7 Dog-Friendly Beaches In Washington That Are Perfect For Summer Adventures

There’s no denying that when you become a dog owner, your pups immediately become part of your family. And they’ll also become the most eager and excited travel companions you’ll ever have, if you’ll let them. That being said, traveling with dogs can be difficult — and with many of Washington’s beaches not allowing them, even taking a day trip can be daunting.

Luckily, there are a few fantastic dog-friendly beaches here in the Evergreen State. These are our favorites.

Ashlyn G / Flickr

Oak Harbor is Whidbey Island's largest city, and it's a charming and delightful place to visit. Fort Ebey State Park's 645 acres include two miles of beautiful saltwater beach where dogs are allowed to join you on leashes. Dogs are also welcome at the nearby Deception Pass State Park.

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If you're looking for a quiet, peaceful ocean beach where you can vacation with your doggo, look no further than Ocean Shores. The city faces a six-mile stretch of sandy beach where leashed dogs are welcome. And if you head to the end of Taurus Boulevard in town, you'll find Dog Beach, where well-behaved pups can run leash-free.

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Shi Shi Beach is wild and rugged, often explored by Washingtonians who love to look at tide pools. Dogs must be left on a leash no longer than six feet, and you'll need to make sure they leave the wildlife alone.

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The Rialto Beach trail is dog-friendly, as long as they're leashed. The entire hiking trail is about four miles long, but considering this is one of the park's most beautiful beaches, neither you or your dog will mind.

Andy Nystrom / Flickr

Magnuson Park is located on the shores of Lake Washington in northeast Seattle's Sand Point neighborhood. Obviously this is not an ocean beach, but on any given summer day, you'll see a lot of extremely happy dogs swimming here.

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Double Bluff Beach and Off the Leash Area is a two-mile stretch of sandy beach located on South Whidbey Island. This is one of the only beaches in the state where your dog can roam leash-free, and it also happens to be spectacularly beautiful.

Troy Smith / Flickr

Cape Disappointment State Park is at the southern side of Ilwaco at the end of Long Beach Peninsula. Leashed pups are allowed on the beaches, and the seven miles of hiking trails in the area are also dog-friendly.

Will you be taking the family dog on any beach trips this year?