Top Dog Beaches in Orange County, CA

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Introduction

Sand, surf, and sun. You’ll find plenty of all three of these in Orange County. With miles of Pacific Ocean beach, the OC is a favorite destination for sun seekers and surfers. Plus, this Southern California county is home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. What else can you find in this pawsome part of the world? Doggos! Orange County residents love their fur babies. Dozens of OC parks, restaurants, and hotels welcome dogs with open arms. Best of all, there are beaches where the local pupsters can splash around. Keep reading to find out the top dog furiendly beaches in Orange County. 

#8 Aliso Beach

If your pooch is craving some time by the ocean, head over to this lovely beach. Located in Laguna Beach, it is calling your pup’s name. Wander around in the salty sea air with your beloved pet on leash, and see if you can spot some whales off the coast. Keep in mind that between June 15 and September 10, doggos aren’t allowed on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

#7 Balboa Peninsula Beach

This long stretch of sand in Newport Beach is located to the south of Balboa Pier. Before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m., leashed dogs can sniff their way around the surf and dip their paws in the Pacific Ocean. Rent a fire pit and spend a pawsome evening gazing out over the Pacific Ocean. Nothing beats enjoying a West Coast sunset with your furry BFF!

#6 Balboa Pier Beach

This is a puptastic beach in Newport Beach. If your doggo is a social butterfly, spend a couple hours here with the sun seeking crowds. Leashed dogs are only welcome on the beach before 10:00 a.m and after 4:30 p.m., but your pal will have a heyday running from the crashing waves and digging in the sand. After a romp on the beach, stroll through the nearby Peninsula Park. 

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#5 Main Beach

This beach gets its name for being centrally located in Laguna Beach. Between June 10 and September 10, leashed canine beachgoers are welcome before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. Enjoy this typical SoCal beach with gorgeous views and plenty of sand for your doggo to explore. If your pup goes in the water, just be careful of rip tides. Be sure to stick around for a puptacular sunset!

#4 Corona Del Mar State Beach

A Corona Del Mar favorite, this is a wide flat beach that brings out the sand volleyball players, family beach goers, and surfers. Like the other beaches in the area, there are some canine restrictions. Bring your leashed furry friend to this beach before 10:30 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. They’ll love splashing in the waves and feeling the sand beneath their paws. Remember to always pick up after your pooch!

#3 Newport Municipal Beach

Located in the gorgeous coastal town of Newport Beach, this is a pawfect spot to let your pup enjoy the sun and surf. Since it is a favorite destination for locals and vacationers, leashed pupsters are only allowed on before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. Once the crowds dwindle out, you and your pal can stop by for an evening stroll in the sand. 

#2 Pearl Street Beach

Laguna Beach’s Pearl Street Beach is definitely worth a visit. However, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from June 15 to September 10. When you visit, be sure to check out the natural rock arch named “Keyhole” that’s located on the south end of the beach. When the tide is out, you and your furry friend can walk through the rock tunnel. 

#1 Huntington Dog Beach

This is where all of Orange County's cool canines hang out. Located in Huntington Beach, this designated dog beach is the pawfect place to let your pup enjoy the surf while meeting new four legged friends. Technically, dogs are supposed to be on leash, but you’ll quickly find that most dogs run around sans leash. If you opt to unclip your pal’s lead, just make sure they mind their manners.Â