Bliss Sniffed Out the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California

Looking for a beach in California where you can legally take your dog for a walk, or better yet, set them free to roam around with other dogs? Bliss has done a lot of digging (pun intended) to find the best beaches for dogs and their people. Ready to let your canine friend frolic in the waves? Here's Bliss' list of the best dog-friendly beaches:

1)    Coronado Dog Beach
100 Ocean Boulevard, Coronado, CA  92118
Phone: (619) 522-7342

Coronado’s Dog Beach is leash-free all year and is a local favorite. The long stretch of sand from the busy street is a highlight for dogs that like to wander. The dog beach is open 24 hours a day and is marked by signs that run along Ocean Boulevard from Sunset Park on Ocean Drive to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. Although there are no public restrooms, there is a foot shower to rinse off fido’s paws on south of the entrance on Ocean Boulevard.

2)    Huntington Dog Beach
100 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
      Phone: (714) 841-8644

Probably the most well-known of all the off-leash dog beaches in Southern California on this list, the Huntington Dog Beach is well known for its length, cleanliness and easy-going nature. The nonprofit group that runs the Huntington Dog Beach does a fantastic job of making this beach such a success. The Dog Beach is open 7 days a week, dawn until dark (parking lots are open 6am-10pm).

3)    Carmel Beach
Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road, Carmel, CA  93922

Carmel-by-the Sea was voted the #1 most dog-friendly town in America and you can see why when you visit this beautiful leash-free dog beach. Bon fires are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue. Public restrooms and a public telephone are available at the Ocean Avenue end of Carmel Beach. Open 6am to 10pm every day.

4)    Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry’s Beach)
2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 9310
      (805) 687-3714

If you plan on being in the Santa Barbara area, you have to check out the local favorite Arroyo Burro Beach aka “Hendry’s Beach.” Currently an off-leash dog friendly beach, Arroyo Burro Beach begins east of the slough at Arroyo Burro “Hendry’s Beach” and stretches to the steps at Mesa Lane. The off-leash dog beach is located on the left from the Arroyo Burro parking lot and even offers a dog rinsing station. Local restaurants are dog friendly, too.

5)    Cayucos State Beach

      25 Ocean Front Ave

      Cayucos, CA, US, 93430

      Phone: (805) 781-5930 

Cayucos is a charming little beach town located along the central coast and rich in history. Bliss’ favorite part? The entire town of Cayucos is dog-friendly, and the beach is leash-free all up and down it! Cayucos State Beach offers the perfect combination of mild weather, tide pools, a small-town charm and free spirit that never seems to go away. 

6)   Rosie’s Dog Beach
1 Argonne Ave, Long Beach, CA, US 90803
      Phone: (562) 570-3100

Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is currently the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. This 3-acre park is located on the waterfront between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues, a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool. Rosie’s Dog Beach is open daily from 6am-8pm. Ample parking is available along Ocean Boulevard and free parking is available at the beachfront lot at the end of Granada Avenue daily after 5:00 p.m.

7)    Ocean Beach Dog Beach aka “The Original Dog Beach”
West Point Loma Boulevard and Voltaire Street
      San Diego, CA 92107

Perhaps the most popular canine hotspot in San Diego is “The Original Dog Beach” located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. The Original Dog Beach in San Diego, CA is nationally famous and one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. Dogs can roam this popular canine hotspot off leash at any time of the day.

Bliss Says Don't Miss These 6 Dog Events Happening in September

When you want to really spoil your dog, or just meet other dog owners as crazy about their pets as you, there’s no better place to go than a dog event. Bliss recommends you and your pet attend any of the dog shows, agility competitions, costume parades, festivals or fundraisers near you and meet hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dog lovers. Here are some good ones in around Southern California:

1. Comedy Unleashed, Irvine Animal Care Center Fundraiser: September 19-  Support animals in need while enjoying a night of dinner and laughs with comedian Debi Gutierrez. Proceeds benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center. Ages 18 and older. Tickets are $35 and include dinner. Tuesday, doors open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive.

2. Shoestring City Ranch Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle in Lakewood: September 23 - Join the Shoestring City Ranch for the annual Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner. Includes spaghetti dinner, dessert, raffle ticket and admission to petting zoo. $10 per person or $40 for a family of four or more. Saturday, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Lakewood Equestrian Center, 11369 Carson St., Lakewood. (562) 301-5046.

3. Surf City Surf Dog: September 22-24 - Enjoy “3-Days of Doggone Fun” at the Annual Unleashed by Unleashed Surf City Surf Dog. The Opening Ceremonies on Friday night include Yappy Hour and a Costume Contest. Saturday features a SUP with your pop hosted by Pirate Coast Paddle Company. Sunday is the world-famous Surf Dog Competition at Huntington Beach Dog Beach for 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

4. Annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook Off in Laguna Beach: September 24 - Join the 21st Annual Laguna Pet Parade and Chili Cook-off. Enjoy various pet contests and kids entertainment. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. pet registration, 11 a.m. Adults, $5; kids, free. Tivoli Too!, 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 

5. Tail of Two Cities Gala in San Clemente: September 24: - Save the date for Pet Project Foundation’s event of the year – the Tail of Two Cities Gala. Grab a pawtner for a 3-course dinner, fabulous live and silent auctions and a host of other fun activities. Prizes will be awarded for best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl. All event proceeds benefit the lost, abandoned and wanted animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Sunday, 5:30 p.m. $135; tickets available online. Bella Collina Town & Golf Club. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. (408) 859-3706. 

6. Paint Your Paws Off with the Animal Assistance League of OC: September 27 - Create and take home your own masterpiece with the Animal Assistance League of OC. Includes wine, appetizers, a vacation raffle, and more. $45. Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. El Torito in Westminster, 15042 Goldenwest St., Westminster.

For a list of dog events worldwide, visit Bring Fido. Woof!

Bliss Says You've Got To Visit Dog Friendly Morro Bay, California

Dog lovers traveling to the beautiful city of Morro Bay along the coast of Central California can bring their canine along for the trip. Not only are there several dog-friendly places to stay, there are also 11 dog-friendly restaurants in this quaint seaside village, not to mention the many pet-friendly places and activities to discover. Bliss came with me recently on a girlfriend's getaway to this picture-perfect destination. 

We stayed at the Inn At Morro Bay. This dog-friendly property is absolutely stunning surrounded by 4,000 acres of rugged woodlands and overlooking Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean.  This hotel is ideally situated for exploring the region with your fur babies. Upon check in, we received info on all the dog-friendly things to see and do in town, and there are many!

The restaurants on the waterfront offer great bayside views and delicious meals for owners and their pups. Here's a couple of our favorite places to eat:

Dorn’s Breakers Cafe serves only the freshest seafood primarily from local waters with amazing views of the famous Morro Rock. A local favorite, Dorn's has quite a history that dates back to 1942. The night we ate there, it was too windy to sit outside on the dog-friendly patio so Bliss waited in the car and took a much-needed nap after a busy day exploring while we dined and had a great time. The next morning, we went back to try out the dog-friendly patio (and the delicious breakfast). Dorn's is also open for lunch and although we considered eating all three meals there, we decided to try another spot. What impressed us most was the wonderful, fresh cuisine and friendly service for both two legged and four legged guests.

Then there's the Bayside Café located in the Back Bay on the Marina. Bliss joined us on the patio for a delicious meal on a lovely sunny afternoon. The cafe was originally opened in 1986 by Cal Poly graduate Dawn Borst as a "walk up" serving her own personal recipes. It became so popular so quickly that Dawn had to expand. Try the California Chowder, burritos, fish tacos and albacore skewers. You may have to wait for your table but the view makes it go by quickly. Don't forget to order the Mud Pie for dessert but don't give any to your dog!

While you're in Morro Bay, Bliss recommends you take your dog to one of the off leash dog beaches along the Central Coast of California. The one she enjoyed is just north of Morro Bay on the way to Cayucos. This two-mile stretch of sandy shoreline is a great place for a playful afternoon or a full beach day with your BFFs.

For more info on taking your dog on a vacation in Morro Bay, visit http://www.morrobay.org/things-to-do/pet-friendly. For more information about traveling with your dog, visit Travels With Bliss. Woof!