If you have a dog and haven’t been to a dog beach, you need to go. Dog parks are fun, but beaches are incredible!

We have experienced multiple dog beaches along California’s coast, and I have to tell you they are fun – not only for the dogs who love to socialize and meet new friends, but also for their owners who get to see their companions frolic around the sand meeting and chasing all sorts of dogs from big to small – all excited to play.

My introduction to dog beaches was during a visit to see our son and his dog in San Diego. We went to the Coronado Dog Beach . It was huge. Easily 100 dogs chasing frisbees, sniffing and chasing other dogs across the sand and through the in-coming surf.

On Leash or Off?

The last few weeks, we’ve been to multiple beaches along the California southern coast. Some require dogs be on leash, other no leash. The expectation is that the owner will ensure good behavior and pickup.

However, as probably expected there seems to either complete ignorance of the “dogs on leash” symbol or when walking with multiple dogs, one is on leash and the rest are off. Hmmm, interesting.

My take is that people simply hate rules, especially when it comes to the beach. Of course, there is the contrast. For example, we went to on Del Mar Beach (Del Mar, CA), BTW a fantastic fun spot for dogs (and people). I had one person immediately alerting me to the fact that my dog had shat! She didn’t see me pulling out the plastic blue bag! Then there are those who walk lachsadaiscally cross the cool sand or sit on a rock soaking in the sun with with no tracking on where their dogs have gone or what mischief they have found. Frankly, I don’t care. It simply shows who you are. Either a rule-abiding citizen or what ever. Well, I suppose it depends on your mood for the day.

Name Those Beaches

Here are comments about some dog beaches we visited. Please add comments about other beaches worth visiting with your dog. (This is a work in progress… adding more pictures from the trip and comments.)

California

Corinado

Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after. Actually, almost all dogs we saw were off leash having a BLAST of a time running around through the water, sniffing out smells and saying “hi” to all the other dogs.

Condition of beach: Great shape. We would certainly go back.