dog friendly beach in LA

[jazzking1971]

going to Los Angeles soon. I want to see the ocean and be able to have my dog with me with out getting into trouble. From what I have heard you just can't bring to your dog to any beach on or off lead. This is true?

I'm not really looking for a place like an official dog beach/park.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[ielgdpt]

The only place I know of is Dog Beach in Huntington Beach. Between Bolsa Chica and HB. Its a nice little stretch where dogs are allowed in the water and on the sand. It can get crowded on the weekend. Not too far from LA.

[moondog]

All the beaches in LA County require dogs on leash, although I drive the coast to work and see dogs on the beach every morning with no leash, LOL!

One of my favorite beaches in LA County used to be Leo Carillo State Beach (Luna spent many days there slobbering on surfers, LOL), but it is now restricted to on leash only, so I haven't been there since. Other beautiful beaches are the "pirate coves" of El Matador, El Pescador, and La Piedra...if you go early, I doubt there would be a problem taking a dog there. These are located just north of the Malibu Colony. They are 3 small coves next to each other that are just stunning and when the tide is out, you can go through natural rock tunnel formations to go from one to the next. Lots of photo shoots happen there because of the natural beauty.

One of my favorite beaches is in Santa Barbara (about 1-1/2 hrs north of LA) - Hendry's Beach (also called Arroyo Burro). It's huge, and even huger when the tide is out. If you go to the right onto the beach at the entrance, it's on leash, if you go to the left, it's off leash....so everyone can enjoy the beach. I prefer the beach when the tide is out, and as early in the morning as I can get there, when there are few dogs.

The Huntington Beach Dog Beach is "famous" - so too crowded for my liking.

[PuppyLove]

The Huntington Beach Dog Beach can be pretty crowded on the weekends, especially with the weather being as nice as it is now (I think it's 83 outide right now--Just another day in the OC :-)). Mid-week can be pretty nice and tends to be less crowded and more regulars (with dogs that go quite a bit and tend to be better behaved). Also, there are two entrances down to the beach. I would recommend going in the back side, rather than the main entrance as many folks tend to congregate near the entrance.

One word of advice though: Just like at a dog park, you don't know the people or the dogs that are there and there are plenty of people who truly don't have their dogs trained or recognize behavioral issues. Just be careful and watchful of your dog. You can always walk along the bike path with your dog on leash or walk over to Main Street in HB if there is too much going on.

There are quite a few dog friendly restaurants in HB, too.
Dog Friendly Restaurants-Huntington Beach...your online guide!

There's another off-leash beach down in San Diego, but as your in LA, the HB beach is much closer.

[DROOPY]

Ventura Beaches are cool . Not to crowded THEY ARE ONLY 40 MIN depending what part in LA your in. I would just keep on eye out if your taking your rott. o N any strip. There is always sum nut showing off his dog... Enjoy your visit and be safe...

[jazzking1971]

thanks for all the replies. I will be close to Ventura. We're going out for the Sieger show this weekend. We have plans to visit friends who live in walking distance from that pier in Santa Monica - they are the ones who told me to be careful with the dog even if it's on leash.

I wasn't looking for dog park perse as my dog isn't going to be the best candidate for a place like that. I would consider attempting it if I had to but he's not neutered and while not dog aggressive, I know he won't tolerate another male staring at him. I also don't trust other people's dogs to be as obedient as mine. Couple that with his schH training where his drives and bite is enhanced, that's just a recipe for disaster.

I thought about going to the beach a few block from my friend's house but he said I'd get in trouble just for having dog on the beach even if it's on leash. He could be wrong and they are not dog people so I don't know that I should believe them.

Thanks again for all of the input.

[mspooley]

Okay so my response is over a month late ;~)

In Long Beach, there is a place referred to as the "dog zone" beach.
I just took Reggae there for the first time (she's 4 months old), although I have
taken my two other mutts there a lot. It's a great place.

I lived in LB for nearly 8 years, and LB is a very dog-friendly town.
There is also a dog park away from the beach.

I am posting this info for others who may need it.