Pet-Friendly Newport Beach: Restaurants, Dog Parks & Walks

Live on California’s coastline, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Newport Beach soon? You’re in just the right place - below find the ultimate guide to pet-friendly Newport beach.

Scroll to find rules around bringing your dog to Newport Beach ocean front, places to walk your dog off-leash, and a list of the dog-friendly restaurants Newport Beach has to offer.

Is Newport Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, some parts of Newport Beach city are dog-friendly - there are dog-friendly restaurants, bars and dog parks that welcome dogs.

However, it’s worth noting that the ocean front and bay front beaches are heavily restricted when it comes to bringing dogs. Dogs are not welcome in these areas between the hours of 10am and 4:30pm, but are allowed before 10am and after 4:30pm on a leash that’s six feet in length or under - according to the local government website.

Instead of a beach walk, head to a dedicated dog park (such as Newport Beach dog park) or a dedicated hiking area where dogs are welcome. Below, we’ll explore Newport Beach dog rules, plus the places dogs are allowed, along with rules for bringing your pooch along.

Newport Beach dog rules

The Newport Beach government website states that:

Leashed dogs are allowed on Newport Beach ocean front beaches and bay front beaches before 10am and after 4:30pm.
Dogs should be kept on a leash that’s six feet in length (or under).
Dogs should only be brought to the beach by dog walkers who can control the dog in their care.
Dogs are never allowed off the leash in public parks or beaches at Newport Beach.
Dog walkers should always bring along something to pick up dog poop.

To make sure you’re following up-to-date rules around bringing your dog to the ocean front and bay front beaches in Newport Beach, check the local government website before planning your trip.

Places to walk your dog in Newport Beach

Newport Beach Dog Park

If you’re looking for somewhere to let your dog run free, off-leash, head to Newport Beach dog park that’s located between Avocado Avenue and San Miguel Drive. It’s a fully-fenced area where dogs can socialize with one another, and enjoy time outside without the leash.

Location: Avocado Avenue &, San Miguel Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, United States

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Just outside of the city centre is Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve - a 135-acre park filled with hiking and biking trails. According to the OC Parks website, dogs can explore this nature reserve, as long as they’re kept on a leash. The park is filled with precious wildlife, so be sure to keep your dog under close control, and always pick up after your dog.

Location: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States

Crystal Cove State Park

If you’d like to explore Crystal Cove State Park with your pooch, stick to the 3-mile paved bluff trail that’s on the coastal side of the Pacific Coast Highway. Note that dogs aren’t allowed on any of the backcountry hiking trails, the beach or at the Beachcomber Café.

Location: Crystal Cove State Park, California, United States

Corona Del Mar State Beach

Corona Del Mar State Beach welcomes leashed dogs before 9am and after 4:30pm - perfect for a sunrise or sunset walk with your furry friend. The beach is known for its sandy stretch, rock jetty and surrounding cliffs. You’ll find swimmers, families and even fire pits perfect for an evening by the sea.

Location: Newport Beach, CA 92625, United States

Newport Beach Municipal Beach

This popular sandy stretch welcomes dogs on a leash before 10am and after 4:30pm - so pop along for an early morning walk or an evening stroll with your canine companions.

Location: Oceanfront & 21st St, W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States

Balboa Island

For a change of scenery, hop on the dog-friendly ferry and explore the palm tree-lined paths of Balboa Island with your pooch. Look out for the island’s restaurants complete with dog-friendly patios - like Wilma’s Patio which serves up hearty American comfort food.

Location: Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA, USA

Huntington Dog Beach

Just a 15-minute drive along the coast from Newport Beach is Huntington Dog Beach, where dogs can run free once on the sand.

Location: 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States

Redondo Beach Dog Park

If you’ve got a taste for spaces where your dog is allowed to run off the leash, drive just 40 minutes up the coast to find Redondo Beach Dog Park. It’s a popular spot with local dog owners, as the park offers 3 acres of open space, with fenced-off areas separating small and large dogs.

Location: 190 Flagler Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, United States

Balboa Island Ferry

Dog-friendly restaurants Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach has a few restaurants and bars that welcome dogs - just be sure to call ahead before arriving with your pooch, just to double check the dog rules. Below, we’ll list a few local favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Newport Beach - just be aware that most eateries won’t welcome dogs inside.

Wilma’s Patio

Wilma’s Patio is located on the charming Balboa Island, and welcomes dogs on their pet-friendly patio, where owners can choose from a hearty American menu of nachos, sliders and quesadillas.

Location: 203 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662, United States

The Alley Restaurant and Bar

This classic American saloon allows dogs in the outdoor seating area, where pet parents can choose from brunch, lunch and dinner menus of salads, soups, burgers and meat dishes.

Location: 4501 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States

Bluewater Grill

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at this local chain’s outdoor seating area - perfect for dog owners with a taste for seafood.

Location: 630 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States

Cappy’s Cafe

This is a local favorite for American brunch and lunch dishes - find benedicts, breakfast sandwiches, hash and eggs - you name it, Cappy’s Cafe is serving it up - and in seriously generous portion sizes.

Location: 5930 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States

Zinqué

Dogs are welcome on this French restaurant’s heated patio area - ideal for nights where it’s getting slightly chilly, but pet parents still fancy dining out with their canine companions. Stop for brunch, lunch or dinner and tuck into French classics like moules-frites and salmon tartine.

Location: 3446 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States

Dory Deli

Dogs are welcome at this joint loved by locals - pop along to find hot and cold sandos perfect for lunch on a hot day.

Location: 2108 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663, United States

Tips for pet parents

Get clued-up on local rules. There are heavy restrictions on bringing dogs to the ocean front and bay front areas of Newport Beach, so stay up to date on local rules by checking the government website before taking your dog to the coast.
Explore the coast for dog-friendly locations. Did you know that just by driving a short journey down the coast, you can find dog-friendly beaches - where dogs are allowed to run leash-free? Check out Huntington Dog Beach which is just a 15-minute drive from Newport Beach.
Get your vacation pet care sorted. What if we told you that there is a pet care option that means your pooch doesn’t have to move an inch from their happy home in Newport Beach, while you enjoy a vacation? Yup, by welcoming an in-home pet sitter, your furry pal will be looked after in the comforts and surroundings they love. Click below to find out how to connect with a pet sitter that’s perfect for you, your pup, and your home.

Connecting with pet sitters in Newport Beach

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Prepare for your dog walks. It’s super important to make sure you’re following local rules around where you can bring your canine pal, and to always come with poop bags to clean up after them.
Plan a dog-friendly dinner. There are a few dog-friendly restaurants in Newport Beach that welcome dogs on their outdoor patio area, and even have a dog-friendly menu - check out Wilma’s Patio and call ahead if you’re bringing your new four-legged friend.
Explore the beaches in designated hours. The local government website states that dogs are allowed on the ocean front and bay front areas before 10am and after 4:30pm, so enjoy a stroll in the morning or for sunset if you’re bringing your pooch.
Explore Newport Beach through house sitting. Ready to get your adventure started? See Newport Beach and all that it has to offer with a canine companion by your side - and click below to find out how it works.

House sitting in Newport Beach

How it works

More dog-friendly travel guides near Newport Beach, CA

Thinking about house sitting near Newport Beach, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

Pet-friendly Newport Beach - FAQs

What is the general leash rule in Newport Beach for sidewalks and public areas?

Dogs are allowed on sidewalks and in some public areas, but should be on a leash at all times, and dog owners should always carry something to pick up dog poop.

Where is the closest off-leash dog beach to Newport Beach?

Huntington Dog Beach is just a 15-minute drive from Newport Beach, where dogs can run off-leash once on the sand.

Can I take my dog on the Balboa Island Ferry?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Balboa Island Ferry - just be sure to keep them on a leash and come equipped with poop bags.