A person walking a leashed dog on a paved path between a beach parking lot and the sand

Dogs at Bolsa Chica

Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water at Bolsa Chica State Beach; only service animals may go on the beach. Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved multi-use trail (the beach bike path) and in the parking lots. For a beach where your dog can go on the sand, California State Parks points visitors to Huntington Dog Beach, run by the City of Huntington Beach.

At a Glance

Dog Rules at a Glance

On the sandNo

In the waterNo

Multi-use trail (bike path)Yes, leashed

Parking lotsYes, leashed

CampgroundYes, 6-foot leash; not on the sand

Service animalsAllowed on the beach

Ecological ReserveNo dogs (CDFW)

Dog beach nearbyHuntington Dog Beach (city)

Where Dogs Can and Can't Go

California State Parks is clear on this one:

Not allowed: on the sand or in the water, except service animals.
Allowed: on the multi-use trail (the paved bike path behind the beach) and in the parking lots, as long as the dog is on a leash and under control.

That means a dog can join you for a walk or bike ride along the whole beach, but it cannot sit with you on the sand or by a fire ring.

Service Animals

Service animals are the one exception to the no-dogs-on-the-sand rule. The Bolsa Chica rules page links California State Parks' statewide service animal guidance for the details.

Dogs in the Campground

If you stay in the RV campground, the 2023 camping regulations say:

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside.
Dogs must not be left unattended.
Dogs may be in the parking lots and on the multi-use trail but not on the sand.
You must clean up after your pet.

In the day-use lots, the RV parking rules add that animals outside a vehicle must be on a leash held by a person: no tying pets to the vehicle and no pens.

Huntington Dog Beach

The Bolsa Chica rules page sends dog owners to Huntington Dog Beach as the place to bring a dog onto the sand. It is not part of the state beach; the State Parks page links the Surf City USA (Visit Huntington Beach) page for it. Check that site for its own hours and rules before you go.

The Wetlands Are Off-Limits Too

Across PCH, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve does not allow dogs or bicycles at all, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (wetlands).

Cyclists and a jogger on a wide paved beachfront path beside the sand

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a leashed walk or run with your dog on the flat, paved beach trail, with the ocean beside you.

Maybe skip if: you want your dog on the sand or in the waves. Head to Huntington Dog Beach instead.

FAQ

Dogs at Bolsa Chica FAQ

Are dogs allowed at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

Only off the sand. Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water, but leashed dogs may use the multi-use trail (bike path) and the parking lots.

Can dogs go on the Bolsa Chica bike path?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on the paved multi-use trail on a leash and under control.

Where can I take my dog to the beach near Bolsa Chica?

California State Parks points dog owners to Huntington Dog Beach, which is not part of the state beach.

Are dogs allowed at the Bolsa Chica wetlands?

No. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits dogs and bicycles in the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

Can I bring my dog camping at Bolsa Chica?

Yes. In the RV campground dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, never left unattended, and kept off the sand.