Dogs on beaches?

[alexis0797]

Hey all,

Does anyone know what the deal is with dogs on Sonoma Coast beaches these days?

They used to be allowed off leash at Goat Rock, and on leash at Salmon Creek. . .now when I check the website it says no dogs allowed period at either place!

Are there any Sonoma Coast beaches where dogs are allowed now? Any where they're allowed off leash?

Thanks!

[zephyr]

Doran Beach is the only one I know of.


Hey all,

Does anyone know what the deal is with dogs on Sonoma Coast beaches these days?

They used to be allowed off leash at Goat Rock, and on leash at Salmon Creek. . .now when I check the website it says no dogs allowed period at either place!

Are there any Sonoma Coast beaches where dogs are allowed now? Any where they're allowed off leash?

Thanks!

[santarosie]

Here's some information on finding "heaven for dogs": :pant:

Point Reyes National Seashore (https://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/w/FOLDERca/wonlineca4645100po.shtml)
Olema,
California
415-464-5100
Leashed dogs (on a 6 foot or less leash) are allowed on four beaches. The dog-friendly beaches are the Limantour Beach, Kehoe Beach, North Beach and South Beach. Dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails. However, they are allowed on some hiking trails that are adjacent to Point Reyes. For a map of dog-friendly hiking trails, please stop by the Visitor Center. Point Reyes is located about an hour north of San Francisco. From Highway 101, exit at Sir Francis Drake Highway, and continue west on Sir Francis Drake to Olema. To find the Visitor Center, turn right in Olema onto Route 1 and then make a left onto Bear Valley Road. The Visitor Center will be on the left.

Yet another great dog beach, but you'll have to pay a $5 parking fee.
Dillon Beach (https://www.marinmagazine.com/Marin-Magazine/July-2007/Dillon-Beach/)

Stinson Beach (https://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/stinson-beach.html)
is a three-mile-long sandbar completely free of rocks. It’s a place to walk for miles on white sand, take a dip, have a barbecue, jog, or play games. You can even borrow volleyball nets and balls from the main lifeguard tower in exchange for a driver’s license. Lifeguards are on duty from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. The average summer water temperature is a cold 58 degrees Fahrenheit. At the northern tip of Stinson Beach (which is under Marin County’s jurisdiction), canines are welcome on-leash in a sandy stretch called Upton Beach. Salty sea breezes and the friendly community of dogs and their people mean a good time and inspiring scenery for both dogs and their human companions. For those with an appetite, the town hosts several dog-friendly cafés.


I also have a little-known spot I like to go to, outside the State Park boundary (in between SP beaches) along the Sonoma Coast. You'll have to ask me personally about how to find that one :wink: <!-- End Include Start -->

[paulswetdog]

I believe the reason dogs are forbidden on most beaches has to do with ground nesting birds like the plovers and killdeers.

Doran Beach is nice, but be careful to keep your dog on leash (I have gotten close to being ticketed there.) Dillon in Marin allows them off leash. I guess they all cost some money to visit.

Does anyone know what off-leash tickets cost? I have heard that it is as high as $300 in the State Parks.

[C Tut]

We take our dogs to Russian Gulch just north of Jenner. The signs all imply that dogs must be on a leash, but I encounter off-leash dogs everytime I go there, and (knock wood) have never seen any ranger types ticketing...

As an aside, now that many of the state beaches are "closed", will there still be rangers there to ticket? I haven't seen any recently.

[Rob]

The other side of Goat Rock (South parking lot) is Blind Beach. Dogs are okay on leash.


Hey all,

Does anyone know what the deal is with dogs on Sonoma Coast beaches these days?

They used to be allowed off leash at Goat Rock, and on leash at Salmon Creek. . .now when I check the website it says no dogs allowed period at either place!

Are there any Sonoma Coast beaches where dogs are allowed now? Any where they're allowed off leash?

Thanks!

[surfbear]

Dillon Beach, while in Marin county is the best place for dogs off leash. Parking is always an issue. If you wish to park for free you can take the first right as you enter the village and park on the first street up to the top of the first rise. you will see the signs. This is the county portion outside the private streets. You can walk through the village from there. Otherwise the private beach is $7 dog waste bags are provided in the beach parking area. They do a great job maintaining this beach so the money passed on at some level.

Salmon Creek has bird habitat, (snowy plover?) that keeps the dogs from roaming free!

I have also taken my dog off leash on the south end of Doran park bear the golf links area without problem, conflict or habitat issues. lots of residents do this as well.