You’ll have the BEST time at these dog-friendly US beaches!
Are you and your pooch yearning for a sun-soaked adventure by the shore? Well, look no further! Here at Geeky Gecko, we went on the hunt for the ultimate canine haven!
Picture this: yellow sands stretching as far as you can see, waves splashing against the backdrop, and a tail-wagging pal by your side. We’ve scoured the coastlines to bring you the creme de la creme of sandy retreats where your four-legged companion is welcome and embraced.
Each dog-friendly US beach on our list is a tail-wagger’s dream come true.
So, leash up, pack some doggy treats, and embark on a pawsitively delightful journey to discover the 6 most enchanting and dog-friendly US beaches that will make your vacation days genuinely unforgettable.
Dog-friendly US beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon
The charming coastal city of Cannon Beach is a wonderfully dog-friendly vacation spot, so finding a place where you can’t take your furry friend with you is actually pretty challenging.
Dogs can roam the beach with you as long as they stay within sight and are controlled by voice command. The area also boasts many hiking trails where canines can explore animal scents from the local wildlife, including elk, chipmunks, and bears.
And one of the best things is that if you choose to visit in summer, the 4th of July festivities are fireworks-free, making this an excellent place to visit during the holiday if you have skittish pets.
In October, Cannon Beach hosts the annual Dog Show on the beach, giving awards ranging from best trick to best costume.
For accommodation options in Cannon Beach, we suggest making reservations at pet-friendly beachfront properties like Surfsand Resort or the Tolovana Inn.
Dog-friendly US beach: Jupiter Dog Beach, Jupiter, Florida
The 2-and-a-half-mile stretch of sand in this area sits along southern Florida’s Atlantic coast in the Palm Beaches and runs from beach marker 26 at Marcinski Road to marker 57 at the property line of Carlin Park.
While your pooch can run free once on the beach, they should be socialized, well-behaved, and obedient to voice commands. And one thing to remember is that they need to be leashed when you’re walking from your car to this dog-friendly US beach.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, make reservations at Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa in Palm Beach, where your canine pal will get just as pampered as you, beginning with a gift bag upon your arrival.
The resort also offers many dog-friendly public spaces and designated beach areas for your pooch to explore.
And since you’re already in town, you can take your pal shopping at a couple of outdoor malls, like The Royal Poinciana Plaza, or spend a leisurely afternoon with some fellow pet parents and canine friends at one of the local dog parks.
Dog-friendly US beach: State Park: Cape Charles, Virginia
Kiptopeke State Park is a mere 45 miles north of Virginia Beach along the Chesapeake Bay on the state’s Eastern Shore. On-leash pets are always welcome on the south beach, where their humans can go fishing, swimming, boating, or crabbing.
Moreover, the park has over 5 miles of lovely hiking trails you can explore with your furry friend. Just be sure your leash isn’t longer than 6 feet max, and take note that Kiptopeke State Park has a small admission fee per car to enter and park.
As far as accommodations go, you can book a rustic cabin in the garden or head into town for an overnight stay, where you and your furry friend can “ruff it” at Sunset Beach Hotel.
This oceanfront property offers access to the off-leash Beach Bark Dog Park and the Sandy Paws Dog Beach, where you can just kick your paws back and relax.
Dog-friendly US beach: Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
This iconic stretch of sand, along California’s central coast and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most picturesque places in the state to explore with your canine companion. It’s also known as one of the most dog-friendly beaches in our country.
Here, your dog can run off-leash and play with other pups on the beach and in the surf. But they must be under voice command.
Be sure to take a stroll along the Scenic Road, which curves along the beach and gives you stunning views of the coastline, the town’s renowned cypress trees, and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The great thing about this dog-friendly US beach is that you’ll also find “Mutt Mitts,” a.k.a. poop bags, at the top of each access point to the beach.
Also, lots of the restaurants will seat canines with their owners and come complete with pup-approved meals like grilled chicken and steak tartare.
Over 25 hotels in Carmel are pet-friendly and feature VIP treatment with perks like “yappy hour,” turn-down service, doggie room service, and designated areas for you to wash off your dog after playing on this dog-friendly US beach.
And when you’re ready to hit the town, Carmel-by-the-Sea, is one of our nation’s most welcoming towns for dogs.
So you’re likely to find shopkeepers greeting your pup with water bowls and dog biscuits. You’ll even find a Fountain of Woof in Carmel Plaza for dogs to drink from!
Dog-friendly US beach: Willard Beach, South Portland, Maine
Maine’s beaches, including this 4-acre sandy stretch in South Portland, welcome four-legged friends all year round.
A few miles from downtown Portland, this beautiful neighborhood beach will give you incredible views of Spring Point Ledge Light and the sailboats docked offshore.
Your pup will enjoy romping around in the gentle waves during the extended off-leash beach hours from October through April. In the bustling summertime, canines are only permitted on this dog-friendly US beach for a few limited hours in the morning and at night.
And since leash requirements tend to change, it’s best to confirm the latest restrictions before you arrive.
While in Portland, you and your furry companion should also visit the most photographed lighthouse in our country, the Portland Head Light, and the neighboring Fort Williams Park.
For your accommodations, we recommend you book the “INNcredible Pets” package for VIP treatment at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth.
The package includes a personalized LL Bean toy and dog bed, a nightly pet turndown service, an evening gourmet pet menu, and many other perks.
If you’re traveling in the fall months, the Inn is dedicated to the dogs every October when they’re allowed to swim in the pool for an entire week before it closes for the season.
The property is also well-known for its dog adoption and fostering program in partnership with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.
Dog-friendly US beach: Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, New Jersey
This stretch of beautiful white sandy beach and coastal dunes lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay along the Jersey Shore. Island Beach State Park is one of the last barrier beaches undeveloped on the North Atlantic coast.
You and your doggie pal will enjoy the pristine shoreline and maritime forest home to the state’s biggest osprey colony and many other types of birds, like waterfowl and peregrine falcons. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are permitted all year round here.
And roughly a mile of this dog-friendly US beach is designated for swimming when lifeguards are on duty. Surfing is even allowed south of the swimming beaches during summer. The park has 8 stunning trails to explore on leisurely hikes and an 8-mile road if you’re interested in biking.
You can also go horseback riding on 6 miles of the beach starting from October all the way through April or try saltwater fishing. Just be sure to register. Pack a picnic basket to bring with you and spend a relaxing day with your canine best friend.
Be sure to tell us know if you know of any other beautiful dog-friendly US beaches you’d like our readers to know about. And if you liked this post, we also recommend reading: 6 Dog Myths You Should STOP Believing
