Credit: Flickr

Heading down to the beach sometimes means that you’re going to do more than soak up the sun and swim with your family.  Since a lot of us are attached to our pets, you may want to find a hot spot for your dog, so that he can have a fun time as well.

Now, the question is, “Where can I find a beach that’s dog friendly and a spot that he’s allowed?”  Before you take your dog to any beach, you’re going to have to make sure that they allow them first.  You’re going to find that some beaches ban any type of animal.  The last thing that you want to do is show up and find out that you have to turn around and go back.

I did some research on the web and here’s what I came up with as my top favorites when it comes down to beaches that are going to cater to both you and your dog.

#1 Half Moon Bay [San Fran, CA] - This beach allows you to bring your dog.  The dog must be on a leash at all time.  It’s a popular beach located on Poplar Street!

#2 Lake Tahoe [NV] - Yes, even the big Lake Tahoe allows you to bring your dogs to the beach.  Make sure that you pay attention to the signs, as you will notice that some beach parts won’t allow you to bring your animals on board.

#3 Delaware Seashore State Parks [DE] - The Delaware Seashore state parks will allow you to bring your dogs, as long as they are on a 6 foot leash.  You can’t bring the dogs on life guarded swimming areas though.

#4 Canine Beach [Ft Lauderdale, FL] - A permit is going to be required to use this beach but if you get one, you’re going to find that you will highly enjoy this beach with all the views it has to offer.

#5 Dog Beach of Hollywood [Hollywod, FL] – Hollywood Beach will allow your dogs to roam between the streets of Pershing and Custer streets.  Pay close attention to the times when you can roam there with your animals.

#6 Belmont Harbor Dog Beach [Chicago, IL] - In Belmont Harbor, you can find a fenced in area where you can allow your dog to roam.  Its not the greatest beach in the World, but should work well with your dog.

#7 Cape Cod National Seashore [Cape Cod, Mass] – As long as you have your dog on a 6 foot leash or less, you can bring your dog to the beach.  As long as they aren’t on the life guarded protected beaches, you should be fine.

#8 Wilderness State Park Beach [Mackinaw City, MI] – If you bring your dog over near the boat launch area, your dog can roam, as well as swim in the water.  One of the few beaches up north that allow dogs.

#9 Cape May State Park [Cape May, NJ] - New Jersey is known for having tons of beaches and being jammed packed in the Summer.  Where can you bring your dogs though?  Cape May allows you to bring your dogs from October to April.  Keep in mind that this is the off season.

#10 Holden Beach [Holden Beach, NC] - Hold Beach allows your dogs to roam from 9 AM to 5 PM on a daily basis.  Again, you dog must be on a leash that is no bigger than 6 feet.