Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time to pack your towels, sunscreen, surfboard, and bathing suit, and head out to the beach. For both locals and visitors staying in Los Angeles County, going to the beach is convenient and exciting, especially with the consistent Mediterranean weather year-round. With so much fun to be had at the beach, it’s a shame to leave the dog alone at home.

In Los Angeles, where it’s normal to walk your dog in a baby stroller (yes, it’s a thing), many dog owners consider their furry pets as part of the family. Some dog owners live in dog-friendly neighborhoods, which provide plenty of pet-friendly amenities, but many people don’t have the luxury of bringing their dogs around. Luckily, there are many dog-friendly beaches near LA that will welcome your pet with open arms, offering a safe space to roam and play with other owners and dogs.

Below are some of the county’s best dog-friendly beaches, arranged by neighborhood.

Rosie’s Dog Beach – Long Beach

LA’s closest and most popular dog beach is probably Rosie’s Dog Beach, which is often a go-to beach spot for dog owners. Located on Ocean Boulevard between Granada and Roycroft Avenue in Long Beach, Rosie’s cannot be missed. A parking lot with a pay stations is available right next to the beach at Bennet Avenue, and the beach is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

At Rosie’s, there’s plenty of space to lay out, play frisbee or volleyball, or run along the shore with your pet. Due to the beach’s popularity, especially during the summer, Rosie’s can be overrun with dogs and trash, so owners should be mindful to clean up after their pets. This beach is off-leash and welcomes dogs with no size or breed restrictions.

Huntington Dog Beach – Huntington Beach

For those who live in Orange County, the coastal neighborhood of Huntington Beach also has a dog beach located along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street called Huntington Dog Beach. Although the beach’s rules state that dogs must always be leashed, this is typically only enforced with aggressive and potentially dangerous canines. There’s a two-hour metered parking lot available along the PCH, and the beach is open every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

With grassy areas, picnic tables, and even a bluff towards the back of the beach, there are plenty of spaces to rest, cool down, and set up lunch. After a day at the beach, many dog owners often head towards Park Bench Cafe in Huntington Beach Central Park, which offers a dog-friendly outdoor cafe complete with breakfast and lunch items, as well as a doggy menu.

Leo Carrillo State Beach – Malibu

For owners who want to head towards the Malibubeaches, simply hop on the PCH and keep driving for an hour or so until you hit Leo Carrillo State Beach. The dogs will have a great time at one of the area’s three main dog-friendly beaches: North Beach, South Beach, and Staircase Beach.

As long as your doggies stay on-leash and are north of lifeguard tower three, the entire family is free to walk along the beach where there are several coves, tidal pools, and caves to explore. There are several places to park, and while the main parking lot charges $12 a day, drivers can find free parking if they drive a mile past the park along the PCH. This beach is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for you to enjoy scenic coastal views away from the crowds.

Arroyo Burro Beach Park – Santa Barbara

Arroyo Burro Beach Park, known fondly by locals in Santa Barbara as simply “Hendry’s Beach,” is probably the head honcho of dog beaches. Next to the beach, there’s a free parking lot, a sit-down restaurant, and a grassy area with a couple of barbecue pits for grilling, which is perfect if you want to enjoy a quick meal with your dog by the beach.

In this particular area, all dogs must remain leashed for their own safety. However, once dog owners enter the beach and pass the off-leash area, dogs can freely roam the beach. There are also nifty shower stations for your dog behind the parking lot. Situated along Edgewater Way, starting east of Arroyo Burro Beach (the human side) to Mesa Lane, this beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.