Huntington Beach Dog Beach is one of the cutest and furriest stretches of beach in Southern California. This 1.5-mile stretch of sand along Pacific Coast Highway isn’t just dog-friendly—it’s great for humans that love dogs. Whether your dog loves chasing waves, digging in the sand, or making new friends, this Southern California spot has it all.
A Little History
Huntington Beach Dog Beach has been a favorite spot for dogs and their humans for decades. Established in the early 1990s, it became an official off-leash beach thanks to the efforts of local dog lovers who saw the need for a dedicated space where pups could run free. Today, it remains one of the few off-leash beaches in the area, attracting visitors from all over. To be on the safe side, you should verify off leash play is still okay before heading over.
Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know
- Location: Pacific Coast Highway, between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street
- Hours: 5AM-10PM Sunday-Saturday
- Fees & Parking: The beach is free, but parking rates apply. Metered parking is available along PCH ($2.50/hour), but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or use the Main Street parking lot ($15/day). The Main Street parking lot is very close to the pier and rental businesses — perfect if you plan to visit Dwight’s Beach Concessions when they reopen this summer.
Accessibility
Huntington Beach Dog Beach is relatively accessible, with nearby parking and paved paths leading to the sand. However, the terrain can be uneven, so those with mobility challenges may need assistance getting closer to the shoreline. Wheelchairs can be rented free of charge with a valid form of identification from Dwight’s Beach Concession located at 201 Pacific Coast Highway (Currently closed due to fire, but slated to reopen summer 2025!) Huntington Dog Beach features wheelchair accessible ramps at the points of entrance near Goldenwest and Seapoint.
Best Times to Go
Very early mornings and weekdays are least busy. Although, often when we go very early we find that parking can be challenging as it’s a world famous surfing spot. In that case we simply plan to park in the lot or hope for an open metered parking spot on PCH. Weekends are obviously the busiest doggy days, but I have never felt like it was “crowded” here. To me, the more dogs the better. It really fills my heart watching the pure joy in them as they play with their owners and each other — or even seeing dogs just sit and relax and take it all in. Sunsets at HB Dog Beach are gorgeous. You can get some great pictures at that time, or just relax and unwind. There really isn’t a bad time to go, the biggest issue will be finding parking, so just prepare for that.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Eats
After a fun day at doggy beach, check out one of these dog-friendly spots nearby for a bite to eat:
- Sandy’s Beach Shack – Casual Beachfront Dining: Laid-back, open-air dining with ocean views and casual eats like burgers, tacos, and seafood. The patio is dog-friendly, so your dog(s) can enjoy the ocean breeze while you grab a bite
- Riip Beer Company – Local Craft Beer Spot: A small-batch craft brewery with a chill atmosphere. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.
- Pacific Hideaway: A stylish but casual spot inside the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel with great ocean views. Think coastal California meets Southeast Asia and Latin America, with dishes like coconut ceviche and pork belly fried rice. Their dog-friendly patio makes it a perfect post-beach brunch stop. Click here to check out their specials and brunch info.
Final Thoughts
Huntington Beach Dog Beach isn’t just a great spot for dogs—it’s a must-visit for dog lovers looking to enjoy SoCal’s coastline with their furry friends. I have actually gone more than one time to walk this part of the beach just to see the happy tails wagging and feel the fun sense of freedom the dogs exude. Whether you’re there for a quick beach run or a full-day adventure, this stretch of sand (plus the awesome nearby spots) makes for an unforgettable outing. For more travel tips, dog-friendly adventures, and must-visit spots, follow @seebetravel on Instagram!
