The California Central Coast offers a wide array of beaches for you and your pet to explore. Whether you want to observe marine animals, explore coastal hiking trails, or just romp around the shoreline, the California Central Coast has a diverse selection of pet friendly beaches for you and your dog.

Seacliff State Beach
201 State Park Drive
Aptos, CA 95003
This park boasts a long stretch of sand backed by bluffs that are studded with fossils of extinct marine animals. It is also the site of the USS Palo Alto, one of only three cement ships built during World War I. Seacliff State Beach also offers camping facilities. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed on the beach. Please clean up after your dog.

Asilomar State Beach
804 Crocker Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Asilomar is a beautiful one-mile strip of sandy beach and rocky coves. Across from the beach is the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve, which has a quarter-mile-long boardwalk that traverses 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed on the beach and in the preserve. Please clean up after your dog.

Monterey State Beach
Del Monte Avenue & Park Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
This beach is a favorite for surfers, tidepool watchers, kayakers, beach bombers, kite-fliers, and volleyball players. It is also dog friendly in the areas between Wharf 2 and Seaside State Beach. Your dog must be on a 6-foot leash.

Carmel City Beach
Ocean Avenue
Carmel, CA 93923
This beautiful beach is ultra pet friendly–your dog doesn’t need to be leashed at all. All they ask is that you clean up after your dog.

Carmel River State Beach
Carmelo Street
Carmel, CA 93923
Situated along Carmel Bay, this mile-long beach features a bird santuary in a lagoon formed where the Carmel River empties into the ocean. Also a part of the beach is Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, which is popular with scuba divers. Be advised that swimming and wading in this area can be extremely dangerous. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed on the beaches and throughout the park. Please clean up after your dog.

Garrapata State Park
Highway 1
Carmel, CA 93923
This park offers two miles of shoreline, coastal hiking, and beautiful views of the Pacific. Sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters are regular visitors, with California gray whales migrating through the area annually. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed on the beach and throughout the park. Be sure to clean up after your dog.

Pfeiffer Beach at Big Sur Pfeiffer State Park
Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Known for its beautiful sunsets and purple sand, this secluded beach is located in the heart of Big Sur. It is a great place to view migrating gray, blue, and humpback whales. This beach also offers nude sunbathing at the extreme north end of the beach It’s not entirely easy to find; look for the turnoff (Sycamore Canyon Road) just past the Big Sur park entrance. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed at the north end of the beach. There is a fee of $5 per vehicle.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
North park entrance: End of Grand Avenue, Grover Beach, CA
South park entrance End of Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA 93445
This area comprises the most extensive coastal dunes remaining in California. It’s a popular site for off-roading, clamming, and camping. Dogs on a leash are permitted. Please clean up after your pet.

Harbor Cover Beach
1878-1998 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
This beautiful beach is a popular for families because the harbor breakwaters provide safety from the harsh currents. Dogs are free to explore the beach, provided they are on a 6-foot leash.

Marina Park
Pierpont Avenue
Ventura, CA 93001
This park has a beautiful beach that offers many fun attractions such as sailing lessons, and picnic tables and grills. Be sure to keep your canine on a leash and clean up after it.

Promenade Park
Figueroa Street & Promenade
Ventura, CA 93001
Dogs on a 6-foot leash are free to roam this 1-acre seaside park. Please clean up after your dog.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Pets on a 6-foot leash are permitted in the following areas of the reserve, including on trails: Arroyo Sequit, Castro Crest, Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons, Circle X Ranch, Deer Creek Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Peter Strauss Ranch, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Rocky Oaks, Solstice Canyon, Zuma/Trancas Canyons, Calabasas Peak, Dixie Canyon, Escondido Canyon, Franklin Canyon, Fryman Canyon, Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, Red Rock Canyon Park, San Vicente Mountain Park, Temescsl Gateway Park, Wilacre Park, Charmlee Natural Area (in Malibu), Malibu Bluffs (in Malibu), County Line Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park (on the beach and campground only, except between Towers 1 & 3; pets are not permitted on backcountry trails), Point Mugu State Park (on the beach and campground only in Sycamore Cover and Thornhill Broome Beach; pets are not permitted on backcountry trails), Will Rogers State Historic Park (day-use areas and loop road only). Within the Los Angeles Recreation and Park District, pets on leash are permitted in Coldwater Canyon Park, Laurel Canyon Park, Runyon Canyon Park, and Temescal Canyon Park. Pets are not permitted in park buildings. Pick up after your pet.

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