25 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the World

There’s nothing quite like watching your dog experience the pure joy of running across the sand and splashing through ocean waves. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or a weekend getaway, finding the perfect dog-friendly beach can make all the difference. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of 25 dog-friendly beaches around the world where your pup can play to their heart’s content.

United States

1. Carmel Beach, California

Carmel Beach is legendary among dog owners on the West Coast. This pristine white-sand beach allows dogs to run off-leash year-round, making it one of the most liberal dog-friendly beaches in California. The stunning backdrop of Monterey pine trees and dramatic rock formations creates the perfect setting for unforgettable photos with your pup.

What to know: Dogs are allowed off-leash but must be under voice control. The beach is especially beautiful at sunset, and the nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea town is incredibly pet-friendly with numerous dog-welcoming restaurants and shops.

Best season: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, though summer can be foggy. Winter provides dramatic wave-watching opportunities.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Cypress Inn (owned by Doris Day), L’Auberge Carmel, Hofsas House Hotel

2. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Home to the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach offers miles of sandy shores where dogs can run leash-free during specific hours. The dramatic Pacific Northwest coastline provides endless exploration opportunities, from tide pools to sea stacks.

What to know: Dogs must be on-leash from April 1 to September 15 between 10 AM and 6 PM. Outside these dates and times, off-leash is permitted with voice control.

Best season: Late summer and early fall offer the most stable weather, though the beach is beautiful year-round.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Hallmark Resort & Spa, The Ocean Lodge, Tolovana Inn

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Pexels

3. Fort De Soto Park, Florida

Located near St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto features a dedicated dog beach with pristine sand, calm waters, and plenty of shade from Australian pines. The park’s dog beach has become one of the most popular in the Southeast.

What to know: There’s a designated fenced dog beach area where dogs can swim off-leash. Fresh water fountains, waste stations, and shade shelters are provided.

Best season: November through April offers perfect weather. Summer can be hot and humid.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Kimpton Hotel Zamora, The Vinoy Renaissance, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

4. Huntington Dog Beach, California

This dedicated dog beach in Huntington Beach spans 1.5 miles and has been a haven for Southern California dogs since 1985. It’s completely fenced, keeping your pup safe while they play.

What to know: Dogs are allowed off-leash within the fenced area. There are water fountains, waste bag stations, and even dog showers.

Best season: Year-round, though summer weekends can get crowded.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, Paséa Hotel & Spa

5. Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago

Chicago’s only legal off-leash dog beach, Montrose offers a large fenced area along Lake Michigan. While not an ocean beach, the Great Lakes provide a similar beach experience.

What to know: Separate areas for small and large dogs. Open from dawn to dusk, May through October.

Best season: Summer months, though the water remains cold.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: The Robey, Freehand Chicago, The Drake Hotel

Photo by Marta Wave on Pexels

Europe

6. Benagil Beach, Portugal

The Algarve region of Portugal is remarkably dog-friendly, and Benagil Beach stands out for its stunning sea caves and golden cliffs. While dogs must remain on-leash during peak season, the dramatic landscape makes it worth the visit.

What to know: Dogs allowed year-round but on-leash during summer months (June-September). Off-season offers more freedom.

Best season: April-May and September-October for warm weather with fewer crowds.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, Tivoli Carvoeiro Resort

7. Brighton Beach, UK

Brighton has long been a pet-friendly destination, and its pebble beach welcomes dogs year-round. The vibrant seaside town offers plenty of dog-friendly cafes and shops along the promenade.

What to know: Dogs allowed on most of the beach year-round. Some sections have seasonal restrictions during summer.

Best season: Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Hotel Pelirocco, Artist Residence Brighton, The Grand Brighton

8. Plage de l’Espiguette, France

This wild, unspoiled beach near Montpellier stretches for miles with golden sand dunes. It’s one of the few French Mediterranean beaches that welcomes dogs during summer.

What to know: Dogs allowed on specific sections year-round. Must be on-leash but the beach is vast.

Best season: May-June and September for warm Mediterranean weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Best Western Le Mas de la Camargue, Domaine de Verchant

9. Praia da Comporta, Portugal

Often called “the Hamptons of Portugal,” this pristine beach allows dogs during off-season months. The endless stretch of white sand and clear waters makes it magical.

What to know: Dogs allowed October through May. Off-season only but worth planning around.

Best season: April-May and October for mild weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Sublime Comporta, Comporta Cafe

10. Hundestrand Warnemünde, Germany

Germany is exceptionally dog-friendly, and this dedicated dog beach near Rostock on the Baltic Sea offers designated off-leash areas with beach chairs and amenities.

What to know: Dedicated dog beach sections with facilities. Dogs allowed year-round in specific zones.

Best season: June-August for warmest weather, though Germans beach year-round.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Yachthafenresidenz Hohe Düne, Parkhotel Kurhaus Warnemünde

Photo by Alotrobo on Pexels

Australia

11. Rosie’s Dog Beach, Sydney

Located in Rose Bay, this dedicated dog beach offers harbor views with calm waters perfect for swimming dogs. It’s become a social hub for Sydney dog owners.

What to know: Completely off-leash area with waste stations and fresh water. Separate small dog area available.

Best season: Spring and autumn (September-May) for ideal temperatures.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: QT Bondi, Crystalbrook Albion, The Langham Sydney

12. Brighton Dog Beach, Melbourne

Not to be confused with UK’s Brighton, Melbourne’s version features colorful bathing boxes as a backdrop. Dogs can run off-leash along this iconic beach.

What to know: Off-leash year-round. The beach stretches for over a kilometer.

Best season: November-March for summer weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: The Prince Hotel, Art Series - The Cullen, Novotel Melbourne St Kilda

13. Greenmount Beach, Gold Coast

Queensland’s Gold Coast offers this beautiful beach where dogs are welcome during specific hours. The gentle waves make it perfect for first-time swimming dogs.

What to know: Dogs allowed before 8 AM and after 4 PM year-round. Must be on-leash.

Best season: April-October for pleasant weather outside the humid summer.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: QT Gold Coast, Peppers Broadbeach, Mantra on View Hotel

Caribbean

14. Dog Beach, Aruba

Aruba’s dedicated dog beach near the airport offers calm Caribbean waters and white sand. The island is increasingly pet-friendly for travelers.

What to know: Dedicated off-leash dog beach area. Bring fresh water and shade as facilities are limited.

Best season: Year-round tropical weather, with slightly cooler months December-March.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Aruba Surfside Marina, Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club

15. Trunk Bay Beach, St. John (USVI)

While the famous underwater snorkel trail is off-limits to dogs, the beach itself welcomes well-behaved pets. The stunning turquoise water makes it unforgettable.

What to know: Dogs must be on-leash. Avoid peak hours when cruise ships visit.

Best season: December-April for dry season.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Caneel Bay Resort, Gallows Point Resort

Mexico

16. Playa del Carmen Dog Beach

The Riviera Maya has become increasingly pet-friendly, with several beaches now welcoming dogs. Playa del Carmen offers the best combination of amenities and beach access.

What to know: Check specific beach sections as policies vary. Most allow dogs on-leash before 10 AM and after 5 PM.

Best season: November-April for dry season.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Thompson Playa del Carmen, Mahekal Beach Resort

17. Todos Santos, Baja California

This artistic beach town on Baja’s Pacific coast is wonderfully dog-friendly. Multiple beaches allow dogs, with locals very welcoming to canine visitors.

What to know: Dogs generally allowed on-leash. Respect local customs and keep beaches clean.

Best season: November-May for best weather. Summer is very hot.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Hotel San Cristobal, Guaycura Boutique Hotel

Canada

18. Acadia Beach, Vancouver

Vancouver’s Acadia Beach allows off-leash dogs from October to May, offering stunning views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains.

What to know: Off-leash during off-season only. On-leash summer months. The beach is spacious and rarely crowded.

Best season: September-October for mild weather before winter.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Sylvia Hotel, Barclay Hotel, Times Square Suites

19. Cherry Beach, Toronto

Toronto’s premier off-leash dog beach features a designated fenced area along Lake Ontario. The sandy beach and calm waters are perfect for swimming.

What to know: Dedicated off-leash area with summer hours. Can get crowded on weekends.

Best season: June-September for warmest water temperatures.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Canary District Condos, Hotel X Toronto

Asia

20. Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

One of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches, Repulse Bay allows dogs during specific hours. The colonial-era buildings and modern skyline create a unique backdrop.

What to know: Dogs allowed early morning and evening hours only. Must be on-leash.

Best season: October-December for comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: The Repulse Bay, Stanley Oriental Hotel

21. Kashid Beach, India

This pristine beach near Mumbai is increasingly welcoming to dogs. The white sand and clear water make it a hidden gem.

What to know: Not officially designated but generally dog-friendly. Visit during weekdays for less crowded experience.

Best season: November-February for coolest weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Beach stay bungalows and vacation rentals

South America

22. Playa de Los Artistas, Uruguay

Punta del Este’s dog-friendly beach section attracts locals and tourists alike. Uruguay has excellent pet-friendly policies overall.

What to know: Designated dog beach area. Dogs must be on-leash but the section is generous in size.

Best season: December-March for summer weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Enjoy Punta del Este Resort, Serena Hotel

23. Praia de Joaquina, Brazil

Florianópolis offers several dog-friendly beaches, with Joaquina being a favorite among surfers and their dogs. The waves can be strong, so best for confident swimmers.

What to know: Dogs allowed during early morning and late afternoon. Must be on-leash.

Best season: March-May and September-November for moderate weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Costa Norte Ingleses Hotel, Pousada dos Sonhos

New Zealand

24. St Clair Beach, Dunedin

New Zealand’s dog-friendly policies make it an excellent destination for traveling with pets. St Clair offers designated dog exercise areas with beautiful coastal views.

What to know: Specific dog exercise zones marked. Off-leash permitted in designated areas.

Best season: December-February for summer weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Distinction Dunedin Hotel

25. Taylors Mistake Beach, Christchurch

This surf beach near Christchurch allows dogs and is popular with locals. The dramatic cliffs and consistent waves create a stunning setting.

What to know: Dogs allowed on-leash. Off-leash under voice control during certain hours.

Best season: November-March for warmest weather.

Nearby pet-friendly stays: The George Hotel, Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Tips for Beach Safety with Dogs

Before You Go

• Check current regulations as beach policies can change seasonally
• Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations
• Practice recall commands if visiting off-leash beaches
• Pack fresh water, collapsible bowl, towels, and waste bags

At the Beach

• Bring shade or umbrella for rest breaks
• Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming to remove salt/sand
• Watch for signs of fatigue, overheating, or drinking seawater
• Keep your dog away from strong currents and riptides
• Monitor for hazards like jellyfish, sharp shells, or fishing hooks

Beach Etiquette

• Always clean up after your dog
• Keep your dog from bothering other beachgoers
• Respect leash laws and designated areas
• Bring your dog in if they’re being too rowdy
• Be mindful of wildlife and nesting areas

Making the Most of Your Beach Trip

The best dog-friendly beaches offer more than just sand and surf. Look for destinations with pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants with patios, and dog parks for when your pup needs a break from the beach. Many coastal towns have embraced pet tourism, offering dog-friendly festivals, shops, and activities.

Planning your beach day during off-peak hours often provides the best experience. Early morning offers cooler temperatures and calmer waters, while sunset beach walks create magical memories. Check tide schedules to maximize beach space and discover tide pools during low tide.

Consider your dog’s personality and abilities when choosing a beach. Confident swimmers will love beaches with waves and deeper water access, while cautious dogs might prefer calm bays or beaches with gradual entries. If your dog is new to beaches, start with shorter visits and gradually increase time as they build confidence.

These 25 dog-friendly beaches represent just a fraction of the amazing coastal destinations welcoming our four-legged friends. Whether you’re planning a dedicated dog-friendly vacation or incorporating beach time into your travels, these stunning locations offer unforgettable experiences for both you and your pup. The joy of watching your dog experience the beach for the first time, or the hundredth time, never gets old.

Remember to check current regulations before visiting, as policies can change. With proper planning and preparation, beach adventures with your dog create memories that last a lifetime. So pack those beach toys, grab the sunscreen (yes, dogs can get sunburned too!), and head to one of these incredible dog-friendly beaches for your next adventure.