs since 1989. This stretch, roughly 2.5 miles long, is wonderful for pups who love long walks or good runs. While dogs can be off-leash on the sand, officials request that they remain leashed when walking from the parking lot to the sand. Moreover, only well-behaved, obedient dogs should be let off-leash.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach in northwest Oregon is perfect for a day-long adventure with your four-legged friend. Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are either on a leash or under voice command control by their owner. However, be mindful not to let them chase any stray puffins that may wander off from Haystack Rock.

Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago

Midwest dogs can enjoy some fun too, thanks to Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago. From early morning until 11 p.m., pups are welcome to be off-leash. Additionally, there’s a wash-off area, enabling owners to easily clean off their dogs before getting back in the car. Consequently, the beach area always seeks donations to continue offering amenities such as poop bags for free.

Willard Beach, Maine

Willard Beach, located in Portland, is another great spot for you and your best bud. The beach allows dogs to accompany their owners (on leash) between the hours of 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1 to September 30. In the fall and winter, dogs are welcome to roam throughout the day. However, please remember to stay off the sand dunes and avoid allowing your dog to chase wildlife.

Warren G. Magnuson Park, Washington

Seattle-area dogs will love visiting the Warren G. Magnuson Park off-leash area. It comes complete with an impressive 8.6 acres that are fully fenced so dogs can run and play without their owners worrying about them wandering too far. Dogs and their owners can also access water at the park along Lake Washington’s freshwater shoreline.

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Emerald Isle is a charming location stretching 12 miles along the coast, with soft, white-sand beaches and shimmering green waters, just as its name suggests. Pets are allowed on the beach with their owners, provided they are leashed. Bring your dog for a refreshing walk down the shoreline to the pier and beyond.

Port Jefferson Public Beach and Dog Park, New York

New York City dogs can also enjoy some fun in the sun. All they need to do is head about 90 minutes east to Port Jefferson in Long Island. Here, dogs reign supreme, with a welcoming atmosphere and wide open spaces for fun. Although the beach is relatively narrow, visiting during low tide allows for more room to play.

Block Island, Rhode Island

The Ocean State is a haven for dogs, particularly on Block Island. Located 12 miles off the shore, this tiny island offers ample dog-friendly spots, like Ballard’s Beach (located just to the left of the ferry terminal), Andy’s Way, Crescent Beach, the Mohegan Bluffs, and more. It’s also worth noting that dogs are permitted on the ferry, making it easy to travel to and from the island for an enjoyable day trip.