AboutSteve Springer Expertise I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I`ve lived in the Valley, west side, east side, and South Bay, so I`m an expert on getting around town. I`m knowledgeable about all of the Southern California tourist attractions. I am also an expert on state beaches in Southern California, and have an expansive camping background. No relocation/moving questions, please.
Question Hi! I'm trying to find a great beach to visit in Southern California that allows beachfront tent camping and possibly small dogs, too. If there is a nice beach to camp out on that doesn't allow dogs on the sand, I would love to know of a dog beach nearby we could possibly drive to during the day. I notice you are very knowledgable on this subject! Thank you for any info you can provide!
Answer Hi Jessi,
There are a number of wonderful beaches that have beachfront camping. However, the list of Dog Beaches is almost nil.
Our favorite place to camp is Carpinteria State Beach. It is listed as the safest beach in California. There are campsites right on the beach, as well as some that are a few yards away. It's set up so that you have the feeling of being away, but you are a short walk from small shops, a store, and even a candy shop! We love to eat at local eateries like the Spot (for burgers), and we like to
get some ice cream at Foster's Freeze. Dogs are not officially allowed on the beach, but after the lifeguards leave at 5, it seems like the beach fills up with dogs. For a legal beach experiences, however, see Rincon Park & Beach below. Follow this link to get an idea of what the area is like: http://www.californiacoastline.org/cgi-bin/image.cgi?image=3383&mode=sequential&...
Rincon Park and Beach is at Rincon Point which has some of the best surfing waves in the world. In the winter, it is very popular with surfers. In the summer, it is a popular swimming beach. Year-round, leashed dogs are welcome. The beach is about 1/2-1 mile long. Next to the parking lot there are picnic tables, phones and restrooms. The beach is in Santa Barbara County, about 15-20 minutes south of Santa Barbara. To get there from Santa Barbara, take Hwy 101 south and go past Carpinteria. Take the Bates Rd exit towards the ocean. When the road ends, turn right into the Rincon Park and Beach parking lot.
Up the coast, El Capitan and Refugio are further away from the city, but don't have the charm of Carpinteria. El Capitan is about 5 miles from Isla Vista, where there is a Costco (so you can stock up on food). To get to the beach at El Cap, you walk down the trail. At Refugio, you are right by the beach.
There is a dog beach at Huntington Beach in Orange County, (http://www.dogbeach.org/) but the closest tent camping is miles away at Doheney State Beach. Overall, I would say your best bet is Carpinteria.
