Our canine friends also need places to frolic and enjoy nature, and Orange County is full of Dog Parks where they can roam free and meet other dogs.
In addition to parks and beaches dedicated to dogs, there are several dog-friendly public beaches.
Costa Mesa Bark Park
The Costa Mesa Bark Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 890 Arlington Drive in Costa Mesa, California. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 8:45 pm, except Wednesdays when it is closed for regular maintenance.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Fullerton Pooch Park
The Fullerton Pooch Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 201 S. Basque Ave. in Fullerton, California – near the Fullerton Public Library.
It is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The park has three separate areas for dogs: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one for all dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping
Garden Grove Dog Park
The Garden Grove Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 13601 Deodara Drive in Garden Grove, California. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, except Wednesdays when it is closed for maintenance.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Huntington Central Park Dog Park
A small, fenced dog park is in Huntington Central Park on the east side of Edwards Street between Ellis Avenue and Talbert Avenue.
This area is provided for dogs to run free without leashes. Posted rules must be obeyed, and one area is provided for larger dogs, with another for small dogs and puppies.
This park is open 6 AM to 6 PM daily.
Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of beach in Huntington Beach, California, which is open to dogs off-leash. It is between Golden West Street and Seapoint Street and is open daily from 5am to 10pm.
The beach is a popular spot for dog owners and furry friends to play. Dogs can run and swim in the ocean, play fetch, or just relax in the sand. There are also a few dog-friendly restaurants and shops nearby.
Irvine Central Bark
The City of Irvine's Central Bark Dog Park, opened in 2000, features almost three acres of open field for off-leash play. The park includes:
Watering facility for dogs.
- Main yard with a separate fenced area for small or frail dogs.
- Covered seating.
- Lighting fixtures.
- Handicap access.
Central Bark is closed every Wednesday for park maintenance. For information on Central Bark closures due to weather or other circumstances, view the City of Irvine's Field Conditions web page here or call 949-724-MUDD.
Laguna Beach Dog Park
Established on October 17, 1992, the Laguna Beach Dog Park was the first dog park in Orange County and one of the few in Southern California at that time.
The Dog Park is owned, operated, and maintained by the City of Laguna Beach.
Located about 2.5 miles (ca. 4 km) from Main Beach on Laguna Canyon Road, the park is open every day 6 AM – DUSK (except Wednesdays), weather permitting.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Laguna Niguel Pooch Park
Laguna Niguel Pooch Park is a one-acre fenced-in dog park located at 31461 Golden Lantern in Laguna Niguel, California. It is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping
- One (1) fire hydrant (non-functional)
- One (1) restroom (portable)
- Wood chips for ground cover
- A chain-link fence around park
- Doggie waste stations.
Barker Ranch Dog Park
This half-acre dog park is part of the new Baker Ranch development in a cul-de-sac from Bake Parkway.
The park features separate off-leash play areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, benches, and a few shade structures. The ground is covered with artificial turf designed specifically for dogs.
Park Hours: Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Amenities:
Artificial turf
- Entrances for large and small dogs
- 5,300 square feet (ca. 5 a) for large dogs
- 3,400 square feet (3.16 a) for small dogs
- Dog water stations in each play area
- Benches
- Perimeter fencing
Orange Yorba Dog Park
An invitingly green, shady escape in the middle of Orange, CA, Yorba Park.
Comprising 8.54 acres, it is the perfect place for dogs and their owners to socialize and play.
Features
- Doggie Bag Stations
- Drinking Fountain
- Drinking Taps for Dogs
- Jumpers Allowed (Permit required)
- Separated Large/Small Dog Areas (by fence)
- Sitting Benches.
City of San Clemente Dog Park
The City of San Clemente Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 301 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente, California. It is open daily from 6:00 am to sunset.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Seal Beach Arbor Dog Park
Arbor Dog Park is a two-and-a-half-acre grass park with several large shade trees, open from dawn to dusk.
The park is entirely fenced with concrete surfaces for the larger double-gated enclosure being used as an entry and a smaller double-gated enclosure being used as an exit.
Parking is available outside the dog park enclosure.
Park facilities include drinking fountains for both 2 and 4-legged animals, Coke and water vending machines outside of the fenced-in area, and covered trash cans inside the park.
Bellis Park Dog Park
The dog park in Buena Park, CA, is a grassy, fenced area for off-leash play located directly north of the tennis courts at George Bellis Park.
The recreation area has drinking fountains and trees to help keep pups cool. The park is closed weekly on Thursdays until 10:00 AM for maintenance.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Your furry friend can roam freely on the following beaches:
Huntington Dog Beach is the most popular dog beach in Orange County. It is in Huntington Beach and is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
West Street Beach is in Laguna Beach and is a great option for dogs who love to swim. Dogs must be on a leash from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Little Corona Del Mar Beach is a small, secluded beach located in Corona del Mar. Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round.
Corona Del Mar State Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.
Balboa Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.
Aliso Beach Park is a large park with a beach that allows dogs off-leash. There are also several hiking trails in the park that dogs are allowed on.
Treasure Island Beach is a small beach located in Dana Point. Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round.
Dana Point Headlands Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.