Top 32 Outstanding American Coastal Spots for Canine Companions
Looking for a beach vacation with your furry friend? Look no further! Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the U.S. that allow dogs to run off-leash or have dedicated dog-friendly areas.
Jupiter Dog Beach, Florida
Named the #1 dog-friendly beach in the nation for 2025, Jupiter Dog Beach offers over 2.5 miles of coastline that is leash-free, allowing well-behaved dogs to run off-leash freely. The beach is well-maintained with waste stations and a pup rinsing station.
Haulover Beach Park, Florida
Haulover Beach Park features an off-leash beach area near lifeguard tower 3 and fenced grassy areas for dogs to play freely. It is highly popular for letting dogs run off-leash in a secure environment.
Holmes Beach Dog Park, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Holmes Beach Dog Park provides a dedicated off-leash area called the power playground within the park where dogs can run and play freely. Leashes are required outside this designated area, such as on the boardwalk.
Robinson Preserve, near Anna Maria Island, Florida
Mostly leash-required but has some areas where dogs can be off-leash, set in a large natural preserve with trails for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Kruse Park Dog Beach, Michigan
Known for its spacious and clean environment, Kruse Park Dog Beach allows dogs to enjoy a friendly, dog-centric experience. Although specific leash rules are not stated, it is highly rated for dog-friendly space.
Warren Dunes State Park, Michigan
While dogs must be on a leash, Warren Dunes State Park offers a large, clean dog-friendly beach, forest trails, and ample space for dogs to explore and play.
Rialto Beach, Washington
Rialto Beach is great for hiking with a leashed dog and offers endless opportunities for exploring and sniffing.
The National Seashore of South Padre Island, Texas
The entire National Seashore of South Padre Island is pet-friendly, and the resort town is known for its calm waters and beautiful beaches.
Carmel Beach, California
Carmel Beach allows dogs to play, lounge, and run freely along the beautiful beach with Mutt Mitts provided for clean-up.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach in Oregon welcomes dogs as long as they are on a leash or under voice control.
Cisco Beach, Massachusetts
Cisco Beach is a pet-friendly stretch that is popular with surfers, swimmers, and dog walkers.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Dogs must be kept on a 16ft leash at Jekyll Island, and it's recommended to bring the best rope dog toys and dog treats for a game of fetch and rewards.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
Cape Cod National Seashore is open to leashed dogs for most of the year, but during the summer season, there are restrictions around enjoying the sandy shores with your dog.
Camp Hero State Park, New York
Camp Hero State Park is a 415-acre park with densely wooded areas and a beach where dogs must be kept on a leash no more than 6 feet in length.
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Dogs are allowed on St. Augustine Beach as long as they are leashed, but they are not allowed in the protected bird sanctuary at Anastasia State Park and Recreation Area.
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Emerald Isle along the Crystal Coast is 100% dog-friendly all year long.
Island Beach State Park, New Jersey
Island Beach State Park offers miles of sandy beach and waves for dogs to enjoy, but they must be kept on a leash that is a maximum length of six feet.
For a more detailed overview, here's a summary table for off-leash allowance:
| Beach/Park | Location | Off-Leash Allowed? | Notes | |-------------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------| | Jupiter Dog Beach | Jupiter, FL | Yes, fully leash-free | 2.5 miles coastline, maintained | | Haulover Beach Park | Miami, FL | Yes, in designated area | Fenced dog play areas | | Holmes Beach Dog Park | Holmes Beach, FL | Yes, in designated area | Off-leash playground | | Robinson Preserve | Near Anna Maria Island | Some areas off-leash | Mostly leash-required | | Kruse Park Dog Beach | Michigan | Likely yes (not explicitly)| Highly rated spacious beach | | Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer, MI | No (leash required) | Very dog-friendly, large beach | | Rialto Beach | Washington | Yes, with leash | Great for hiking | | South Padre Island | Texas | Yes | Entire National Seashore | | Carmel Beach | California | Yes | Mutt Mitts provided | | Cannon Beach | Oregon | Yes, with leash or voice control | | | Cisco Beach | Massachusetts | Yes | Popular with surfers and dog walkers | | Jekyll Island | Georgia | Yes, with 16ft leash | Bring dog toys and treats | | Cape Cod National Seashore | Massachusetts | Yes, with restrictions during summer | | | Camp Hero State Park | New York | Yes, with 6ft leash | 415-acre park with wooded areas | | St. Augustine Beach | Florida | Yes, with leash | Not allowed in protected bird sanctuary | | Emerald Isle | North Carolina | Yes, all year long | Along the Crystal Coast | | Island Beach State Park | New Jersey | Yes, with 6ft leash | Miles of sandy beach and waves |
These beaches are recognized for their dedicated dog-friendly zones where dogs can run freely or have special off-leash areas, making them the top choices in the U.S. for 2024. Enjoy your next beach vacation with your furry friend!
- The power playground within Holmes Beach Dog Park on Anna Maria Island, Florida, offers an off-leash area for dogs to run and play freely.
- Kruse Park Dog Beach in Michigan is a friendly environment for pets, although specific leash rules are not stated.
- Pets can enjoy a game of fetch and rewards at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, where dogs must be kept on a leash that is a maximum length of six feet.
- On Jekyll Island, Georgia, dogs are allowed with a 16ft leash and it's recommended to bring dog toys, treats, and home-and-garden items for a fun beach vacation.
