Dog-friendly Laguna Beach

The leash rule

Laguna Beach requires dogs to be on a leash at all times, and the city says that applies on beaches too. The only exception it names is the city’s dog park, where dogs run free.

Beaches

The city’s rule for the beach has two parts. Dogs may be on the beach all year. From June 15 to September 10, they may be there only before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. From September 11 to June 14, they may come at any time of day. The beach pages for Crescent Bay, Divers Cove, Main Beach and others repeat that rule.

Exceptions matter. Dogs are not allowed at Thousand Steps Beach on any day. At Anita Street, the city rule applies, but the Coastal Commission’s listing for the stretch from Anita to Pearl Street marks dogs No, so read the signs at the stairs. At southern coves such as Goff Cove, Victoria Beach and Table Rock, read the signs at the top of the stairs or ramp before you go down. Treasure Island Park, the bluff-top park above the beach, is listed as dog-friendly.

Timing affects walks. City beaches north of Aliso Creek close from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. South of Aliso Creek they close from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and Thousand Steps closes from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. City parks are closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The city also warns that rocky outcroppings are dangerous and that waves can be unpredictable. The whole shoreline sits inside state marine protected areas; see marine reserves for what that means for tide pools.

The Dog Park

The Laguna Beach Dog Park is at 20672 Laguna Canyon Road, east of downtown. The city says it is the only place in Laguna Beach where dogs can run off leash. It has a two-acre fenced area for dogs and a smaller area for small breeds, a drinking fountain for dogs and benches for people. The city lists it as open every day except Wednesday, from 6:00 a.m. until dusk, and says it closes every Wednesday for maintenance.

It usually closes during and after significant rain and stays closed while the park is wet and muddy. The city posts weather closures on its home page and on its social feeds. There is street parking in front of the park, according to the city. The Laguna Canyon neighborhood page covers the area, and the city points to the Friends of the Laguna Beach Dog Park website for the park’s own details.

Trails and parks

The city’s leash rule applies throughout town. The county wilderness parks above Laguna are stricter. OC Parks’ park rules page for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park says no pets, with horses exempt. Its rules page for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park says the same, and the park’s main page says dogs are not permitted. That means a hike in either park is a hike without your dog. Rules can change, so check OC Parks before you load the car; the hiking page, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Aliso and Wood Canyons cover the trails themselves.

Where dogs are not allowed

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center allows service animals, which must be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless that interferes with their work, and does not allow other pets on its property. Thousand Steps and the two wilderness parks are covered above.

Quick checklist

• Bring a leash everywhere in town except inside the Dog Park fence.
• On a summer beach day, go before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. if the date falls between June 15 and September 10.
• Read the sign at the top of the stairs for beaches with no dog listing.
• Check the Dog Park for rain closures and remember that it is closed on Wednesdays.
• Leave the dog at home for a wilderness park hike or a Marine Mammal Center visit.