Expert: Steve Summers - 5/18/2006

Question
Hi Steve-

I live in West Hollywood and me and a group of friends want to spend a weekend beach camping.  We're willing to drive as far south as San Diego or as far north as Santa Barbara.  We're looking for a campsite where we can have a campfire, showers and a small dog.  I saw in a previous post that you highly recommend Carpinteria State Beach but they don't allow dogs.  Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Rob,

California State Beaches don't allow dogs on the beach, but that doesn't mean that you can't take your dog to the campground. Besides, if you really MUST take your dog out on the sand for a little R & R, I've noticed that enforcement is pretty lax in the early morning and evening after 5PM. Also, if you go a couple miles north to Santa Claus Lane, you can run along Padaro Beach with your dog and evenhave lunch with your dog at the Padaro Grill. And have some sweets at the Santa Claus candy shop.

Have fun,

Steve