Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA in 2025: Off & On Leash Places

woman and dog walk on the beach

Between Los Angeles and San Diego, Orange County, California features miles of pristine coastline just waiting to be enjoyed. If you want your dog to join your beach excursion, you’ll find plenty of choices in Orange County. However, because of the popularity of most beaches in the county, dogs are generally prohibited during busy hours and seasons.

Check the rules before you head for the shore with your pup. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Orange County, CA.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Orange County, CA

1. Huntington Dog Beach

️ Address: 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Open Times: 5 am–10 pm
Cost: $2/hour parking
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Restrooms, water, picnic tables, and waste bags are available
  • Located near a busy highway
  • Keep dogs on a leash until reaching the sand
  • It’s recommended that your dog wear a visible license
  • Remove all full poop bags to avoid fines

2. West Street Beach

️ Address: Coast Highway and West St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Open Times:
September 11–June 14: dogs allowed during regular hours 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10 dogs allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Remote and usually less crowded beach
  • Street parking only
  • No restrooms or water are available
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • A popular hangout for the local LGBTQ+ community

3. Little Corona Del Mar Beach

️ Address: 3100 Ocean Blvd., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Limited street parking only
  • Beautiful views
  • Steep but accessible path down to the beach
  • Restrooms, showers, and trash cans are available
  • The rocky shoreline is popular for diving and exploring tide pools

4. Newport Beach

️ Address: 1 Newport Beach Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open Times: Dogs are allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm year-round
Cost: Free, parking fees vary by location
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are allowed on all 8 miles of beaches in the city of Newport Beach on-leash and during posted hours
  • Parking options vary by location and may be metered
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times

5. Aliso Beach Park

️ Address: 31131 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Open Times: 6 am–10 pm, June 15–September 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
Cost: $1-hour parking
Off-Leash: No
  • Restrooms, showers, a playground, and concessions are available
  • Pay attention to dog hours—they vary by the season
  • You’ll share the beach with surfers, swimmers, and skimboarders
  • Don’t let your dog bother any marine life
  • Bring your own waste bags

6. Treasure Island Beach

️ Address: 30799 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Open Times: 5 am–1 am, June 15–Sept 10: dogs are only allowed before 9 am and after 6 pm
Cost: Parking fee varies by location
Off-Leash: No
  • Gorgeous views from the cliffs
  • Can be a bit of a walk to get to the beach
  • Restrooms, showers, water, and concessions are available nearby
  • Watch out for dangerous currents
  • Bring your own waste bags

7. Corona Del Mar State Beach

️ Address: 3000 Breakers Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92661
Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
Cost: Parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • State-owned beach, managed by the city of Newport Beach
  • Parking lot available, but it fills up quickly
  • Restrooms, showers, water, grills, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts are available
  • Wide, flat beach—don’t let your dog bother the sunbathers

8. Balboa Beach

️ Address: 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
Cost: Parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Includes the beach around and south of Balboa Pier
  • Limited parking, get here early
  • Restaurants, walking/biking path, restrooms, showers, and water are all available along this beach
  • Bring your own waste bags
  • Tends to get less busy than other areas of Newport Beach

9. Marina Park

️ Address: 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
Cost: Parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • A small, sandy area located alongside Newport Marina
  • Limited parking, shared with the nearby community center
  • Playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a restaurant located nearby
  • Popular with families, keep your dog under control and follow all posted rules

10. Santa Ana River Beach

️ Address: 7004 Seashore Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
Open Times: Dogs allowed before 10 am and after 4:30 pm
Cost: Parking fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Limited street parking only
  • No restrooms or other facilities at the beach itself
  • Known locally as “River Jetties”
  • Stay out of the river itself—it may be contaminated with runoff
  • Not an off-leash area but not all dog owners follow the rules

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

To help inspire local authorities to keep Orange County beaches dog-friendly, be sure to follow leash laws and pick up after your pup. To be safe, pack your own waste bags, water, and dog-safe sunscreen. Rinse the salt and sand off your dog before you head home, and of course, pay attention to the weather and don’t let your pup get overheated.

This precaution may be easier on Orange County beaches, where dogs are often prohibited during the hottest part of the day anyway.

Related posts:


Featured Image Credit: Ogutier, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

White Goldendoodle Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

Goldendoodles have really taken the limelight in the hybrid dog world. This designer breed is a favorite of canine lovers everywhere. You probably...

Purina Bella Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Purina Bella is a unique brand for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas. This food is low-calorie, low-carb, and above...

8 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks In & Near Cedar Park, TX You Can Visit Today

Most dogs love going for walks. That’s why your pup will start wagging their tail or try to reach for the leash whenever...

How to Help a Dog’s Arthritis in Cold Weather: 7 Vet-Approved Tips & FAQ

Osteoarthritis (commonly just called arthritis) is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. It is a chronic and degenerative joint disease. Arthritis...

More related

7 Sheltie Health Problems: Our Vet Explains

As the birthplace of the diminutive Shetland Pony and the compact, sheep-herding Shetland Sheepdog, the Scottish Isle of Shetland has a reputation for...

Puppy Mill Dog Behavior Problems & Vet-Approved Solutions

Getting a puppy should be an enjoyable experience. Pets can bring so much joy that it seems counterintuitive to consider behavior problems and...

10 Best Dog Breeds for Kids & Families: With Info & Pictures

What’s the best family dog breed? There are a lot of breeds that come to mind when you consider what makes a good...

Are Australian Shepherds Protective? Temperament, Facts & FAQs

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and versatile breed that excels at a variety of tasks. They are also very protective of...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Cornmeal? Vet-Verified Facts

Cornmeal is often used in commercial dog food, so it is reasonable to assume that it’s safe for your dog to eat. And this is true; cornmeal isn’t toxic to dogs, it provides nutrients and energy, and it is something...

Can Dogs Eat Cornmeal

11 Best Foods for a Corgi Puppy in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Congratulations on your new Corgi puppy! These affectionate, medium-sized dogs are an excellent addition to any household. You want the best for your corgi, starting with the right puppy food. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the pet food brands...

Hungry Welsh corgi Pembroke or cardigan puppy eats from ceramic bowl standing on fleecy carpet

Whimzees Dog Treats Reviews 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-natural, grain-free dog treat to help clean your pup’s teeth and freshen their breath, then Whimzees dog treats are just what you need! These dental chews, made in the Netherlands, come in various shapes, sizes,...

Whimzees Dog Treat

10 Best Puppy Foods for Labs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

So, you are on the hunt for the best food for your brand-new Lab puppy. Choosing the best puppy food for your new puppy is a very important decision, since getting the proper nutrition is important for bone development and...

labrador retriever puppy eating food from bowl outdoors

How Much Calcium Do Dogs Need? 6 Best Sources

We tell our children that if they want to grow big and strong, they better drink their milk. Dogs need calcium as we do, and having the right amount in their systems gives them stronger teeth, nails, bones, and coats....

Boxer with a bone

Primal Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you have been thinking about taking your first steps into the world of raw dog food, Primal pet Foods might just convince you to take the plunge. It’s known for its quality, healthy raw food formulas. Primal...

Dogster_Primal Dog Food Review

10 Best Dog Foods for Toy Breeds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all, and if you have a toy breed, you know what we mean. Kibble size is important because if it’s too big for small doggies, they will have a...

owner training her toy poodle dog

10 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Caring for a Great Dane is an incredible experience but you may have problems locating the ideal food for your massive friend. Numerous companies produce dog food and treats, but fewer meals are designed for extra-large breeds. Great Dane adults...

Great Dane dog