Huntington Beach — Surf City USA — has a well-earned reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities in Southern California. With a legendary mile-and-a-half stretch of off-leash beach, a walkable downtown lined with dog-welcoming patios, and hotels that go genuinely above and beyond for canine guests, it’s a place that invites you to bring your dog on every adventure rather than leave them behind. We visited in February 2026 as guests of Visit Huntington Beach and came away with a list of recommendations for your visit.

Whether you’re looking for a long weekend from the Bay Area, a quick escape from Los Angeles, or a stop on a broader Southern California road trip, this guide covers everything you need to plan a dog-friendly trip to Huntington Beach.

Dog-friendly Hotels in Huntington Beach

Paséa Hotel & Spa

21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Paséa is the anchor dog-friendly property in Huntington Beach — a 250-room luxury resort right on PCH that was named USA Today’s #1 Pet-Friendly Hotel in 2025, and earns the title. The hotel genuinely elevates “pet-friendly” to something closer to “pet-passionate.” From the moment you check in, Ruby was treated as a guest in her own right — not an afterthought.

The VIP (Very Important Pet) Package is the way to go: it includes your room accommodation, a waived pet fee, keepsake dog accessories (take-home collar, leash, and toy), a dog bed and bowls for in-room use, and complimentary redemptions around the hotel. The standard pet fee without the package is $150/stay, non-refundable, for up to 2 dogs of any size. There are no weight or breed restrictions.

The on-site dog park is well-maintained and gives dogs a proper off-leash space without having to leave the property. The rooftop Treehouse on PCH welcomes leashed dogs on its terrace with sweeping ocean views, and Lōrea — the hotel’s main restaurant — has a dog-friendly patio serving California-coastal cuisine for dinner and features a dog menu. The rooms themselves are spacious with private balconies, and the sunset views from the upper floors are extraordinary.

• Pet policy: Up to 2 dogs, no weight or breed restrictions, $150/stay (waived with VIP package)
• Pet amenities: Dog bed, bowls, take-home collar, leash, toy, on-site dog park
• IG: @paseahotel

Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort

500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

If Paséa is the luxury anchor, Kimpton Shorebreak is the downtown boutique option — and it may be the most comprehensively dog-friendly hotel in Huntington Beach for one simple reason: no pet fee, no weight limit, no breed restrictions, no limit on number of pets. As with all Kimpton properties, if your dog fits through the door, they’re welcome. Dogs receive a pet bed, bowls, treats, and a VIP polaroid photo keepsake on arrival. The location is hard to beat — directly on PCH across from the beach, one block from Main Street, and walking distance to Huntington Dog Beach.

• Pet policy: Any number of pets, any size, any breed — no additional fee
• Pet amenities: Dog bed, bowls, treats, polaroid keepsake
• Restaurant: Pacific Hideaway — dog-friendly patio with coastal cuisine and pier views

Dog-friendly Restaurants in Huntington Beach

Lōrea at Paséa Hotel

Wood-fired California-coastal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and scenic ocean views from the hotel’s main restaurant. The dog-friendly patio is the spot for a special evening meal — Ruby joined us for dinner here and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. The menu changes seasonally but consistently delivers and don’t forget to order off the dog menu too.

Park Bench Cafe

17732 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

A Huntington Beach institution and one of the most genuinely dog-friendly dining experiences in Southern California. Tucked into the trees of Huntington Central Park, this outdoor family-owned cafe has been serving a dedicated Canine Cuisine menu since 1993 — think “Hot Diggity Dog” and “Eggs Rover Easy” — that has attracted media attention worldwide. A perfect Sunday morning stop before hitting the dog beach. First come, first served; join the virtual waitlist on parkbenchcafe.com on the morning of your visit.

1 Oz Coffee

155 5th St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

A cozy local spot known for thoughtfully crafted brews in the heart of downtown HB. Dog-friendly patio seating and a warm neighborhood vibe — exactly the kind of place you want to start a beach morning.

Jolie & the Belle

300 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Huntington Beach Pier from a rooftop and ocean-view patio — this is one of the most scenic dining spots in the city. Dog-friendly patio seating, inventive New American cuisine (the Shrimp Pho Burger and Pistachio Panko Crusted Halibut are standouts), and excellent craft cocktails. Great for lunch or sunset drinks.

Nardò Italian at Pacific City

21016 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Signature wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas in the outdoor-forward Pacific City shopping complex. Dog-friendly outdoor patio and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. A solid choice for a casual evening dinner with your pup.

Four Sons Brewing

401 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

A family-run craft brewery on Main Street with 16 rotating taps and a solid food menu. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables and the vibe is exactly what you’d want from a Huntington Beach afternoon — laid-back and local.

Dog-friendly Activities in Huntington Beach

Huntington Dog Beach

Between Goldenwest St. and Seapoint Ave., off PCH

The centerpiece of any dog-friendly Huntington Beach trip and one of the most famous off-leash dog beaches in the country. This 1.5-mile stretch of sand runs along PCH between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets and is one of the very few beaches in Southern California where dogs can run, swim, and play fully off-leash. The community vibe here is unlike anything else — on a weekend morning, it feels like the entire city brought their dogs to the beach, and they did.

A few practical notes: dogs must remain leashed in the parking lot and on the upper bluff path until you reach the sand. The beach sits adjacent to PCH so strong recall is important. Huntington Dog Beach is 100% community-funded, so consider making a donation if you visit.

Duffy Boat on Huntington Harbor

16722 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 90742

One of the most uniquely Huntington Beach experiences available, and Ruby’s undisputed favorite moment of our whole trip. Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals offers private electric Duffy boat rentals that anyone can drive — no experience needed. You glide past waterfront homes and local marinas at your own pace. Dogs are fully welcome aboard. A two-hour rental is the sweet spot, long enough to properly explore the harbor and relax on the water.

The Bolsa Chica Coastal Trail

Along PCH from Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington State Beach

The 8.5-mile paved multi-use trail running along Bolsa Chica State Beach is a great leashed-dog walk with ocean views and coastal breezes throughout. Dogs are welcome on the trail on leash but note that the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve across PCH does not permit dogs — keep to the beachside paved path. The trail connects Bolsa Chica State Beach to Huntington State Beach and can be done in sections depending on how far you want to go.

Walkable Downtown Huntington Beach

The three-block stretch of Main Street from the pier inland is one of the most enjoyable dog-friendly downtown strolls in the area. Surf shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and bars with outdoor seating line the street, and the whole area has a breezy beach town energy that makes it easy to spend hours wandering. Head to the base of the pier for views of the ocean and the iconic HB Pier — leashed dogs are welcome on the pier walkway. The International Surfing Museum is worth a stop and the World’s Largest Surfboard (42 feet long) out front makes for a memorable photo op.

Pacific City

21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

An outdoor oceanfront shopping center with one-of-a-kind local shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Huntington Beach Pier. Most stores welcome leashed dogs inside, and the open-air layout makes it an easy, relaxed browse with your pup. Free WiFi and parking validation available.

Huntington Central Park

18000 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

At over 350 acres, Huntington Central Park is one of the largest urban parks in Southern California and a genuine dog-friendly gem. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park’s extensive trail network. It’s also home to the Best Friend Dog Park — a fully fenced off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs, water stations, and beautiful lake views.

Tips for Visiting Huntington Beach with Your Dog

Timing for Dog Beach: Early mornings are the best time to visit Huntington Dog Beach — fewer people, cooler temperatures, and the light for photos is unbeatable. On summer weekends the beach fills up fast by mid-morning.

Car or Uber is needed for highlight attractions: The major attractions (Dog Beach, the Harbor, Central Park) are spread out along PCH and not walkable from each other or downtown.

October through April is ideal: The weather is mild, the crowds thin considerably, and hotels offer better rates. Summer brings crowds and heat — not ideal for dogs. Our February visit was 65-70°F during the day and perfect for a pup.

Parking tips: Paséa and most PCH hotels offer valet. For Dog Beach, metered parking is available along PCH at $2.50/hour — arrive early on weekends for the best spots.

Getting to Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is located in Orange County, about 35 miles south of Los Angeles. It’s easily accessible from three major airports:

• John Wayne Airport (SNA) — 15 minutes; the closest and easiest option
• Los Angeles International (LAX) — 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
• Long Beach Airport (LGB) — 30 minutes

From the Bay Area, Huntington Beach is approximately a 6–7 hour drive south via I-5 or US-101. It makes an excellent anchor stop on a Southern California road trip paired with San Diego (45 minutes south) or Los Angeles (45 minutes north).

FAQ

Is Huntington Beach dog-friendly? Huntington Beach is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Southern California, with a dedicated off-leash dog beach, numerous dog-welcoming patios and businesses, and hotels that go above and beyond for canine guests.

Where can dogs go off-leash in Huntington Beach? Huntington Dog Beach between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets is the primary off-leash area. The Best Friend Dog Park in Huntington Central Park is a fully fenced off-leash alternative.

Are dogs allowed on the Huntington Beach Pier? Dogs are welcome on the pier walkway on leash. They are not permitted in the restaurants or shops on the pier.

Are dogs allowed at Bolsa Chica Wetlands? Dogs are not allowed on the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve trails. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 8.5-mile paved coastal trail along Bolsa Chica State Beach on the opposite side of PCH.

What is the best time of year to visit Huntington Beach with a dog? October through April offers the best combination of mild weather, manageable crowds, and lower hotel rates. Summer can be very hot and crowded, which is less comfortable for dogs.

Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Huntington Beach we should add? Drop it in the comments below. And for more Southern California dog-friendly travel inspiration, check out our Dog-Friendly Guide to San Diego.