Top 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Ventura, CA (2026 Update): Off & On-Leash Places

Living in Ventura, CA, with your dog is great, but it’s even better when you can enjoy time together at the beach. Lucky for you, Ventura has one excellent, dog-friendly beach, and there are a few more nearby. They offer opportunities for your dog to explore, swim, dig, and meet new furry friends. To discover all the amazing dog-friendly beaches in Ventura, including hours, parking fees, off-leash rules, and more, read on.

The 7 Dog Friendly Beaches in Ventura, CA

1. Harbor Cove Beach

• Plenty of free parking
• One of the safest beaches around for children, dogs, and families
• Dogs must always be leashed but can explore the beach and play in the water
• Bring water and waste bags
• There are places to eat and drink nearby, and a visitor’s center

2. Hollywood Beach

• Dogs can go on the beach before 9 AM and after 5 PM every day
• The beach is massive and provides plenty of room for dogs to run
• You'll find several good restaurants and shops nearby
• Parking is free but fills up fast, especially on weekends
• Bring water and waste bags

3. Marina Park Beach

• A nice but small beach that can get crowded on weekends and at high tide
• There are BBQ grills available
• A nearby grassy area has a playground for your little ones
• There are many places to eat, relax and enjoy the day
• Water is available, but waste bags are not

4. Oil Piers Beach

• This is the only beach in Ventura, CA, that’s dog friendly, but your pups must be leashed
• The changing tides make the beach much smaller at high tide
• Be aware that the water can be rough
• There are no water or waste bags available

5. Oxnard Beach State Park

• Big, beautiful beach that is very clean and well-kept by local volunteers
• Restrooms are available but a long walk from the beach
• Dogs are allowed on at any time but always leashed
• Bring water and waste bags
• There’s a fantastic playground for children available

6. Silver Strand Beach

• Before 9 AM and after 5 PM, dogs are allowed on the beach with a leash
• This beach is the best for a walk at sunset with your pup
• Free parking is available
• There are gorgeous views of the Channel Islands
• Bring water and waste bags

7. Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park

• A very small beach where local surfers come every day to surf
• Dogs should stay leashed, but well-behaved dogs can be off-leash
• Bring water and waste bags
• If you want to teach your dog to surf, this beach is a great option
• Be aware of the tides, waves, and undertow if your dog is a swimmer

Final Thoughts

While Ventura, California doesn’t have any off-leash beaches, it does have its fair share of dog-friendly ones. Many of the beaches in Ventura are beautiful and allow your furry friends to experience the sand and surf in style. One thing to remember is that the tides change here twice a day and at different times. When they do, beaches can get bigger or smaller, so you should learn to check the tides before you head out. It could save you a lot of stress on a busy beach day at high tide. No matter when you go, we hope you have a fantastic time visiting the seven amazing dog beaches in lovely Ventura, CA!

Featured Image Credit: GracefulFoto, Shutterstock