Petside.com released their top 10 dog beaches in the U.S. in this month's newletter. So, if you are still trying to find some plans for when the weather really heats up, maybe this will help.
10. Fort Desoto Beach; Desoto, Florida
- While this little gem of a beach has a large local following, the cat (pardon the word) appears to be out of the bag, because it's rapidly growing in its popularity. Still, a romp at the Fort DeSoto Dog Beach--which is located just a few minutes from St. Petersburg Beach--promises fewer crowds than some of the other popular beaches in the area. And this is an off leash beach, so your dog can really check out the terrain. As an added bonus, the attached Paw Playground dog park allows your dog to socialize with other pups, and it offers fancy amenities like dog water fountains.
9. Dog Beach; Ocean Beach, California
- There's a lot to love about an area that boasts being in proximity to 40 pet friendly hotels. It's not just the hotels, though. With a paved walking path, a weekly farmer's market, free concerts and tons of restaurants and stores nearby, there is a lot for you to enjoy as well. Dogs are allowed off their leashes here, just make sure your beloved buddy can get along with lots of other dogs, though--busy days at Dog Beach can see up to 100 dogs at one time.
8. Huntington Dog Beach; Huntington Beach, California
- Approximately 37 miles south of Los Angeles you will find the leash-free area of Huntington Dog Beach, situated on the Pacific Coast Highway. This mile stretch of pooch-friendly heaven is so great, one woman even took it upon herself to make a film about it. Huntington is unparalleled in its cleanliness, as well. The beach actually employs four summer and two off-season clean-up employees who come fully equipped with cleaning utensils for your disposal, and with sixty dog bag dispensers, you'd be hard pressed to find any kind of mess at all.
7. Town of Duck Beaches; Duck, North Carolina
- For a serene local beach with a small town vibe and intimate feeling, check out the Town of Duck Dog Beach in North Carolina, located along the Northern Outer Banks. Although they need to be leashed when walking through the Town Park, dogs may frolic unleashed at the beach all year-round. And because the Town of Duck beaches aren't public access, they tend to be cleaner and less crowded than some public beaches can be.
6. Montrose Dog Beach; Chicago, Illinois
- You don't have to live in a beach town to have some fun in the waves with your dog. Pups in Chicago are lucky enough to be able to hit up the Montrose Dog Beach, which offers just as much excitement as other coastal dog beaches. As the only legal off-leash beach in Chicago, Fido won't know what to do with himself once you get there. Located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach, the dog beach is within close proximity to the city, giving urban pups a great escape. It's unspoken law here (well, maybe not quite unspoken as much as drilled into every owner) that dogs must be picked up after, and that's a big part of why the dog beach remains pristine.
5. Cape San Blas; Port St. Joe, Florida
- While you can't walk your dog on the beach within St. Joseph Peninsula State Park at Cape San Blas, on all other beaches in gorgeous Gulf County, Fido is welcome to romp along, as long as he's on a leash. A little off-the-beaten-path, these beaches are uncrowded with miles of pristine shoreline and are surrounded by great rental homes, historic inns and cute shops for you. For your convenience, Gulf County has 20 pet waste disposal stations along the beach access points for the public, so it's easy to keep the beach clean and beautiful.
4. Block Island, Rhode Island
- When you travel to a place where the majority of locals have dogs, it's no surprise that yours will be just as welcome. Dogs are even allowed on the Block Island ferry free of charge. While leash laws vary (leashed and unleashed dogs are allowed on all beaches except for Crescent Beach, where they are only allowed to go unleashed from June 1 to October 1 before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.) there is plenty of space for you and Fido to roam, run and play here. And with laws in place that prohibit motor vehicles from entering Block Island, you won't have to worry about accidents.
3. Cannon Beach; Cannon Beach, Oregon
- Local leash laws in Cannon Beach requires that dogs be kept on a maximum 6-foot leash, or within immediate custody and control of their owners, at all times. Still, with tons of pet friendly lodging in the area, as well as great camping grounds, four miles of unspoiled Pacific Coast beach scenery and other dog-friendly restaurants, shops and recreational activities in the area, your dog won't even have time to notice that he's on a leash.
2. Hunting Island; Beaufort, South Carolina
- Who doesn't love miles of white sand, undisturbed coastlines and nature at its best? Pets are allowed on these beaches and camping areas as long as they are controlled by their owner, or on a leash not more than 6 foot in length. Noisy pets are not tolerated here, though, which means that when you come to Hunting Island, you and Fido can expect a relaxing, luxurious experience unparalleled at any other dog beach.
1. North Beach; San Diego, California
- If you and your pooch are looking for a low-key getaway with access to romp in the water, this may be your best bet. While it is possible to walk with your dog on the pristine two-plus miles of sand that is North Beach, or, as the locals tend to call it, Dog Beach, keep in mind that there are limitations. For nine months of the year, dogs are allowed along the entire stretch of the beach in addition to the City's two major parks, Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park. During the summer months dogs are still allowed, but must be restricted to a six-foot leash. The village of Del Mar also has plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year, including festivals and art strolls that you and you pet can enjoy together.
That is wonderful that 3 of California's beaches made it on the list! I hope you and your dog can enjoy one or more of these beaches!
For the original article, bark on the link: Bark!
