15 Dog-Friendly Beaches in the United States

The weather is perfect to visit these American dog-friendly beaches

I love going to the beach in the summertime. It’s part of the reason I love living in New England. According to my humans, dogs aren’t allowed on most human beaches because many times their owners don’t pick up their dog’s poop. I couldn’t believe it.

But one time I went to a dog-only beach (like a dog park with fences and everything!) called the Davis Island Dog Beach in Tampa, Florida. The humans were throwing balls into the water and us dogs were having a blast swimming out to get them. I had a blast. Be warned, though, me and a couple other dogs got carried away drinking the salt water, so if that happens to you, expect diarrhea on the beach or in the parking lot on your way out. Whoops.

Since I love traveling, I thought I’d put together a list of dog-friendly beaches all over the United States.

Dauphin Island: Dauphin, Alabama

Great news! As long as your pup is leashed, you and your family can enjoy a relaxing beach day at Dauphin Island public beach and campground. Don’t forget the sunscreen for all you non-furries!

Cosmo Dog Park: Gilbert, Arizona

If you want to spoil your dog with a dog-friendly beach that caters specifically to four-leggers, look no further that Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, Arizona. Dogs are allowed off-leash in all fenced areas. Don’t worry, you humans can get some sun, too!

Seaside Beach: Fort Bragg, California

Are you looking for an off-leash beach to bring your dog? Look no further than Fort Bragg, one of my favorite areas in California. This place is scenic and serene. Enjoy the California coast with your best pal.

Union Reservoir:  Longmont, Colorado

Looking for a beach that you can spend time training your dog and then relax when you’re done? The Union Reservoir in Longmont, Colorado has a designated training area where dogs are allowed off leash. There’s even a swimming pond the pups can use in the off-leash training area. If you’d rather spend your time in a different area of the reservoir, simply leash your dog.

Samsons Island: Satellite Beach, Florida

It’s not just humans who love island life. Dogs do too! Samsons Island, a 52-acre island only accessible by a boat. It’s a great place to catch some sun with your furry friend.

Sandpoint Dog Beach: Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

If you’re looking for a public, dog-friendly beach in Idaho, you’re not going to want to miss Sandpoint Dog Beach. It’s a great place for humans and canines to swim peacefully together.

Friends Forever Dog Park: Freeport, Illinois

If you think you’ve read about awesome beaches for dogs, you’ll never believe what’s at the Friends Forever Dog Park in Freeport, Illinois. This place has an agility course, as well as a special place for small dogs to play.

Fox Island County Park: Fort Wayne, Indiana

If your dog prefers his beach time to be spent with more animals and fewer humans, you’ll love a trip to the 605-acre Fox Island County Park. There’s a special area of the park just for dog’s to swim and be off-leash. Don’t worry – if some of your family prefer to spend their time in a different area of the park, your dog can be there, too. He’ll just need to be on-leash.

Thornberry Dog Park: Iowa City, Iowa

This isn’t a beach, but this dog park is sure awesome. Separated into three areas (small dogs, playground for all dogs, and an agility training area), this park has a huge lake that dogs can choose to swim or wade in. Just make sure to get a permit for the park if you’re visiting or live there.

Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area: Shawnee, Kansas

This 53-acre off-leash dog park features a dog swim area along with natural trails for hiking. It’s the perfect spot to bring your outdoorsy dog.

Terrapin Nature Park: Stevensville, Maryland

Does your dog love nature even more than he loves swimming? If so, Terrapin Nature Park is your best bet for a day trip with your animal. The nature park is 276-acres and features a 3.25-mile oyster chaff walking trail. Just remember to keep your pup on-leash here.

Orion Oaks Dog Park: Lake Orion, Michigan

This is a 24-acre fenced in area just for dogs! Do you even understand what that means? It means that dogs can roam around in a lot of space! There’s a lot of space here for a picnic and trails for running!

Front Beach and East Beach: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

I love Mississippi, and my favorite reason is because it’s so fun to spell! Besides that, it’s also beautiful. If you’re in the area of Ocean Springs, bring your dog to one of these leashed dog-friendly beaches.

Skunk Harbor: Lake Tahoe, Nevada

If you love hiking with your dog, this is a great beach to end up at after a 1.5-mile trail. This is a great way to get in three miles of activity in with a nice break in the middle. Just be sure you park in the right spot before heading onto the trail!

Double Bluff Beach: Whidbey Island, Washington

I’ve always wanted to travel to Whidbey Island, Washington, and I head from a friend to spend a day in the sun at the Double Bluff Beach. This beach has two sections – one where your dog must stay leashed and another where he is free to roam around. Be sure to know which area is which.

There are so many other great dog-friendly beaches in the United States. Have you been to one? If so, let us know about it in the comments!

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