Itching for a holiday but can’t stand the thought of leaving your four-legged family member behind? We know how heartbreaking it is to leave your pet at home — especially when they give you those hard-to-resist puppy dog eyes.
If you want to vacation with your pup in tow, this list of the best pet-friendly beaches is sure to inspire your next getaway.
- Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar – Crikvenica, Croatia
- Hadden Park (Kits Dog Beach) – Vancouver, Canada
- Huntington Dog Beach – Huntington Beach, USA
- Leighton Dog Beach – Perth, Australia
- Jupiter Dog Beach – Jupiter, USA
- Saunton Beach – North Devon, England
- Noordwijk Beach – Noordwijk, The Netherlands
- Dog Beach, Fort Myers Beach – Fort Myers, USA
- Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, USA
- Tallow Beach – Byron Bay, Australia
- Double Bluff Beach – Freeland, USA
- Lido di Fido – Grado, Italy
- Montrose Dog Beach – Chicago, USA
- Morris Island – Charleston, USA
- Sandymouth Beach – Cornwall, England
- Fort Funston Beach – San Francisco, USA
- St Kilda Beach – Melbourne, Australia
- Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, USA
- Le Touquet Beach – Le Touquet, France
- Coronado Dog Beach – San Diego, USA
1. Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar – Crikvenica, Croatia
If you’re after a European beach holiday destination that welcomes both you and your canine, Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar in Crikvenica, Croatia should be at the top of your list! Located in the quaint harbour of Podvorska, this hound-friendly establishment serves up a specialty dog beer (which is non-alcoholic, of course) made from beef or chicken and vegetables, so you and your pup can enjoy a refreshing bevvy at the bar together. If your pooch gets peckish, you can order snacks like dog pizza and ice cream made with bananas, yogurt, peanuts, and soy milk. Plus, there’s loads of room to splash around in the gorgeous Adriatic Sea or cool off in the shade under an umbrella.
2. Hadden Park (Kits Dog Beach) – Vancouver, Canada
Situated between the ever-popular Kitsilano Beach and Granville Island, this laid-back and picturesque beach is a dream for humans and dogs alike. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can let your pooch off-leash, and you’ll find plenty of driftwood logs to relax on while your pup runs free. Best of all, this beach boasts incredible views of English Bay and downtown Vancouver.
3. Huntington Dog Beach – Huntington Beach, USA
If you’re planning to visit Disneyland or the incredibly scenic Pacific Coast Highway with your pup, be sure to stop at nearby Huntington Dog Beach — a paradise for every ocean-obsessed dog. This beach runs roughly 2.4 kilometres along the bluffs between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets, and it’s the only area along Huntington Beach where your four-legged companion can frolic off-leash.
4. Leighton Dog Beach – Perth, Australia
With a two-kilometre stretch of soft, white sand, crashing waves, and plenty of other socialised pups to play with, your dog won’t want to leave this pooch-friendly paradise. Dogs are allowed off-leash within the area that runs south from South Cottesloe to the railway overpass.
5. Jupiter Dog Beach – Jupiter, USA
Popular with both tourists and locals, Jupiter Dog Beach is one of the largest dog-friendly beaches on the east coast of the United States. Doggy waste bags are provided here, and your four-legged friend can roam freely sans leash.
6. Saunton Beach – North Devon, England
Surrounded by England’s largest sand dune system, Saunton Beach is a fabulous spot for a leisurely walk or a fun-filled romp in the surf. It also plays host to Devon’s best dog-friendly event every year during the month of May: Paws on the Beach, a playful celebration that features a paw-some range of activities and entertainment.
7. Noordwijk Beach – Noordwijk, The Netherlands
This beach is one of the most stunning places to take your pup for a seaside stroll. In fact, National Geographic listed Noordwijk Beach as one of the most perfect beach destinations on the planet in 2017. As if that’s not reason enough to visit, this beach is also surrounded by loads of dog-friendly restaurants.
8. Dog Beach, Fort Myers Beach – Fort Myers, USA
Dedicated to dogs and their owners, this county park is the best area to get some off-leash time with your dog along Fort Myers Beach. The best thing about this spot? It has dedicated doggie shower stations so you can rinse your pup off after they’ve had their fill of sand and surf.
9. Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, USA
Cannon Beach is best known for its pristine stretches of shoreline and Haystack Rock (a striking landmark that rises 71 metres out of the sand and sea at low tide), but it also happens to be one of the best pet-friendly beaches in Oregon. Leashes aren’t necessary here (as long as owners maintain control) and you’ll find a wide range of dog-friendly accommodation options nearby.
10. Tallow Beach – Byron Bay, Australia
With warm, clear waters and excellent swimming conditions, Byron Bay is home to some of the most idyllic beaches in Australia. Tallow Beach, in particular, is a great option when you have your pup in tow; it stretches 6.5 kilometres from Cosy Corner to Broken Head, and it boasts a large designated off-leash area.
11. Double Bluff Beach – Freeland, USA
This family-friendly beach is a favourite among dog lovers for several reasons: it has a dog-washing station and it offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier in the distance. Even better? You can let your dog off-leash here.
12. Lido di Fido – Grado, Italy
This picturesque Italian beach provides all the essentials for you and your pup to have a fun-filled day in the sun, from umbrellas and deck chairs to leash holders, water bowls, and waste bags.
13. Montrose Dog Beach – Chicago, USA
Throughout the summer, Montrose Dog Beach is the place to be for Chicago locals and their pooches. Sitting along the shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find this four-acre pup-friendly playground in the northwest corner of Montrose Beach. Just remember to hit the park office before entering to purchase a DFA (Dog Friendly Area) tag.
14. Morris Island – Charleston, USA
Off-leash, dog-friendly beaches aren’t the norm throughout South Carolina, but Morris Island — an uninhabited island located at the mouth of Charleston Harbour — is an exception. This gorgeous spot is only accessible by boat, but your pooch is free to run along the shoreline or splash in the waves as they please.
15. Sandymouth Beach – Cornwall, England
Dogs are welcome year-round at Sandymouth Beach, a massive expanse of sand and shoreline in North Cornwall. There’s plenty of space for you and your pup to splash around in the surf, even on the busiest of days.
16. Fort Funston Beach – San Francisco, USA
Not only is Fort Funston one of San Francisco’s most scenic beaches, but it’s also a place where you can let your pup explore off-leash. A hidden gem that’s popular with local San Franciscans, this beach is characterised by towering sand bluffs, steep walking paths, and several hiking trails.
17. St Kilda Beach – Melbourne, Australia
Located only a short tram ride from Melbourne’s city centre, St Kilda Beach is a hub of activity and entertainment that comes alive during the summer months — and, best of all, dogs are welcome here. You can let your pup off-leash in a few different areas, including West Beach at St Kilda West.
18. Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach, USA
The welcoming atmosphere of Myrtle Beach is extended to furry friends, too. However, some rules do apply depending on the time of year you visit: from the beginning of September until April 30th, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time, as long as they’re on-leash. (Throughout the busy summer season, they’re only permitted before 10am and after 5pm).
19. Le Touquet Beach – Le Touquet, France
Affectionately known as “Paris by the sea,” this lovely seaside town has an expansive beach that’s surrounded by colourful huts and lush green foliage. Its seven-kilometre stretch of sand is the perfect place for you and Fido to roam or simply relax and bask in the sun.
20. Coronado Dog Beach – San Diego, USA
Whether you choose to take a laid-back stroll, toss a frisbee, or sit back and watch as your pup splashes around in the salty surf, you’re guaranteed to have a doggone good time at Coronado Dog Beach. This sandy area at the north end of Coronado Beach is leash-free 24/7 throughout the entire year (just remember to keep your dog leashed outside the designated leash-free limits or you may face a steep fine).
Where’s your favourite place to vacation with your pup?
