Best off-leash dog beaches from coast to coast

June 25, 11:24 AMWorld Beach ExaminerBarbra Stuter

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Some dog beaches even have dog showers...

I am not going to pretend I am a giant dog person just for the purposes of this article.  In fact, I am absolutely, positively, one hundred percent a cat person.   There is nothing more annoying to me than having a soaking wet dog run up to me on the beach barking or shaking water off onto me and running with little sandy feet across my beach towel.  I also find it particularly wonderful when walking on the beach to step on one of the little treasures they tend to leave behind, or see one of these little "treasures" washing up on shore, rolling in and out with the tide.  

I do have to grudgingly admit that you rarely see a happier dog than one who is running up and down the beach, in and out of the surf; free and unencumbered by their leashes.  With all that open space, water and fun to be had, it does seem a little cruel to restrict them to a leash.  While there are many beaches that allow dogs on leashes, there are a precious few that are designated “dog parks” and allow you to run your dog off leash.   I have compiled this list of the best dog parks in the US for those of you who love to take your four legged friends to the beach, and allow them to run on the sand and frolic in the surf.  This list is also for my fellow cat people who might just want to steer clear of the beaches on this list all together.  Be sure to check before you go, as the rules do change for any number of reasons.

Make sure your dogs have their vaccinations

Even at designated dog parks or beaches allowing dogs on leash, there is a certain etiquette that needs to be followed when taking your dog to the beach.

1. Keep your dog under voice control at all times, and never leave your dog unattended.
2. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG.
3. If there is a leash law, keep your dog on a leash.  That includes even if it is just you, your dog and one other person on the beach (it could be me).  Repeat violations on some beaches have caused many communities to ban dogs on the beach all together. 

California
San Diego Dog Beach at Ocean Beach - located just south of Mission Bay, dogs are allowed to run free on the beach, but bring the leash for trips to and from your car.
Huntington Dog Beach– although the city requires leashes, in the past ten years only dangerous dogs have been cited. 
Fort Bragg off-leash dog area- beautiful beach for both humans and their companions!
Carmel-by-the-sea  – self billed as the “Most pet friendly city”, you can run your dogs off leash at the Carmel City Beach.
Long Beach, The Dog Zone - the Dog Zone is located in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach and only one dog per human is permitted.
 

Great day at the beach!

Florida
Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground - large dog park along the beach.
Bonita Springs Dog Beach – located between Fort Meyers and Bonita Beach
Venice Beach – Paw Park - a fenced dog play area leads to an off leash section of the beach. 
Tampa – Davis Islands Dog Park   - a larged fenced area with beach access.   Also has handy doggie showers!

Maine
Old Orchard Beach City Beach  - during the summer, there are limitations, but from Labor Day to Memorial Day, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.  Dogs must be under voice control.
Scarborough -unlimited beach access from mid September to mid June, and dogs are allowed off leash if under voice control

Maryland
Annapolis: Quiet Waters Dog Park and Dog Beach - dog park  that has an off-leash beach area.  
Pasadena: Downs Park Dog Beach - special beach area within Downs Park for off- leash fun

Outer Banks
Duck  - Dogs can be off leash if under the control of the owner.  Within town limits, of course they need to be on a leash. 

Washington
Edmonds: Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Area- located south of Marina Beach at 498 Admiral Way.
Seattle: Warren G. Magnuson Park – giant dog park with water access to Lake Washington. San Juan Island: South Beach, San Juan Island National Historical Park – South Beach has an off-leash area east of the parking area.  Dogs are allowed below the high tide line only.

I have also added a new link list to the right of this article with some great sites listing dog friendly beaches by state and region.  Again, be sure to check the leash laws and seasonality access before you travel.