About this site and how I check the rules

Each rule on this site comes from the page published by whoever sets it. For a city beach that's its beach rules page or ordinance; for a county or state park it's the park's pet policy. Carmel Beach is a good example: the city's rules page cites municipal code 6.08.015(B) for its voice-control rule. I put the rule in plain words on the listing, with the link and the date I read it. Only a visitor knows if the lot was full at 8 a.m., where the rinse-off tap is, or whether the sign at the entrance matches the page. That is why every listing takes visitor posts and photos: the rule gets you there, the people who go keep the day safe.

Right now the index covers 172 beaches in 21 states. Of those, 32 allow dogs off leash for at least part of the year or day, and 71 keep dogs off the sand. I add beaches as I get through their rules, one state at a time. I'd rather the index be small and right than complete and wrong.

Authorities verified against

Accuracy, corrections & removals

Ordinances change between checks; posted signage and current local law always take precedence. Corrections and removal requests are actioned within 7 days via the corrections page.

Visitor photos

Photos that visitors upload are first checked by an automated model for safety and relevance, and then I look at every one myself before it appears on a listing.

How the site is funded

Free to use. Revenue, when present, comes from clearly-labelled advertising, affiliate links and sponsored placements — none of which changes a rule, a listing, or an ordering. Details on the disclosure page.