Tails & Trails: Laguna Beach From Tide Pools to Trailheads
Laguna Beach is one of Orange County’s most dog-friendly destinations. From sunrise beach walks to bluff-top hikes and off-leash playtime. 🌅 Laguna Beach is best explored at dog-pace—morning beaches, mid-day trails, and an afternoon romp at the county’s best dog park before catching the sunset together. Stay overnight and enjoy some of the best paw-approved trails for your next adventure:
🐾 Main Beach (Downtown)- Always leashed
Summer Season (June 15 – September 10)-Dogs are allowed on the beach only before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
Off-Season (September 11 – June 14) -Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time, throughout the day
Respect the tide pools—look, don’t touch, and never take shells or sea life away from their home
Same seasonal rules as Main Beach.Leashed only; steep stairs make these best for fit, active pups.
Why Thousand Steps Beach is Cool. Tucked away down a long staircase, Thousand Steps feels like a secret hideout with towering cliffs, tide pools, and dramatic sea caves to explore. At low tide, adventurous visitors can even find a hidden tunnel leading to other coves. With powerful waves, fewer crowds, and jaw-dropping sunsets. Accessed by a long staircase (about 223 steps, not really a thousand 😉)
Dogs welcome with same restrictions as above. Great for evening strolls with ocean breezes.
🐾 Top of the World (Alta Laguna Park)
Moderate to strenuous hikes with sweeping ocean views. Great for adventurous pups—bring good shoes.Alta Laguna Park, known as “Top of the World,” is a favorite spot for locals thanks to its dog-friendly trails where pups are welcome on leash. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and inland mountains. The park also connects to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and offers picnic areas, sports courts, and plenty of open space for families and pets.
🐾 Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Canyon Trail
Crystal Cove’s Moro Canyon Trail is one of the few spots in the park where dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on leash. The paved 3-mile path winds through coastal bluffs and canyons, offering ocean breezes and scenic views without venturing onto restricted wilderness trails or beaches. It’s a perfect option for a safe, scenic walk with your pup while still enjoying the beauty of Crystal Cove. 🐾
Oceanfront walking paths, grassy lawns, public art, and picnic areas. Perfect for sunset strolls with your pup on leash. Heisler Park is a dog-friendly oceanfront gem where leashed pups can stroll along blufftop pathways with stunning coastal views. The park’s grassy lawns, shaded benches, and picnic spots make it a relaxing outing for both pets and their owners. With easy access to nearby beaches, art installations, and downtown Laguna, it’s a scenic and social spot to enjoy with your dog. 🐾
🐕 Off-Leash Highlight: Laguna Beach Dog Park
Widely considered the best dog park in Orange County, this 2-acre fenced space in Laguna Canyon is the only spot in town where dogs can run free off-leash. Hours: Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 6:00 a.m. to dusk.
Features: Separate small-dog area, water fountains, shaded benches. Closures: May close after rain due to muddy conditions—check city updates. Parking: Street parking available nearby.
Insider Tip: Locals love this park for its welcoming community and sweeping canyon views—it’s the ultimate social spot for dogs in OC.
✨ Stay Kur8ed: Dog-Friendly Hotels
Traveling with your dog shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort—let me help you find the perfect pet-friendly hotel that welcomes both you and your best friend. With the Kur8ed Key, you can send me your hotel list (or ask me for referrals), and I’ll review to see if it’s eligible for VIP perks like upgrades, breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, and special welcome touches. You’ll pay the same rates you’d find yourself—only elevated, and tailored to travelers who want their pups treated like VIPs too.