This past Friday Irie, the Jackahuahua, was bouncing from beach umbrella to beach umbrella when we made a very special trip to the
Huntington Dog Beach. I say “special” because it is a long drive from Los Angeles, at least to us, so it’s a pretty big treat when we take Irie to visit her puppy beach bum friends on the coast.
A quick drive on the 10 freeway to the 110 to the 105 to the 605 and to the 405 and we happily frolicked toward the shoreline. Note the sarcasm. The drive from L.A. was a nightmare, but still well worth it. With towels and doggy biscuits in hand we were ready to stake our claim and lay under the summer sun.
We had swung by to pick up my family and my aunt’s skittish Chihuahua, Muñequita. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been very well socialized with other pups and thinks she’s human more than a dog. But ever since Irie came along, the lucky little bugger has had her first taste of a dog park and now her first taste of a dog beach, too. For a 5-year-old curmudgeon like Muñequita, an adventure to a dog beach with tons of pooches was a big deal. 
The dog beach, like most beaches, is free. And if you’re a dog lover, you know that finding a fun place to take your dog is always an exciting find and if it’s free, well, you’ve hit the jackpot! The beach was filled with happy puppies and their owners. Nothing puts a smile on my face like panting and smiling dogs tumbling around in the sand and escaping the crashing waves (or not escaping for those daredevils who venture out into the water!). A few of us had been here once before but on this particular day the beach was thumping with wagging tails, wet furry friends, slobbery Frisbees, and floppy ears. Doggies were jutting left and right and prancing in and out of the water. They splashed, they jumped onto their owners to their owners’ shock, and they found new playmates along what seemed like a never-ending coast.
We snuggled up on the sand and enjoyed the ocean, the view, the sun, and the very positive energy. A lot of non-dog lovers might find the idea of a dog beach full of dogs both small and large frightening, but the truth is that the more you learn about these gentle lovebugs, the less you fear them. Even a frisky Pit Bull or Boxer can come running up to you in excitement, welcome you with a sloppy kiss, and you won’t bat an eyelash.
This beach is full of responsible owners with some of the most behaved pups in town. Why, might you ask? Well, if you’ve brought your pup to the dog beach then chances are you absolutely adore your pooch enough to give him a special day in the water with other dogs. And if this is the case, then more than likely you are a responsible enough owner to do the very best for your dog, including training your pet to behave and play nice with others: human and dog alike. So if you want to work on your fear of dogs, this might be the best place to do it! Of course, always be vigilant and do your research about how to spot an aggressive dog, and learn how to stay safe in a potentially aggressive situation. It’s always important to be cautious, but it’s also important to face your fears.
The dog beach is a very happy place to go on a sunny California day. Yes, it’s a drive for those who don’t live in the area, but seeing that happy tumble your puppy takes when her first wave hits her and she comes up with her tail wagging should make it all worthwhile!
The Furry Facts
Parking: Metered parking is a quarter for every 10 minutes. The lot’s right off of PCH and above the dog beach.
Vibe: Beach bums, families, teenagers, dog lovers, dogs that are loved, and of course the old ladies who tan way too much make up the vibe at Huntington Dog Beach. Pet parents are responsible and pick up after their pooches. Dog waste bag dispensers are abundant, but always make sure to bring an extra bag just in case.
Food: The pier and a shopping center with lots of cute restaurants is a stone’s throw away, but why waste your money? Pack a lunch and bring it along!
4(Paws)-1-1: Huntington Dog Beach is located in Huntington Beach on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway, between Seapoint Avenue on the north side and 21st Street on the south side.
Hours: Daily, from 5:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PHOTOS: willprouty.com, everywheremag.com, Linda Chavez
Category : Travel Tails
