---
canonical: https://dogpolicies.com/places/santa-monica-state-beach/
title: "Santa Monica State Beach: dog rules"
license: CC-BY-4.0
attribution: "DogPolicies, dogpolicies.com, CC BY 4.0, verified 2026-10-26"
verified_at: 2026-10-26
review_due: 2026-11-25
freshness: fresh
confirmed_by: none
uid: plc_sp624
json: https://dogpolicies.com/api/v1/places/santa-monica-state-beach.json
---

Santa Monica State Beach (Santa Monica, CA): No. Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water. Leashed dogs may use the boardwalk and the paved pedestrian path. Source: City of Santa Monica, California Department of Parks and Recreation, checked 2026-10-26. DogPolicies record: https://dogpolicies.com/places/santa-monica-state-beach/ (CC BY 4.0; cite with link).

# Santa Monica State Beach

**No. Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water. Leashed dogs may use the boardwalk and the paved pedestrian path.**

Type: beach. Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California. Managed by California State Parks.

## Rules

| Rule | Value | Source | Verified | Freshness |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dogs allowed | No | [3] | 2026-10-30 | fresh |
| Official restrictions | Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water. Leashed dogs may use the boardwalk and the paved pedestrian path. | [4] | 2026-10-30 | fresh |

## Rules to know

- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and physically under your control at all times. [2]
- Dogs may not be left unattended. Overnight campers must keep dogs in a tent or vehicle. [2]
- Unless an area is specifically designated for dogs on leash, dogs are not allowed in buildings, undeveloped areas or on trails. [2]
- Clean up after your dog. [2]
- Proof of vaccinations and a valid dog license may be required. [2]

## Sources

1. California Department of Parks and Recreation, "Visiting State Parks With Your Dog" (government, checked 2026-10-26): https://www.parks.ca.gov/Dogs
   > Santa Monica State Beach | Dogs Allowed? No | Park unit operated by the City of Santa Monica. Check website at https://www.smgov.net/Departments/CCS/content.aspx?id=53687097577 for more information.
2. California Department of Parks and Recreation, "Visiting State Parks With Your Dog: statewide rules" (government, checked 2026-10-26): https://www.parks.ca.gov/Dogs
   > Dogs must be on a maximum 6-foot leash at ALL times and physically under your control.
3. City of Santa Monica, "Santa Monica State Beach" (government, checked 2026-10-30): https://www.santamonica.gov/places/parks/santa-monica-state-beach
   > The State Beach stretches over three miles, covers 245 acres of sand, and is managed by the City of Santa Monica and California State Park. ... Can I bring my dog to the beach with me? No, dogs are not allowed on the Santa Monica State Beach.
4. City of Santa Monica, "July 4th Holiday Safety Reminders" (government, checked 2026-10-30): https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/july-4th-safety-reminders
   > Unleashed dogs: are prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/paved pedestrian path, but not the sand or in the water.

Verified October 26, 2026; re-check due 2026-11-25. Freshness: fresh.
Corrections: https://dogpolicies.com/corrections/?place=santa-monica-state-beach
Record: https://dogpolicies.com/places/santa-monica-state-beach/ · JSON: https://dogpolicies.com/api/v1/places/santa-monica-state-beach.json · Methodology: https://dogpolicies.com/methodology/