Wags and Waves Abound at Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is a glorious 1 1/2 mile stretch of beach dedicated to dogs and their owners. Dogs can frolic in the waves, race down the beach and make new friends while their humans picnic, surf or just soak up the sun.

Located on Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street in Huntington Beach, Dog Beach is a pooch paradise. It is immediately apparent as soon as you hit the sand that this beach is an extremely exciting place for people and their dogs. Dogs are everywhere—running, swimming, playing, and the lack of barking, fighting and aggression is remarkable. Everyone is your best friend at Dog Beach.

The beach has been in existence for about 14 years and is open 365 days a year from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is maintained entirely by the staff and volunteers of the Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach, which is a nonprofit organization. Forty dog bag dispensers, three doggie water fountains and many trash cans are located throughout the park for your convenience.

Parking lots are located between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Avenue. Parking passes can be purchased for $1.50 per hour from one of the electronic parking meter stations. The meters accept coins, cash and credit cards. There is also a metered lot along PCH toward Goldenwest.

The rules of Dog Beach are few but necessary for the safety of all visitors:

• Control your dog at all times.
• Pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in a trash can.
• First time at Dog Beach? Keep your dog on a leash for the entire visit or until he seems comfortable and you can be assured he will come to you when you call.
• No aggressive dogs. The vibe at Dog Beach is low key: dogs interacting with each other and the people on the beach in a calm manner.

"Use a six-foot leash on your dog until you reach the sand," said T.J. Daly, president of Dog Beach. "That means in the parking lot and the trails. It's the law."

It takes money to keep this fabulous beach open, and there are many ways you can help. You can become a member of Dog Beach, donate to the beach, or designate Dog Beach as your organization of choice on your Ralphs Club card and help the beach with every swipe. Buy merchandise on its website from towels to t-shirts, and your purchase with help keep the beach open. All of your donations are tax deductible.

"Volunteers are always needed and appreciated" Daly said. "Most of the current volunteers are students doing community service but we have some adult volunteers as well."

If you are interested in volunteering at Huntington Dog Beach, you can sign up on any Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beach.