Dog Beach - Huntington Beach, California (Huntington Cliffs)

Address:Huntington Beach, California

Everybody's surfing at Huntington Beach - a.k.a. Surf City. Located on the Southern California Coast, the surfing at Huntington Beach is so good that even the Beach Boys mentioned it in their hit song Surfin' Safari, way back when. The site of the world surfing championships, Huntington Beach's appeal has swelled far beyond the notoriously rip-roaring waves. But in addition to the lounging longboarders, a day on a strip of Huntington Beach sands is also a retreat for dogs. And occasionally, you will see a dog and his owner sharing a board, surfing side-by-side. Known as Dog Beach (canines go crazy here) and Cliffs Beach (yes, there are gorgeous bluffs), this segment of Huntington Beach is famous for being Fido-friendly (a travel magazine for dogs). In other words, dogs are definitely welcome. Located on the west side of Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Street and 21st Street, dog owners go gaga over the dog scene at Huntington Cliffs Beach. In addition to the social scene on the sands and in the water, dogs enjoy the treats of dog bakeries, restaurants with complete (and separate) doggie menus, the upscale pet shops, dog-friendly hotels and dog-friendly shopping venues. Spectacular bluffs, colorful sunsets over glistening waters, soft white sands, and an all round carefree atmosphere, will make you(and your dog) dutiful fans of Huntington Cliffs Beach's charm.

You and your four-legged friends can doggie paddle or backstroke in the rolling waves of Huntington Cliffs Beach. For the surfers among us, Huntington Cliffs surf spot is considered among the good beach breaks along Huntington Beach and the surfing scene is less competitive and more laid back than further down Huntington Beach. West and south swells are generally from two to six feet, and medium tide is most manageable.

Just several miles south of Huntington Cliffs Beach, is the famous Huntington Beach Pier, one of the largest pleasure piers in the world and certainly the largest on the west coast. The pier offers the best fishing for anglers and snag bonito, croaker, and mackerel are among the catch. (The mid-section of the Pier often proves most fruitful.) If you've got the stomach to stalk the sharks, head out to the end of the pier at night, and some of the local anglers will give you the low-down on how to reel in a shark.

Parking at Huntington Cliffs Beach is generally not a problem. Metered parking is available along the Pacific Coast Highway; be sure to check your meter regularly as ticketing is common. Whether you are traveling alone or with your furry companion, Huntington Cliffs Beach is most definitely a top dog.