Huntington Dog Beach in Orange County

If all dogs go to heaven, they’re probably going to Huntington Dog Beach. One of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in southern California, this stretch of sand sits along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street, and it’s a great chance for Spot to stretch her legs and snag some playtime with other beach-lovin’ dogs while you catch some sun. And extra time along the PCH is never a bad thing. Enjoy an oceanfront view of Surf City USA® beaches with your dog at Huntington Beach's pet-friendly oceanfront hotels. 

• Huntington Dog Beach Hours and Parking

• Huntington Dog Beach Amenities

• Huntington Dog Beach Events

• Huntington Dog Beach Rules

• Pet-Friendly Oceanfront Hotels

Huntington Dog Beach Hours & Parking

Open from 5 am to 10 pm. Metered parking is available for $2.50 per hour in two lots along Pacific Coast Highway. Please note parking rates are subject to change at any time without notice. There are also two parking lots between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint with ample parking close to the action. If you’re a frequent visitor of Huntington Dog Beach, annual parking permits are also available from the Marine Safety Division.

Huntington Dog Beach Amenities

Huntington Dog Beach offers public restrooms, a picnic area with tables, and doggie waste bags. 

Wheelchair Access at Huntington Dog Beach in California 

Huntington Dog Beach is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be rented free of charge with a valid form of identification from Dwight’s Beach Concession located at 201 Pacific Coast Highway. Huntington Dog Beach features several wheelchair-access rams at the points of entrance near Goldenwest and Seapoint.

Huntington Dog Beach Events

Pawesome events take place at Huntington Dog Beach. The So Cal Corgi Beach Day happens in the fall and spring annually. 

Say “I Do” at a Dog Beach in California

Weddings and private events are allowed at Huntington Dog Beach, which means your four-legged friend can join in on the celebration. Permission from the Marine Safety Division of Huntington Beach is required. 

Meet-Up Groups for Dog Beaches in California

Get social and join in on the action with one of the many dog meet-up groups that frequent Huntington Dog Beach. You and your pup pals can make new friends and burn off some extra energy while soaking in the sunshine. 

Huntington Dog Beach Rules

• Maintain control of your dog at all times.

• Under existing city ordinance, dogs must remain leashed. However, for the past several years only unleashed, potentially dangerous dogs have been cited or removed.​

• If your dog is new to Dog Beach, take it slow. Keep them on their leash until you can be sure of how they will react to the sand, sea, and especially other dogs and people.​

• Protect your pet with a license tag on your pet's collar. This is good insurance in helping reunite you with your animal if your pet should become lost. Ninety-eight percent of the dogs impounded wearing a license return home.​

• Owners MUST pick up after their dogs and dispose of used bags in the trash cans. Doggie waste bags are available free of charge for this purpose. Please take only what you need for immediate use. Doggie waste bags are our largest single expense and we rely entirely on donations to provide them. ​

• Leaving used bags in the cliffs or on the sand is prohibited; violators will be cited. Properly disposing of dog waste is more than a common courtesy; it is imperative that every Dog Beach visitor follow this rule, or we run the risk of losing the privilege of bringing our dogs to the beach.​​​

• Not all dogs like the water. Introduce your dog to the water slowly and at his own pace: try coaxing him into the shallow water, or entice him to walk with you so that he is wading in the water. Do NOT pick him up and force him in! This is a cruel and ineffective way to get him to “like” it, and it is unsafe. If, in spite of your best efforts, your dog still does not want to go into the water, then accept that fact and let him play the way he wants to; he can still enjoy the socialization and freedom of Dog Beach without having to be in the water.

• Many dogs do not automatically know how to swim. Dogs often must be taught how to swim effectively, and this is best done in still water (pools, lakes) rather than at Dog Beach, where the waves and current can be a hazard. The classic “dog paddle” is in fact a sign that the dog is struggling and needs help quickly to get to safety. Also, even strong swimmers should not swim too far away from the shore, so don’t throw your dog’s tennis ball so far out that you would not be able to reach him quickly if he needed help.

• Do not let your dog drink the ocean water. Most dogs, after a few licks, realize that they do not like the taste of the salty water, or they are too busy playing to stop and drink. However, some dogs ingest large quantities of salt water, and this can be life-threatening. Signs that a dog has ingested too much salt water (water intoxication) include lethargy, abdominal discomfort, abnormal breathing, discomfort walking / lack of coordination, nausea and vomiting, pale gums, etc. If your dog displays these symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately.

For more information, call 714-841-8644 or visit the website.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Huntington Beach

Leading Huntington Beach hotels know the importance of being pet-friendly and welcoming your dog like a VIP - Very Important Pooch. These hotels know how to make your dog feel extra pampered and feature a number of dog-friendly amenities such as treats, pet beds and bowls to make sure you both have the perfect stay in Huntington Beach.

Where Is the Closest RV Parking to Huntington Dog Beach in California?

If you’re traveling in an RV, there are a few RV campgrounds with close access to Huntington Dog Beach.

Bolsa Chica State Beach RV Camping

Located just a short 5-minute drive from Huntington Dog Beach is Bolsa Chica State Beach RV camping. Featuring 50 campsites with electric and water hookups, picnic tables, outdoor showers, fire rings, and more, this campground has everything you need to enjoy beach camping with your dogs. 

Huntington Beach RV Campground

Also located within a five-minute drive from Huntington Dog Beach is Huntington Beach RV Campground. This popular beachside campground is located in the heart of the beach action. Whether you’re looking for a beach bonfire with your pups, taking a surfing lesson, renting bicycles, or shopping, you’re within walking distance of everything you need to have a memorable stay in Huntington Beach. 

Huntington Dog Beach FAQs

Is Membership Required to Visit Dog Beach?

No, membership is not required to visit Huntington Dog Beach, however, the Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach relies on donations from happy visitors to help cover the many costs associated with operating and maintaining the beach for all pups to enjoy. If you would like to make a donation, you can reach the Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach at 419 Main Street, #99, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, or by phone at 714-841-8644.

Is BBQing Allowed at Huntington Dog Beach?

BBQing is not allowed at Huntington Dog Beach for a number of reasons, so please bring a packed lunch or check out some of the fantastic dog-friendly dining options nearby. 

Does Huntington Dog Beach Have Fences?

Huntington Dog Beach does not have fences, so it is highly advised to keep your dog on a leash until you fully know how they behave on the beach and in the water.