While it’s tempting to want to experience the magic of the Central Coast State Parks with your furry friend, not every park allows access for dogs. Oftentimes, they are prohibited to ensure the preservation of these natural spaces and protection of wildlife.
The best course of action is to plan ahead and gather as much information as possible before heading out on your next adventure. Starting south and moving north up the coast, read below about the specific guidelines for each of the nine state parks.
Oceano Dunes SVRA and Pismo State Beach (YES)
Dogs are welcome at both Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) and Pismo State Beach, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They are allowed on the beach, trails, and in the campgrounds, however are not permitted in the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve or Oso Flaco Lake –– both of which are adjacent to the Oceano Dunes SVRA.
Montaña de Oro State Park (PARTIALLY)
Dogs are partially-permitted along the over 8,000-acre Montaña de Oro State Park, with its iconic hiking, camping, and rugged coastlines. More specifically, your furry companions are only allowed leashed in the campground, on roadways, and at Spooner’s Cove Beach. They are not permitted on trails or any of the other beaches.
Morro Bay State Park (YES)
Unless posted signs state otherwise, dogs are free to explore Morro Bay State Park on a leash.
Morro Strand State Beach (NO)
There are stricter rules at Morro Strand State Beach that prohibit dogs, with the exception of service animals. They are only permitted in the Morro Strand Campground. Consider driving five minutes north to Morro Bay Dog Beach, where they are allowed to roam freely and mingle with other furry friends.
Cayucos State Beach (YES)
Cayucos State Beach is pet-friendly, but requires dog owners to keep their animals leashed at all times.
Estero Bluffs State Park (PARTIALLY)
If you’re looking to take your dog to Estero Bluffs State Park, keep in mind they are only allowed, on-leash, from the park’s south boundary near the North Ocean Parking Lot to San Geronimo Creek. Dogs are prohibited, however, in the area between San Geronimo Creek and the north boundary near Villa Creek.
Harmony Headlands State Park (NO)
North of Cayucos sits Harmony Headlands State Park, the 748-acre park that prohibits dogs. Plan to explore the trails and beaches without your furry pet.
Hearst San Simeon State Park (PARTIALLY)
Dogs are allowed on leash at select locations along the Hearst San Simeon State Park. Take your dog to William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Junge Ranch Trail, and all campgrounds and parking lots. But remember that dogs are prohibited along the Boucher Trail, San Simeon Pier, San Simeon Creek Trail, San Simeon Creek Beach, Washburn Day Use Beach, Leffingwell Landing, and Santa Rosa Creek Beach.
When planning your next coastal adventure, take into consideration the BARK Ranger Pledge, which stands for:
Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
Do your part in protecting and preserving these beautiful spaces, and give your furry friend some extra love as they accompany you on your next journey to the pet-friendly state parks.
Cover Photo by Alison Dueck
