If you live in the Long Beach area, then you know: If you want to take your pup out for some fun in the sun and sand, there’s nothing like our dog beach in Long Beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach!
Turns out, Rosie’s is the only dog beach actually located in Long Beach. Located at Belmont Shore Beach, this dog heaven is the perfect place to allow your dog to run off-leash and splash in the water to their heart’s content. It’s no surprise that this is a popular spot for dogs and their people to mix and mingle.
If this is your first time venturing out to a dog-friendly beach, there is some etiquette you should keep in mind so everyone has a pleasant experience. And hey, even if you’re a dog beach pro, make sure to review these tips to make sure you’re abiding by the often unspoken rules of the dog beach.
Pick up after your dog. The beach has poop bag dispensers for a reason! No one wants sandy poop on their shoe! While poop bags are made available, it is always best to bring your own scoop or poop bags in case they run out.
Keep your dog on a leash until you are in the dog-friendly area. Some dog-friendly beaches don’t have off-leash areas. Be sure you are familiar with the leash rules when visiting any beach.
Only allow your dog off-leash in the approved areas if they respond to verbal commands. You need to have control over your dog at any given moment. This is for the safety of your dog as well as other people and dogs.
Don’t allow your dog to bother strangers. Not everyone is a dog person, and they may have wandered onto the dog-friendly portion of the beach by accident. Even dog-people don’t need a strange dog in their business. This keeps everyone safe and saves a stranger’s towel from your dog’s soggy, sandy body shake after a dip in the ocean.
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and properly registered.
Follow the general beach rules. They may be slightly different for each beach, so be sure to check out the rules before heading out.
These strange times we’re living in call for a change in the way we socialize. Things are opening up post-pandemic, but we still need to be on guard. Take steps to be COVID safe and respectful of other people.
Remember to social distance. Things aren’t back to normal quite yet, so keeping 6 feet of space from people you did not arrive with is still required.
If you are close to people, make sure you wear your mask. If you are fully vaccinated, you can go mask-free while outdoors, but you may want to have one handy if things get crowded.
Do not go to the beach if you are sick.
Keep in mind that large groups are not allowed to gather.
Other Dog-Friendly Beaches
Rosie’s Dog Beach is great, but as the only local off-leash dog beach, it can get a little crowded. If you and your pup feel like trying out a new beach to shake things up and get away from the crowds, there are other options for dog-friendly beaches in SoCal. All you need to do is decide how far you feel like driving.
Huntington Dog Beach 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach
Just a 40-minute drive from Long Beach, Huntington Dog Beach is a popular destination for surf and sand-loving doggos. City ordinance requires that your dog stay leashed, but that doesn’t need to stop them from digging in the sand and playing in the waves. There are picnic tables and water fountains available and a grassy area where they can wipe the sand off their paws.
Corona Del Mar State Beach 3001 Ocean Blvd Newport Beach
If you’re an early riser, or you enjoy watching the sunset over the water, bring your dog to Corona Del Mar State Beach. Meander down the sandy beach, and let your dog splash in the water while you admire the cliffs and the rock jetty that make the beach so breathtaking. Dogs are not permitted between 10am and 4:30pm so give yourself time to make the 40-minute drive.
Bolsa Chica State Beach 18000 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach
If your dog enjoys the salty air but not the sand, take your pup for a stroll down the paved trails in Bolsa Chica State Beach. A favorite spot for surfing, the waves crashing along the shoreline form picture-perfect crests. If you feel a little warm after walking the trails, you are within walking distance from Huntington Dog Beach.
Huntington State Beach 21601 Pacific Coast, Hwy
Get out and enjoy the walking and bike paths that stretch through the 121 acres of Huntington State Beach. You can enjoy the sea breeze and get your miles in while soaking in some sun. Dogs are not allowed on the sand, with the exception of nearby Huntington Dog Beach. There are several protected bird species that make their homes on Huntington State Beach, so be sure to follow the rules and keep your dog leashed, and pay attention to the signs so you do not accidentally venture into the protected areas.
Non-Beach Activities
The beach is fun, but not every day is a beach day. Some days are meant for a gentle stroll, and others are perfect for hanging out on the patio of your favorite dog-friendly restaurant. Southern California is known for being dog friendly, so why not explore everything the area has to offer?
If you want to take your dog somewhere new and still enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of interesting walks around Long Beach that don’t involve sand. If you want to learn more, check out some of our favorite outdoor places here!
Whether you’ve been splashing in the waves, hiking through the woods, or playing in the dog park, you and your pup have probably worked up an appetite. Check out our compilation of dog-friendly restaurants for ideas on where you and your dog can grab a tasty bite.
Finally, if you want to plan a day trip away from Long Beach and include your furry pal, take a look at some of these pet-friendly day trips. You’ll find ideas for dog-friendly activities and destinations only a few hours’ drive away.