Location guide: Best Dog-Friendly Beaches Near Seattle
Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in and around Seattle, some with greenery and flowers, some with city views, and all providing the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot with your best friend. Ready to take your PNW pup on a fun adventure to a dog-friendly beach near Seattle? Scroll down and be sure to click the link at the end of each description to learn more about that specific location.
golden gardens
This park offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from a sandy beach along the shores of Elliott Bay. This is a great spot for water-loving pups!
Important info: Free parking and dogs are allowed on-leash. Lots of steps to get down to the beach. Gets crowded, so best for visiting on weekdays.
Location: Ballard.
seahurst park
Seahurst Park is a stunning seaside park with over 80 acres of scenic beauty, including walking trails, picnic areas, and wide-open beach access. The park boasts a panoramic view of the Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains and Vashon Island in the distance, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Important info: Free parking and dogs allowed on-leash. There are 12 free parking spots next to the beach and a huge lot farther away that requires a steep walk uphill when you’re ready to go back to your car.
Location: North Burien.
owen beach
Owen Beach is located in Point Defiance Park, a beautiful natural oasis. With its stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Owen Beach is the perfect place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The beach features soft, sandy shores and clear, calm waters, making it a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Important info: Free parking and dogs allowed on-leash. Best enjoyed during low tide or on weekdays.
Location: Tacoma
double bluff beach
Situated on the southern tip of the island, the beach offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and nearby Camano Island. The beach itself is long and sandy, with plenty of space for dogs to run and play, and the water is calm and clear, making it a great spot for swimming.
Double Bluff is located on Whidbey Island so requires taking the Mukilteo ferry.
Important info: Must be enjoyed at medium or low tide. High tide covers 90% of the beach. Free but limited parking and dogs are allowed off-leash.
Location: Whidbey Island.
dash point beach
Dash Point Beach is a stunning and secluded beach that offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located on the northeastern shore of Dash Point State Park, the beach boasts panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, making it a great spot for watching sunsets and taking in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with plenty of space for visitors to relax and play.
Important info: Located in a state park, so you must purchase a day-use parking pass or Discovery Pass. There is a credit card machine in the large parking lot to pay for parking. Dogs are allowed on-leash.
Location: Federal Way.
lincoln park
Just off the Fauntleroy Ferry lies forested hills, grassy meadows, and beachfront shoreline with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic mountain range. While dogs are not allowed on the beach they are allowed on the wide gravel walkway starting near the ferry and ending at a tree-covered path. There are tons of gorgeous spots perfect for those iconic PNW portraits. Uphill from the beach are several hiking trails, which wind through old-growth forest.
Important info: Free parking and dogs are allowed on the paved path and forested trails on-leash. This is the perfect location for forest photos and beach photos alike, or even both!
Location: West Seattle.
alki beach
This beach is a true Seattle gem and offers beautiful views of the Olympic mountain range across Puget Sound to the west, and truly the best view of Seattle’s skyline and Elliott Bay to the east. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are allowed on-leash on the promenade, and at the green-space parks on the Seattle skyline view side. Bonus? You can stop at Marination Ma Kai after your session for the BEST tacos in Seattle.
Important info: Free street parking, tons of restaurants and bars for after your session, perfect for both sunrise and sunset, and dogs allowed on the paved trail on-leash. Very busy, especially in the summer, so weekdays-only.
Location: West Seattle, directly north of the West Seattle Bridge.
