Bobby and Alli from Traveling Newlyweds, here! We’re a young couple that’s always on the go – whether that means we’re overseas, adventuring the US, or in our own backyard – Laguna Beach! We have a Bernedoodle named Sally that we lovingly refer to as our “fur child”, and we try to bring her along on our adventures as much as we can. Oftentimes, we find ourselves planning our trips around Sally! 

That being said, one of our favorite “staycation” spots that is 100% Sally-approved is Laguna Beach. It’s easy to get to, fun to explore, and you can bring your four-legged friends just about everywhere! They’re more than just dog friendly – Laguna is passionate about dogs. From the amount of spots you can take your pup (and you’re encouraged to bring them!) to the fact that most locals have dogs themselves… it’s become a must-visit for dog owners, and dog lovers (check behind the counter at local shops – chances are the business owner brought their pup to work!).

Sleep

Casa Loma Beach Hotel

The beachy, coastal style is warm and inviting, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier. Plus, they’re super accommodating to dogs. You can even bring them along for wine hour on the Inn’s rooftop terrace! Casa Loma is situated right above Main Beach and within a short walk to the downtown village where there are a plethora of dog friendly restaurants.

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Tucked away at the south end of Laguna Beach, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is one of the best kept secrets in the area. It’s the perfect combination of quaint and cozy, and chic and modern. Everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity! They have a handful of dog friendly rooms that have spacious patios for your pups to enjoy, and easy access to the street. 

Eat

The Cliff 

We could go on and on about the views, the great happy hour, the fish tacos… but the real star of the show is their DOG MENU! The Cliff serves everything from Peanut Butter Crunch Bones to Prime Rib dinners, and it’s just about the cutest thing ever. Get your cameras ready, if your dog is anything like ours, the meal will last exactly 1.4 seconds! But it’s worth it!

Laguna Beach Beer Company

Laguna Beach Beer Company is the perfect spot to grab a drink and sit outside with your pup. A favorite among locals – enjoy a tasting flight, or a pint (or two!) and make some friends! Their warm pretzel is crave-worthy, and their artisan flatbreads are made in-house! Of course, all the beers are brewed locally and named after iconic Laguna Beach locations, characters (The Greeter!), and beaches. 

Sapphire Laguna

Sapphire Laguna is known for their international comfort food and picturesque outdoor dining experience – and dogs are welcome! We love coming for “Sunset Hour” for their House Made Potato Chips and Kobe Beef Havarti Cheeseburger… you may even be tempted to give your pup a bite!

Other dog-friendly restaurant is Zinc Cafe & Market. Dinner on the patio at Las Brisas is always a favorite, especially if you’re looking for a romantic date night spot. And if you’re in the mood for some tasty Mexican food, La Sirena Grill (downtown location) is one of our favorites – and they love dogs!

Exploring On-Leash

Alta Laguna Park  

Also known as “Top of the World”, this lookout boasts some of the best views of Laguna Beach. There are several trailheads here that are dog friendly, and a park for pups to explore.

Main Beach

We love walking Sally along the boardwalk at Main Beach, then heading up the Pacific Coast Highway to shop and explore. You’ll pass several dog friendly restaurants and shops and are bound to make some new friends along the way (both two, and four-legged)!

Heisler Park

You could easily spend an afternoon meandering along Heisler Park, soaking in the ocean views, having a picnic on the grass, checking out the 14 pieces of public art pieces or admiring local artists. The tide pools there are some of the best in the area, and while that activity may not be dog friendly – it’s still worth a look!

Treasure Island

Just adjacent to Montage Laguna Beach is Treasure Island Beach. It’s about as close to paradise as you can get – white, sandy beach, lush greenery, and a stunning park overhead. We love taking Sally for a walk along the park and then enjoy a drink in the Montage lobby (also extremely dog friendly!).

On the Sand

Aside from the trails, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach all day from September 11 to June 14. During the summer (June 15 – September 10), your pup can only frolic in the waves before 9:00am and after 6:00pm – which is perfect for beating the heat. Sally’s favorite beaches to explore include Shaw’s Cove and Anita Street Beach.

Roaming Free

While there are plenty of spots to take Sally for a walk, her favorite way to explore is when she is free and off-leash. The best place for your pup to roam free and make friends is the Laguna Beach Dog Park. The park, with separate sections for both big and small dogs, is a massive, well-maintained expanse of green lawns and picnic tables. It is open from 6:00am to dusk daily, and closed on Wednesdays. We love going here to get Sally’s wiggles out before a nice al-fresco date night. 

Doggie Luxuries

Faux Paw Petique

This “Petique” features the artwork of Debby Carman, and chances are you’ve seen and admired her artwork before! Best known for her whimsical style, she captures the very essence of dogs (and cats!) in a captivating and clever way. She sells her artwork, ceramics, books, and more. And, you can even commission her to paint your pup!

Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit

If you need a little time away from your pup, the Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit is a local favorite. Nestled in a residential setting in Laguna Canyon, the ranch is a great place to leave your dog for a few hours or for the night. The property has two large outdoor play yards with turf, umbrellas, saltwater pools, and trees. They will customize your dog’s daily activities to suit their needs, and they boast an incredible staff of dog lovers. This may be the highlight of your pup’s trip!

Every season is prime for visiting Laguna Beach with your pup – but we definitely recommend planning your trip around the annual “Pet Parade and Chili Cook-off” that happens every September (cook-off aside, the summer crowds have died down and the weather is perfection). All kinds of awards are given for the best dressed pets – so pack accordingly! But no matter what you do and when you go, you and your pup are sure to have the best time in Laguna Beach. Keep an eye out for Sally, Laguna’s biggest 4-legged fan.