A terrific method to get away the summertime Valley heat with your dog friend is to make tracks for Huntington Dog Beach.
Located a 45 minute drive away, without traffic, Huntington Dog Beach at 100 Goldenwest in the city of Huntington Beach, is a terrific location to take dogs, and their human buddies, both on and off leash.
Huntington Dog Beach goes for about 1.5 miles in between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets, simply south of Bolsa Chica State Beach. The location is served by 2 car park in between Highway 1 and the sand. On a summer season weekends, parking areas can fill quite rapidly.
We prevent parking drama, and traffic, by leaving Burbank at 5:30 a.m., showing up around 6:15 a.m. So early in the day, it’s simply dog enthusiasts and internet users, of which there are plenty. Parking is cashless and paperless and paid by license plate number at the numerous kiosks in the lots for $2.50 per hour.
The off-leash beach needs dog to stay leashed in the parking area and on the gain access to courses; they might be launched from the leash when one strikes the sand. There are toilet centers for people and waste bags are plentifully equipped for the dogs.
Oil drilling platforms dot the horizon in this part of Southern California and views of the Port of Long Beach to the northwest and the Huntington Beach Pier to the south are to be had, in addition to the large stretch of Pacific Ocean.
Huntington Dog Beach is open 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. For more details, go to https://www.dogbeach.org/. The beach hosts unique occasions and meetups throughout the year, also. This is the only beach in the 8.5 miles of coastal Huntington Beach that allows dogs off leash.
No dogs, leashed or unleashed, are allowed on the beaches of Los Angeles County.
It’s the perfect place for dog lovers to throw a ball or frisbee for their pet, and for dogs to cavort with other canines and even dip a paw, or more, into the ocean. Whether on leash or off, owners must remain in control of their pet at all times.
After the exhausting fun at Huntington Dog Beach, we like to drive down the road at bit to The Park Bench Cafe, located at 17732 Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach. The outdoor breakfast and lunch spot is open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
In addition to the regular menu, The Park Bench offers a unique menu of treats for canines including cut up hot dogs, chicken breast, scrambled eggs, peanut butter and more.
Located in Huntington Beach Central Park, there’s plenty of public bathrooms and a decent amount of parking spaces, with more parking available across the street.
We’ve found the service attentive and friendly and the food served quickly after ordering. While we’ve enjoyed a number of typical breakfast dishes at the cafe over the years, most recently we had a delicious Park Omelette made with bacon, mushroom, onion and cheese and topped with avocado.
Any restaurant that stocks Tapatio at the table is alright in our book. The lunch menu looks really good as well. Tables are seated first come, first served. No reservations are available.
Of course, not a lot of people may want to get up at the crack of dawn to get out to the beach. It’s certainly more brilliant and beautiful later in the day when the sun is fully out – just be prepared for a probable wait to park and to eat during summer weekends.
We visit Huntington Dog Beach all year round, even when it rains sometimes. And our dogs love it. Usually we are back in Burbank by 11:00 a.m. and the dogs are sacked out for much of the day after so much exercise and fun.
So for those who are looking for a great adventure with their canine pals, Huntington Dog Beach and The Park Bench Cafe combine for a great way to Get Out of Townno matter the time of day or year!
Editor’s Note: While there’s always a lot going on in Burbank, myBurbank’s “Get Out Of Town!” highlights some of our favorite activities and occasions outside the town borders.
