The world's best beaches for you and your furry friend.
Crystal-clear water, miles of open sand, and a gentle, shallow slope for splashing and paddling are the key components of any perfect beach day. That list holds just as true if you are a dog lover who wants to share the day with your furry friend. For dog owners, few things rival watching your pup sprint across a sandy shoreline, ears flapping, tail wagging.
Along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A, dogs are welcome on the beach with a permit and only during designated hours, so check the current rules before you head out.
Not all dog-friendly beaches are created equal, and there are rules in place so everyone enjoys the day: pups, owners, and people who may be less enamored with your sand-covered, wet-nosed buddy.
What to look for
We asked New York City doggy daycare specialist Sophie Fleur what she looks for when clients ask her to find a beach.
"People imagine dog-friendly beaches are all the same, one size fits all, but there's actually a wide range of options to consider," she said. "Some beaches offer off-leash freedom, others require tethers of a specific length, and all public spaces rightly demand a bit of etiquette."
"It's always best to know the rules."
She tells clients to start with the amenities they want for themselves, whether that's easy parking, nearby restaurants and bars, or plenty of shade, then find the facilities their dog needs, which usually means somewhere to rinse off after a day rolling in the sand and chasing birds, balls, and other dogs.
Jupiter Dog Beach — Florida, USA
No surprise that one of the world's best beaches for you and your dog is in Florida. This Atlantic Coast gem is a 2.5-mile stretch where four-legged friends can stretch their legs and frolic in the waves, and it's a fan favorite among both pups and pup parents.
If your dog is well-behaved, well-socialized, and under voice control, you can go leash-free. Facilities are top-notch: ample free public parking, restrooms, and a shower area for a quick rinse. A waste station with free bags provided by Friends of Jupiter Beach, a local nonprofit, makes it easy to help keep the beach clean and open to all.
Montrose Dog Beach — Chicago, USA
On Lake Michigan, Montrose is a fenced-in, off-leash haven with dog showers and even a seasonal dog food truck. Run by the city's Parks Department, it's open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but dogs need a $5 tag available from local veterinarians, who confirm your pup is healthy, immunized, and vaccinated.
If you're in Chicago with your dog, the Montrose Dog Owners Group runs events including morning beach cleanups and community days.
Leighton Dog Beach — Perth, Australia
On the other side of the world, Aussie dogs get their turn. With soft white sand and clear water, Leighton sits between the Port of Fremantle and Perth's southern suburbs, offering a two-kilometer stretch where dogs run free. A grassy bank behind the beach, dotted with gazebos, gives both pups and humans a break from the Western Australian sun.
Del Mar Dog Beach — California, USA
Just north of San Diego on Highway 101, Del Mar is a canine paradise. From Labor Day to June 15 dogs are allowed off-leash, and the half-mile of open sand is perfect for fetch or a sunset stroll.
There are drinking fountains for both of you and waste bags on hand, but no on-site cleaning facilities. Nearby Solana Beach has Dirty Dogs, a grooming spot where your pooch can get cleaned up before you hit one of the two dozen local cafes and bars that welcome dogs.
Noordwijk Beach — The Netherlands
If you find yourself traveling with pets in Europe, head to Noordwijk in the south of the Netherlands. Here pets aren't just allowed on the beach, they're warmly welcomed nearly everywhere in town, as long as they're well-behaved.
That attitude has earned praise from National Geographic, and the town has plenty of dog-friendly restaurants. You'll find scenic walking maps for dog owners: along the dunes, through the forests, and into the North Sea surf, with both on- and off-leash options.
Noordwijk is also one of the country's major flower-growing regions. In late August and early September the fields erupt in bloom during a series of local festivals, and there's no shortage of hotels, guest houses, campsites, and rentals happy to host you and your pup.
Beach tips from a dog expert
A few of Sophie Fleur's rules for keeping a dog safe and happy on the sand:
- Give your dog a shady spot and plenty of fresh water. Never let your dog drink saltwater.
- Watch for sunburn. Dogs burn too, especially those with short hair, white fur, or pink skin. Limit sun exposure and apply pet-safe sunscreen to ears and nose about 30 minutes before heading out.
- Rinse the salt and sand off afterward, and check paws for cuts and hot sand burns.
Beach access rules, permit requirements, off-leash seasons, and hours change. Confirm the current rules with the local authority before you travel.
Adapted from "Pup Passport" by Martin Liptrot in Beach Happy Magazine, Fall 2025, Issue 22. Noordwijk photography by Els Bax; additional imagery from the original feature. Read the original issue.
