Sure, you love visiting the beach in your free time but your dog might love it even more than you do! Rockaway Beach is a particularly favorite spot for our furry friends. It probably has something to do with seven miles of beaches, wide open parks with plenty of room to run and lots of shade for rest, or perhaps it’s because of restaurants with outdoor seating so they can enjoy your company while you enjoy a meal.
Here are some of our favorite places to adventure with those four-legged best friends:
Go for a Run at Phyllis Baker Park
While the beach is always a fun experience, it’s often full of people and other dogs and may not be the best place for your pup to enjoy some off-leash time. So if Fido really needs to chase a ball, frisbee, or just his own shadow, give Phyllis Baker Park a try. With it’s covered picnic area and extensive playground, it’s really a favorite spot for the whole family but dogs particularly love the long, grassy field to run in. In fact, each summer the annual Weiner Dog Races commence on this very field, so you know it’s dog tested and approved.
Lunch at Old Oregon Smokehouse
When it’s time to break for lunch, try the outdoor, picnic-style seating at Old Oregon Smokehouse. Well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome to sit with you and enjoy some sunshine while you enjoy what’s been dubbed the best clam chowder on the coast. (No really; we’re not just making that up.)
Hiking
What dog doesn’t love to go for a hike? Whether it’s trekking through an old growth cedar wetlands preserve, or heading up north to trek to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain, there are all kinds of dog-friendly hikes in and around Rockaway Beach. Take a trip south to Bay Ocean Spit, or head up north to Nehalem Bay State Park. All the best hikes are just a short drive from Rockaway Beach.
Just remember to always follow some simple safety tips when taking your dog to the beach, so that everyone can have a good time.