Dogs are not allowed on Santa Monica Beach. Section 4.04.160 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code bans dogs from the sand west of Oceanfront Walk, and the fine starts at $50 per violation, with each day counted separately.1City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.160 Dogs – Prohibited Public Areas Leashed dogs are still welcome on the boardwalk, the pier, and a handful of nearby parks, so a coastal outing with your dog isn’t off the table — you just can’t put paws on the sand.
What the Ban Actually Covers
The prohibition is wider than most visitors assume. It bars dogs from the beach sands west of Oceanfront Walk and north of the prolongation of California Avenue’s center line. Walking your dog along the waterline, letting your dog sit on your lap on a beach towel, or carrying your dog across the sand to reach the water are all violations. The rule applies to dogs sitting on towels, blankets, or any other object placed on the sand. Cats are covered by the same section. Any violation is an infraction, and the city can impound the animal on the spot.1City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.160 Dogs – Prohibited Public Areas
Where Dogs Can Go Near the Beach
Oceanfront Walk, the paved boardwalk running alongside the sand, is fair game for leashed dogs. So is the Santa Monica Pier, though the pier’s FAQ reminds owners to clean up after their pets.2Santa Monica Pier. FAQs A few blocks inland, the Third Street Promenade also draws leashed dogs, and many restaurants along it allow dogs at outdoor tables. Policies are set business by business, so ask before you sit down.
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Santa Monica
The city runs four enclosed off-leash parks. Each has a capacity limit, and dogs must be licensed with the city.3City of Santa Monica. A Guide to Dog Parks in Santa Monica
- Herb Katz Dog Park at Joslyn Park, 633 Kensington Road. 1.25 acres, separate large- and small-dog areas, capacity 45.
- Airport Park Dog Park, 3201 Airport Avenue. Separate large- and small-dog sections, capacity 45.
- Pacific Street Dog Park, at Pacific and Main. Smaller traditional layout, capacity 20.
- Memorial Park Dog Run, 1401 Olympic Boulevard. Open daily 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., on the west side of the park north of the tennis courts, capacity 10.
Leash and Cleanup Rules
Wherever dogs are allowed on public property in Santa Monica, they must be restrained by a chain or leash with a fixed length of six feet or less. Retractable leashes that extend beyond six feet don’t satisfy the requirement. A leash violation is an infraction with a minimum fine of $50 per violation.4City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.155 Dogs on Public Property
You also have to pick up your dog’s waste immediately on public property or private property that isn’t yours. The minimum fine for failing to do so is $100 per violation.5City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.370 Removal of Dog Feces
What a Violation Costs
Bringing a dog onto the beach sand carries a minimum $50 fine. An unleashed dog is another $50 minimum. Failing to pick up waste is $100 minimum. Each day, or partial day, counts as a separate offense, so a weekend of ignoring the rules stacks fast.1City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.160 Dogs – Prohibited Public Areas
Repeat offenses cost more. Under the city’s administrative citation fine schedule, a second violation of the same code section within 36 months costs 125% of the first fine, and a third or later violation within that window costs 150%.6City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Resolution Number 11433 – Administrative Citation Fine Schedule
Service Animals Are Exempt
The beach ban does not apply to guide dogs or service dogs being used by a person with a disability. The exemption is written into Section 4.04.160 itself.1City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Municipal Code – Section 4.04.160 Dogs – Prohibited Public Areas Under federal law, a service animal is a dog trained to perform specific tasks related to a person’s disability, and emotional support animals, which provide companionship but aren’t trained for specific tasks, don’t qualify for the same public access right.7ADA.gov. ADA Requirements: Service Animals Dogs under the control of Fire Department or Police Department personnel for therapeutic purposes are also exempt.
Beaches Where Your Dog Can Actually Swim
To let your dog on sand and in the water, you’ll need to leave Santa Monica. Two options are within a reasonable drive.
Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach sits about 30 miles south. Dogs can run off-leash inside the designated zone along Ocean Boulevard between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue, open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dogs must be leashed on the walk to and from the zone, must be older than four months, and must wear a collar with current tags.8City of Long Beach. Rosies Dog Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach, roughly 25 miles north along PCH, allows leashed dogs on North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3) and in the day-use areas and campground. Dogs are not allowed on South Beach or near the tide pools.9California State Parks. Leo Carrillo State Park Both beaches fill on weekends, and arriving early keeps space and encounters manageable.