Orange County Dog Rules & Dog-friendly Beaches
Scroll for more information and resources to help you and your dog responsibly explore the beautiful Orange County coast. Find your location below - organized alphabetically! Download the Dog Sign TemplatesDogs Can Explore Responsibly Too!
Know Before You Go
Bolsa Chica
Bolsa Chica is both an ecological reserve and a marine protected area (MPA). Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve does not allow dogs. For specific regulations, visit CDFW’s website here.
City of Dana Point
The City of Dana Point does not allow for dogs on the beach specifically. For more, visit the City of Dana Point’s Natural Resources Page here.
City of Newport Beach
In the City of Newport Beach, dogs are allowed on leash during certain times of the day. Leashed dogs are allowed before 10:00 am and after 4:30 pm on oceanfront beaches in the City of Newport Beach. On bay-front beaches, leashed dogs are allowed before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm. Learn more here! *This sign is for areas with nesting birds.
City of Newport Beach
In the City of Newport Beach, dogs are allowed on leash during certain times of the day. Leashed dogs are allowed before 10:00 am and after 4:30 pm on oceanfront beaches of Newport Beach, CA. On bay-front beaches, leashed dogs are allowed before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm. Learn more here! *This sign is for areas with seals and sea lions.
Crystal Cove State Park
At Crystal Cove State Park, dogs are not allowed on the beach. Be sure to observe wildlife like birds, seals, and sea lions from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. Learn more here!
Monarch Bay Beach
Dogs are not permitted on the beach at the Monarch Bay Beach Club in Dana Point. Be sure to observe wildlife from a safe distance to avoid disturbing sensitive animals. Learn more here!
Strands Beach
Dogs are not permitted on Strands beach in Dana Point. However, leashed dogs are permitted on paved walkways and at Bluff Park, the grass area above Salt Creek Beach. Visit the OC Parks website to learn about park rules at Strands & Salt Creek Beaches. Learn more here!
Upper Newport Bay
Leashed dogs are welcome at Upper Newport Bay (UNB), an Ecological Reserve and MPA. The UNB Ecological Reserve requires leashed dogs to protect wildlife and habitat. Learn more at CDFW’s website here. *This sign is for areas with seals and sea lions.
Upper Newport Bay
Leashed dogs are welcome at Upper Newport Bay (UNB), an Ecological Reserve and MPA. The UNB Ecological Reserve requires leashed dogs to protected wildlife and habitat. For specific regulations, visit CDFW’s website here. *This sign is for areas with nesting birds.
Additional Resources
Discover Indigenous Lands: Since time immemorial Tribal people across the state have had an ongoing relationship with the ocean. They continue to manage, depend on, and have a sacred relationship with ocean and marine resources today.
Find Dog-friendly Beaches in California:
Wildlife and pets can cause stress, harm, and sickness to one another. If pets are allowed, always keep them on a leash and away from wildlife. Dog-friendly beaches in Orange County can be found here and here.
Stay Safe at the Beach: It’s important to be aware of dangerous waves and currents. Never turn your back to the ocean and before leaving for the beach, check the official surf zone forecast and/or beach advisories and closings.
Flying Aerial Drones: Motorized aerial vehicles can pose a special threat to marine animals and nesting birds. It is illegal to fly a drone in many coastal areas of Orange County, including Bolsa Chica. Photo by Jason Blackeye
Report a Poacher: If you witness a poaching or polluting incident, any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such a violation, immediately dial the toll-free CalTIP number 1-888-334-CALTIP (888-334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Photo by CDFW
Report an Animal: The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. If you see an animal in distress, call their hotline at : (949) 494-3050.
This information is provided by the Orange County MPA Council (OCMPAC) which has members dedicated to advancing MPA management and encouraging ocean stewardship. This project was completed in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Our project was possible by a grant made through the Once-Through Cooling (OTC) program of Resources Legacy Fund, on behalf of the OTC Interim Mitigation Program of the Ocean Protection Council.
