Dogs at Santa Monica Beach

No, dogs are not allowed on Santa Monica State Beach. The City of Santa Monica says so plainly in its beach FAQ. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Santa Monica Pier deck, but not on the sand below it and not inside Pacific Park. For a beach where dogs are legal, the City points to Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach.

Where Your Dog Can and Cannot Go

• The sand at Santa Monica State Beach: no dogs.
• The Santa Monica Pier: leashed dogs are welcome, according to the Pier Corporation. Clean up after them.
• Pacific Park: pets are not allowed inside the amusement park. Qualified service animals are.
• Original Muscle Beach: no dogs on the gymnastics grass.
• City park buildings: no pets inside, except service animals.
• Fountains in City parks: dogs may not wade or play in them.

Off-Leash Options in Santa Monica

The City's park rules mention off-leash areas at Airport Park and Joslyn Park, each with a fenced section for small dogs of 25 pounds or less. They are inland, not at the beach, but they are the nearest places to let a dog run.

The Nearest Dog Beach

The City's beach FAQ says the closest beach where dogs are legally allowed is Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. Check the City of Long Beach's rules and hours for Rosie's before you go.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, including Pacific Park and park buildings. The rules above apply to pets.

Planning a Beach Day With a Dog

• Walk your dog on the Pier early, before the deck gets busy, and then head inland to Airport Park or Joslyn Park.
• Do not leave a dog in a parked car at the beach lots while you go to the sand.