Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach: A vibrant, off-leash paradise where dogs can run, play, and splash in the Pacific waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Huntington Dog Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Huntington Dog Beach: A vibrant, off-leash paradise where dogs can run, play, and splash in the Pacific waves.
"Our best friend Choco had a blast. Plenty of bow wows having a blast at the beach."
Bring Your Own Poop Bags
While provided, it's always good to have extras! :dog:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vast Sandy Shoreline
Entire beach area
Miles of golden sand for dogs to run, dig, and play fetch to their heart's content.
Ocean Waves for Playful Pups
Water's edge
Watch your canine companions joyfully splash and chase waves in the Pacific.
Social Doggy Meetups
Throughout the beach
A vibrant community where dogs and their owners connect and make new friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Off-Leash Hours & Etiquette
Parking & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Poop Bags
While provided, it's always good to have extras! :dog:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. :car:
Supervise Your Pup
Keep an eye on your dog and respect others' space. :eyes:
Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water for your dog, especially on warm days. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Poop Bags
While provided, it's always good to have extras! :dog:
Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. :car:
Supervise Your Pup
Keep an eye on your dog and respect others' space. :eyes:
Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water for your dog, especially on warm days. :water_wave:
Check for Special Events
Dog meetups and festivals happen here! :confetti_ball: 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Huntington Dog Beach for providing an amazing off-leash experience where dogs can joyfully play in the sand and surf. Many appreciate the opportunity for their pets to socialize and the generally considerate nature of fellow dog owners. While parking can be a hassle and facilities could be better maintained, the sheer delight of the dogs makes it a beloved destination for many.
"Our best friend Choco had a blast. Plenty of bow wows having a blast at the beach. It's pretty amazing seeing the different dog personalities, some vigorous to play, some mellow, some seemingly saying to other dogs play with me. We were fortunate not to have any bad encounters with pooches or people. 1st time my wife and I and lab visited. Fairly clean."
Fred Alvarado
"The best part of Huntington is the dog beach! We love coming here for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon and always have a good time. Facilities could be kept up better, and it seems like the parking prices keep going up every few months, but our dogs love it here so we’ll be back."
Lambertones Pickups
"This was a special day—my dog Shadow experienced the beach for the first time, and it was such a memorable moment. She doesn't usually go to dog parks or beaches because she doesn’t trust other dogs, and I’ve had past encounters where a “friendly” dog turned aggressive. So I made sure to stay by her side the entire time.
Shadow started by barking at the waves, then eventually built up the courage to jump in and splash around—it was amazing to see her enjoy herself for a solid hour or two.
The only issue we had was with another pet parent who allowed their dog to approach us. I politely asked them to recall their dog, as we weren’t comfortable with any interaction. Respect for boundaries is so important.
Aside from that, it was a great experience and a beautiful moment I’ll always remember.
Mixie stayed above and never got wet she waited for us to leave."
Joana Frausto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huntington Dog Beach is located at 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA. You can reach it by car, and there are several parking lots nearby, though they can fill up quickly. Public transportation options are limited directly to the beach, so driving is generally the most convenient.
There are paid parking lots available close to the beach. Street parking can also be found, but it may require a longer walk. Be prepared for parking fees, which can increase during peak seasons.
The beach itself is sandy, which can be challenging for some mobility devices. However, the boardwalk and surrounding areas are generally accessible.
Huntington Dog Beach is the only designated off-leash beach in Huntington Beach. Other beaches have strict leash laws and may not allow dogs at all.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or during the off-peak seasons. Early mornings and late evenings also offer a more serene experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee to access Huntington Dog Beach itself. However, you will need to pay for parking if you are driving.
Huntington Dog Beach is open for off-leash fun daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.
No permit is required to bring your dog to Huntington Dog Beach, as it is a designated off-leash area.
Generally, all dog breeds are welcome at Huntington Dog Beach. The focus is on responsible pet ownership and ensuring dogs are well-behaved.
Yes, puppies are welcome at Huntington Dog Beach! It's a great place for them to socialize and experience the beach for the first time, provided they are supervised and comfortable.
🎫 🐶 Onsite Experience
The beach provides poop bags and trash cans for convenience. While there aren't extensive facilities directly on the sand, restrooms and showers are typically available in nearby areas.
Most visitors find the beach to be fairly clean, especially with the provided amenities. However, it's a shared space, and responsible pet owners help maintain its cleanliness.
Bring plenty of water, a bowl, poop bags, a towel for drying off, and any favorite toys. Sunscreen for your dog is also a good idea.
Yes, The Park Bench Café is a dog-friendly spot with a special dog menu. Many other establishments in Huntington Beach are also dog-friendly.
You'll see a wide variety of breeds and sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to large Golden Retrievers and Corgis. It's a diverse community of happy pups!
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for capturing memorable photos of your dog enjoying the beach. +1
Capture action shots of dogs running and playing in the waves, candid moments of interaction, and scenic views of the coastline with your furry friend. +1
Look out for special events like Corgi Beach Day or the SoCal WienerFest for unique photo opportunities with themed gatherings.
A camera with good autofocus and burst shooting capabilities is ideal for capturing fast-moving dogs. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beach, while a telephoto lens is useful for candid shots from a distance.
Try getting down to your dog's level for a more immersive perspective, or use a drone (where permitted) for aerial shots of the beach and your pup.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the dogs are the main attraction, the beach itself provides space for kids to play in the sand. Remind children to be gentle with the dogs and to respect their space, especially if a dog is focused on playing or resting. The lively atmosphere is sure to be a hit with younger visitors who adore animals.
🐶 Dog Owners Seeking Off-Leash Fun
Be prepared for a social environment. Your dog will likely encounter many other friendly pups, so ensure they are comfortable with this. Bringing favorite toys and plenty of water will enhance their experience. Remember to always have poop bags on hand and to be a responsible owner by cleaning up after your pet.
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Experiment with different angles, from low-level shots to capture your dog's perspective, to wider shots showcasing the beach's expanse. Keep an eye out for unique dog personalities and interactions that make for compelling content. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and their pets while you're capturing your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Responsible Dog Ownership at the Beach
Respecting boundaries is paramount. If another owner asks you to recall your dog, please do so promptly. Not all dogs are comfortable with every interaction, and past negative experiences can make owners cautious.
Understanding your dog's temperament and ensuring they are well-socialized before visiting a busy dog beach can contribute to a positive experience. If your dog is reactive or anxious, consider visiting during less crowded times or focusing on areas where they can have space.
Navigating Parking and Access
If the immediate lots are full, be prepared for a longer walk from street parking. Some visitors suggest exploring parking options along Goldenwest Street or nearby residential areas, but always be mindful of local parking regulations.
While parking fees can add up, many dog owners find the joy their pets experience at the beach makes it worthwhile. Planning your visit with parking in mind can help reduce stress and maximize your beach time.
Special Events and Dog Meetups
+2Events like the Corgi Beach Day and the SoCal WienerFest draw hundreds of enthusiastic participants, creating a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.
+1 These events often include races, costume contests, vendor booths, and group photos, making them a highlight for many attendees. Keep an eye on local event listings or social media pages dedicated to Huntington Dog Beach to stay informed about upcoming meetups and festivals. Attending one of these events can add an extra layer of excitement and community to your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit