a dog having fun playing in the waves at Rosie's Dog Beach
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Rosie’s Dog Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach, located in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach, California.

It’s a great place to spend some time with your pup.

We’ve got tons of helpful information about Rosie’s Dog Beach in California for you and your beloved pooch. It will help you to make the most of a day trip to this wonderful place.

And if you’re spending more than a day in the Long Beach area, then we’ve also got you covered. We’ve got some useful info on dog-friendly hotels near Rosie’s Dog Beach, CA. As well as info on dog-friendly restaurants, cafes and bars in Long Beach.

We really do hope that you find this information useful.

Oh, and if you’re ever in New England with your pooch, then do take a look at our article on the best dog friendly beaches in Connecticut.

Come on in and take a look!

Beautiful fluffy dog sitting on a dog beach
Beautiful fluffy dog sitting on a dog beach – Image by Caity from Pixabay

#1 Rosie’s Dog Beach – The Scoop

This wonderful dog beach is 28 miles from downtown Los Angeles and just 10 miles north of Huntington Dog Beach, along the wonderfully scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Rosie’s Dog Beach is along Ocean Boulevard, between Roycroft and Granada Avenues.

Dogs were first permitted to play on this Long Beach city beach on June 24, 2001. However, it wasn’t until 9 years later, on August 3, 2010, that the beach area was officially renamed “Rosie’s Dog Beach”.

This was in honor of local resident Justin Rudd’s dog, Rosie the Bulldog.

The Only Off-Leash Dog Beach In LA County

To this day, Rosie’s Dog Beach remains the only off-leash dog beach in the whole of L.A. County – an area with around 10 million inhabitants.

The dog beach is open daily, from 6am to 8pm. Dogs are not permitted on the beach at times other than the scheduled hours.

They are also not permitted in any other place, other than the designated Dog Zone and the access paths.

Note that only one dog per adult is permitted on Rosie’s Dog Beach. Dogs under 4 months old are not permitted on the beach and neither are female dogs in heat.

The beach itself is very clean, with some fantastic views of the city of Long Beach, California. You can dispose of any doggy waste in the numerous trash cans that are dotted around the beach.

Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California – Video courtesy of Herky The Cavalier on YouTube

#2 Activities To Do

Long Beach is protected by a man-made breakwater, originally built to help calm the water for ships coming into the port. This means that the seawater at Rosie’s Dog Beach is never too rough.

It also has smaller waves than many places farther along the California coastline.

This of course makes it absolutely ideal for your pooch to play safely in the waves, or even go for a swim, if she so desires.

You could play Frisbee with your dog, play fetch, or just hang out with other dog owners, who are usually friendly and welcoming.

It’s also a great spot for your dog to socialize with other dogs as well!

#3 Admission And Parking At Rosie’s Dog Beach

Admission to Rosie’s Dog Beach is completely free.

Free street parking is available. Though do be sure to observe the street sweeping signage on Thursday and Friday mornings.

There is also plenty of metered beachfront parking, including some long parallel parking spaces – perfect for trailers and RVs. Expect to pay around $2 per hour for metered parking.

The 2 main beachfront parking lots can be accessed via Granada Avenue to the east and Bennett Avenue to the west.

There are pay station kiosks at the entrance to each of these parking lots and also several throughout each lot.

Annual Beach Parking Day Passes

If you’re a regular visitor to Rosie’s, then annual beach parking day passes are available.

The annual day passes are valid from 8am to 8pm each day.

So do note that if you wanted to take your pooch down to Rosie’s Dog Beach for an early morning stroll or swim, then you would still have to pay at the meter from 6am until 8am.

That aside, the annual day passes are excellent value if you’re a regular visitor.

They cost $155 for adults and $75 for seniors. (Prices correct on April 21, 2024.)

The Queen Mary Hotel at night, Long Beach, California, USA. A beautiful floating hotel close to Rosie's Dog Beach.
The Queen Mary Hotel at night, Long Beach, California, USA – Photo by Daniel Sinoca on Unsplash

#4 Gorgeous Views From Rosie’s Dog Beach

If you look due west from Rosie’s Dog Beach, you’ll see the Port of Long Beach. This is where the 51-mile-long Los Angeles River flows into the North Pacific Ocean.

There you’ll find The Queen Mary, a floating 1930s hotel with dining and a spa.

And if you’re on the dog beach after dark, then the Long Beach city skyline is a beautiful and impressive sight.

The Astronaut Islands

The four islands that you can see out in the bay (San Pedro Bay) are called the THUMS Islands or the Astronaut Islands.

They are man-made islands, built in 1965 as part of a project to make the area more aesthetically pleasing.

This was done by camouflaging offshore oil derricks and muffling the very loud sounds that emanate from them.

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

To the southeast of Rosie’s Dog Beach (look left when facing the sea) is Seal Beach.

Beyond that, on the opposite side of the Pacific Coast Highway, is the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.

Established in 1972, this 965-acre wildlife refuge supports an amazing array of species. This includes California least terns, light-footed clapper rails and Eastern Pacific green sea turtles.

Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area for any length of time!

#5 Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Rosie’s Dog Beach

Hyatt Regency Long Beach

A 4-star beachfront hotel, the Hyatt Regency is less than 4 miles from Rosie’s Dog Beach, at 200 South Pine Avenue.

It enjoys a spectacular location, with the stylish guest rooms offering breathtaking views of the city, the harbor, or the water.

The dog-friendly rooms at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach are able to accommodate dogs weighing 50 pounds or less. Or a maximum combined weight of 75 pounds for 2 dogs.

Pet fees are a flat fee of $100 for a stay of up to 6 nights.

If you’re staying at the hotel for between 7 and 30 days, then an additional “deep cleaning” fee of $100 is charged. Bringing the pet fee total up to $200 for longer stays.

The Westin Long Beach

This upscale 4-star hotel is just 3 miles from Rosie’s Dog Beach, at 333 East Ocean Boulevard, in Long Beach city’s thriving downtown district.

The Westin prides itself on being dog-friendly.

And, unusually for a 4-star hotel, they do not charge any pet fees whatsoever. The beds and pillows are firm and comfortable for both humans and pets.

The hotel is in a great location. It’s situated within walking distance of many attractions.

And it’s right across the street from the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

Golden Sails Hotel

Located at 6285 East Pacific Coast Highway, this delightful hotel is less than a 10-minute drive from Rosie’s Dog Beach.

For a $20 pet fee (plus tax) per night, it offers dog-friendly hotel rooms.

The hotel allows a maximum of two well-behaved dogs per booking, but unfortunately does not allow either Pit Bulls or Rottweilers.

Like many other dog-friendly hotels, the Golden Sails stipulates that you must not leave your pet unattended in the hotel or in your guest room.

And also that your pooch must be leashed at all times outside of your guest room.

The hotel facilities are excellent.

Amenities include a spacious fitness center, a 24-hour business center, an over-sized spa, a delightful courtyard and complimentary guest parking.

#6 Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Cafes Near Rosie’s Dog Beach

Eggs Etc.

This delightful little dog-friendly restaurant in Long Beach is right on the corner of East 6th Street and Redondo Avenue.

Eggs Etc. is especially great for breakfasts, but it also does brunch and lunch.

It’s currently open daily from 7am to 2pm.

Eggs Etc. is famous for its granola pancakes and specialty omelets, and the eggs benedict is said to be amazing!

The staff here are really friendly and it has a lovely outside seating area.

They also serve great coffee, which is always a winner in our eyes!

So if you and your pup are looking for a hearty Long Beach breakfast to get you going for the day, you can’t beat Eggs Etc. – sorry, no pun intended! 🙂

Gypsy’s Persian Grill

Formerly known as Gypsy’s Mediterranean Grill, this Long Beach joint has been a staple since its opening in 2003.

As both its former and current name suggest, Gypsy’s serves Mediterranean food with a Persian take on it, which the owners say originates from the bustling city of Tehran.

Gypsy’s menu is wide and varied, ranging from delicious salads and soups to falafel pita, salmon kebab plate and mahiche, a typical Iranian dish.

They also offer several vegetarian dishes, all of which can be made vegan upon request.

Located close to Belmont Pier, at 21 39th Place, Gypsy’s Persian Grill in Long Beach is a great place to go for a bite to eat if you fancy a taste of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

A Golden Retriever playing in the waves at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, California, USA
A Golden Retriever playing in the waves at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California – Photo by LyAn Voyages on Unsplash

#7 Dog-Friendly Bars Near Rosie’s Dog Beach

Belmont Brewing Company

This fabulous dog-friendly bar is proud of the fact that it is the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County.

It first opened its doors in the summer of 1990.

Annually, they produce over 1000 barrels of fine craft beer. Staples include Top Sail, Strawberry Blonde and a 6.5% abv strong stout that goes by the name of Long Beach Crude!

You can also get some great food here.

The Belmont Brewing Company can be found at 25 39th Place, a stone’s throw away from Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier and just across the street from Gypsy’s Persian Grill.

DOGZ Bar and Grill

With a name like DOGZ, this family-owned sports bar in Belmont Shore just HAS to be dog-friendly!

This chilled-out establishment in Long Beach offers a wide selection of food and beverages and has daily Happy Hours between 4pm and 7pm.

You can also get a 10% discount if you’re a senior citizen or a member of the military services.

Draft beers include Pacifico, Guinness and Space Dust Ipa and their hand crafted cocktails include Lavender Lemonade, Belmont Breeze and our favorite, DOGZ Mule.

DOGZ Bar And Grill is located a few blocks back from Rosie’s Dog Beach, at 5300 East 2nd Street, at the junction of Glendora Avenue.

#8 Dog Vaccinations And Dog License Requirements

Long Beach City law requires that all dogs over 4 months old must display a current, in-date dog license.

In addition to this, all dogs need to be kept up-to-date with their vaccinations.

In order to purchase a dog license, you need to provide a current rabies inoculation certificate.

If your dog has been spayed or neutered (altered), then you will also need to provide a certificate of sterility.

As of April 2024, dog license fees are $28 for altered dogs and $250 for unaltered dogs.

Senior residents of Long Beach get a 50% discount. This reduces the fees to $14 for an altered dog and $125 for an unaltered dog.

Please note that the neighboring areas of Cerritos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill and Los Alamitos all have their own dog license fees.

These are different from those of Long Beach, so do make sure to check on the website for up-to-date information and prices for your area.

Dog vaccinations and dog licenses are administered by Long Beach Animal Care Services.

The licensing fees help the department to carry out their fantastic work.

They also allow them to continue to provide first-class animal care and control services 24/7, 365 days a year.

Some of the Long Beach pet licensing benefits include Free Ride Home and Extended Stay.

Free Ride Home means that the first time your lost dog is found, your pooch gets a free ride back home.

Extended Stay means that if your lost dog is found, then it will be looked after for at least 10 days, before being put up for adoption.

#9 Facilities On And Around Rosie’s Dog Beach

Beach Area: Rosie’s Dog Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach for you and your dog to enjoy! It’s approximately 4 acres in size and is located between Roycroft and Granada Avenues, in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach, California

Fenced Area: No, there is no fenced area at the dog beach

Admission Fee: Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is completely free of charge!

Opening Hours: The dog beach is open from 6am to 8pm every day

Parking: Lots of metered beachfront parking, plus some free street parking as well

Popularity: This can be a very popular spot, especially at weekends

Best Time To Go: Weekdays are quieter. Evenings and early mornings are also quieter times to enjoy this beach

Dogs: Yes, most definitely!

Rosie’s Dog Beach Rules: Rosie’s Dog Beach remains the only off-leash dog beach in the whole of L.A. County. Please act responsibly and always clean up after your furry friends

Swimming: Yes

Surfing: Yes

Lifeguards: No, not on the dog beach

Bike Parking: No

Good For Groups: Yes

Good For Kids: Yes

Drinking Water: There is a doggie water fountain at the parking lot at Argonne Avenue, near the sidewalk

Restrooms: There are restrooms close to the dog beach

Trash Cans: Several dotted around the beach

More Facilities On And Around Rosie’s Dog Beach

Cafes and Restaurants: There are lots of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes just a couple blocks away

Bars: Several dog-friendly bars close by

Dog-friendly Hotels: A few dog-friendly hotels close to Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, and many more within a few miles

Picnic Area: There is no special designated picnic area at the dog beach

Fire Pits: There are no fire pits on this beach

Volleyball: No

Showers: There is a shower at the beach, but be prepared to wait in a long line for it, especially in the summer!

Dog Wash: The Paw Spa in Long Beach offers a self-wash facility from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday through Friday. Walk-ins are welcome on those days

It is also open from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays, but for appointments only. The self-wash facility is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The Paw Spa is located at 4110 East Ocean Boulevard, between Chuck’s Coffee Shop and Iconix Fitness

Privacy: Rosie’s Dog Beach is an open expanse of beach and as such, there is very little privacy. However, early mornings and evenings are quieter times and the sunsets over the ocean can sometimes be spectacular!

Official Website: https://www.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/directory/rosies-dog-beach/

Beach Address: 5000 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803

#10 Map Of Rosie’s Dog Beach

Map of Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, California, USA
Map of Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California – courtesy of Google Maps

#11 Conclusion

Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is a fantastic place to take your dog!

It occupies a great spot close to California’s Pacific Coast Highway and is still the only off-leash dog beach in the whole of L.A. County.

Your pooch is sure to enjoy splashing around in the waves, playing with you on the gorgeous beach and socializing with other dogs.

And it’s a chance for you to socialize as well (if you want to) and get to know other local dog owners, safe in the knowledge that your furry friend is getting lots of exercise and fresh air and having tons of fun!

If you’re a dog owner and you’re in the area, then a visit to Rosie’s Dog Beach is a must – you won’t regret it!

So what do YOU think? Is Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach YOUR favorite dog beach? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.

Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!

If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US

Frequently Asked Questions About Rosie’s Dog Beach

Is There An Admission Charge For Rosie’s Dog Beach?

No, there isn’t – Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is completely free of charge!

When Is Rosie’s Dog Beach Open?

Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, California, is open from 6am to 8pm every day.

Is Rosie’s Dog Beach Off-Leash?

Yes, it is! Rosie’s Dog Beach remains the only off-leash dog beach in the whole of L.A. County. Please act responsibly and always clean up after your furry friends.

How Much Does It Cost To Park At Rosie’s Dog Beach?

Free street parking is available. Though do be sure to observe the street sweeping signage on Thursday and Friday mornings.
There is also plenty of metered beachfront parking, including some long parallel parking spaces – perfect for trailers and RVs. Expect to pay around $2 per hour for metered parking.

What Are Rosie’s Dog Beach Rules?

The most important rules for Rosie’s Dog Beach are:
1. Only one dog per adult. If you have two dogs, please bring an adult friend with you.
2. No dog shall be outside the permitted area without being on-leash (no more than 6 feet), held by an adult.
3. All dogs must wear a collar with current registration tags.
4. Dogs are not permitted to wear spiked collars.
5. No aggressive dogs.
6. Beach operating hours are 6am to 8pm, daily.
7. Dogs under four months old are not permitted.
8. All dogs on Rosie’s Dog Beach must have current vaccinations and licenses.

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