Every time the summer season approaches and the heat kicks in, people start flocking to the beach. The scorching weather is on — so why not soak in the heat with a cold glass of pink lemonade, a beach ball, and some friends while enjoying the sun-drenched sands? If you have a pooch by your side, you can also bring them for a few days of dog-friendly dates.
The United States of America is home to many iconic landmarks — the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, and the Hollywood Sign are just some of the hallmark sights that you can enjoy with your family. But did you know that the US is also home to a plethora of dog-friendly beaches that you can enjoy with your pooch?
If you’re looking for one where you can bring your dog, you’ve come to the right place! Grab your sunglasses, and let your pup achieve the American Dream while it sets its eyes on summer paw-radise.
CARMEL BEACH (Monterey County, California)
California’s central coast is widely known for its beautiful weather, and one of its most iconic spots is none other than Carmel Beach in Monterey County. Its soft sands and sparkling waters have attracted both locals and tourists, and it’s likewise a beautiful sight for the doggos! While pups need to be on a leash while taking in the beautiful sights of the Carmel coastline, they will surely enjoy strolling on the soft Carmel sands, under the Cypress trees, and the Pebble Beach Golf links.
If you and your dog are starting to feel famished, restaurants along Carmel beach even offer “yappy hours” for dogs who need a quick snack on the go!
CANNON BEACH (Clatsop County, Oregon)
If you fancy a dog-friendly date on the beach and you want your pup to get a good dog exercise under the sun, Cannon Beach in Clatsop County, Oregon is definitely for you!
This haven for pooches is located in the northwestern part of Oregon and is popular as a vacation spot for dogs and dog owners alike. Your pups can freely roam the area to get a good splash or even play with other pooches, as long as they remain within a friendly distance to their dog parents. In the Southern part of Cannon Beach, the annual Muttzanita festival is also held during the Labor Day weekend. This event holds an annual dog show, where the best dogs show off their speed, agility, and special ball-catching skills!
SURFSIDE BEACH (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
Nantucket is a tiny, remote island off Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and it is home to many dune beaches. While all of Nantucket’s beaches are popular summer destinations for Americans, Surfside Beach surely stands out. It is a family- and dog-friendly place with top-class facilities and employees, as well as a wide area of sand to explore.
If you wish to take it up a notch and give your dog the best experience, Surfside Beach also boasts the Woof Cottages, where they provide numerous amenities for your four-legged pal. Surfside Beach is sure to provide bliss for your pooch during the summer, and so it is undoubtedly one of the finest places for a little de-stress time with your dog!
JUPITER BEACH (Jupiter, Palm Beach County, Florida)
Situated on the southeastern coast of Florida, the town of Jupiter in Palm Beach County is home to a 2-kilometer stretch of sand and pristine waters for you and your pooch to enjoy. Savor in a scenic coastline escape as you enter Jupiter Beach, which starts off from beach marker no. 25 at Marcinski Road and ends at marker no. 59 in Carlin Park. You’ll have to keep your dog on a leash at all times, but otherwise, you can enjoy the waves and sands together the entire day!
Should you want to indulge in a relaxing, luxurious experience while on a beach trip in Florida, you can also book a reservation at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. This hotel lets you and your dog have a calm, serene massage while enjoying the beach view.
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK (Seaside Park, Ocean County, New Jersey)
Summertime is the perfect season for New Jerseyites to flock to the beaches and boardwalks along the Jersey Shore. As a visitor with a canine companion, you might find it difficult to find a beach that is both clean, dog-friendly, and houses good facilities. Good thing we discovered the Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, which ticks all three boxes from our checklist!
The Island Beach State Park is popular for its 10-mile stretch of white sand and coastal dunes, and it is considered one of the last underdeveloped barrier beaches off the Atlantic Coast. Apart from clear waters and a charming shoreline, the state park also boasts a maritime forest where you can take a look at different native birds. If you want to unleash your inner Steve Irwin, the Island Beach State Park is home to the peregrine falcon and the waterfowl, among other bird species. This is the perfect place for you and your dog to create new summer memories!
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK (Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington)
When you decide to visit Washington State, local residents would probably mention how their home state is ideal for sporty and active tourists. If you’re searching for the best adventures and you want to venture into the unknown, the Evergreen State can surely quench your thirst! One such escapade can be found at the Olympic National Park, where you can go swimming on the rugged beach shorelines, hike along the dramatic trails of the Olympic Mountains, or go camping in the forest wilderness. Oh, did we mention that this national park is also dog-friendly?
Local Washingtonians would also recommend that you stay in Kalaloch Lodge, a pet-friendly hotel conveniently placed inside the Olympic National Park! The Lodge’s accommodation options are flexible, the location is right in front of the beach and beside the forest. And that’s not even the best part — it also has a special pet accommodation package to give your pooch the best experience. It comes with a variety of freebies, including a poo bag, flashlight, doggie bandanas, and special doggie treats.
While the US has way more dog-friendly beaches for pawrents to discover, these six locations are our top picks. Planning dog-friendly dates might be difficult at first glance but you simply can’t run out of beaches and adventure sites when you’re in the US. Every state has something unique to offer, so there’s always a perfect beach getaway for you and your pooch.
You can also check out Aussie beaches if ever you and your dog go on a holiday down under. Or our European beaches.
