Pismo Beach and Pismo Pier
Beach · Pismo Beach
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Fishing pier
Why it's here: “Dogs are allowed on the beach on a leash, but not on Pismo Pier.”
Dog-friendly beaches on the Central Coast
15 places · Updated automatically · Last reviewed October 29, 2026
Central Coast beaches where dogs are welcome, usually on a 6-foot leash. Many state beaches allow dogs only on part of the sand, so check each guide for the exact area.
- Cayucos Beach and Cayucos Pier
Beach · Cayucos
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Fishing pier
Why it's here: “Dogs are allowed on leash in permitted areas unless signs say otherwise” - Manresa State Beach
Beach · Watsonville
- Fishing
- Camping
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs allowed on the beach” - Twin Lakes State Beach
Beach · Santa Cruz
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Fishing
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs east of the yacht harbor” - New Brighton State Beach
Beach · Capitola
- Fishing
- Camping
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs allowed” - Seacliff State Beach
Beach · Aptos
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs allowed on the beach” - Hearst San Simeon State Park Beaches
Beach · Cambria
- Fishing pier
- Camping
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs at Hearst Memorial Beach” - Pismo State Beach (Oceano)
Beach · Oceano
- Camping
- Dog-friendly
- Fire rings
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs on the beach and trails” - Avila Beach
Beach · Avila Beach
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Dogs may be off-leash under voice control before 10 a.m.” - Carmel Beach
Beach · Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Surfing
- Dog-friendly
- Accessible
Why it's here: “dogs can run off-leash here as long as they stay under voice control” - Asilomar State Beach
Beach · Pacific Grove
- Tide pools
- Wildlife & birding
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs on the beach and trails” - Montaña de Oro State Park (Spooner's Cove)
Beach · Los Osos
- Camping
- Dog-friendly
- Fire rings
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs allowed at Spooner's Cove beach” - Monterey State Beach
Beach · Monterey
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs south of the Monterey Tides Hotel” - Garrapata State Park Beach
Beach · Carmel
- Dog-friendly
Why it's here: “Leashed dogs allowed on the Gate 19 beach”
How this list works
Published place facts determine membership and ranking, which update as places are verified. Always check current conditions before you go.
