It is likely to be tough to find a place for one night for the holiday weekend, especially with a dog. There are only a few places in OC that take pets. Here are a few of them:
Safari Hotel at 13th Street is ocean front on the boardwalk. (
www.safarimotel.net)
Clarion Fontainebleau -
Ocean front, 101st Street. This is a great large property with lots of
amenities. Most of the rooms are ocean and bay view. This is the only property on this list open year round and is the one where you most likely will be able to find a room (
www.clarionoc.com/)
Coastal Palms Inn and Suites - Ocean block 120th Street. Recently taken over by the Carousel and completely redone. Staying here provides access to many of the Carousel's amenities (just 2 blocks away). Also has an outdoor pool and free loaner beach chairs (
www.coastalpalmshotel.com)
Barefoot Mailman - Ocean block on 35th Street. (
www.barefootmailman.com/)
Windjammer Apartments - Ocean front, 46th Street. A nice older property
with studio, 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR apartments. I stayed there for many
years. (
www.ocwindjammer.com)
I assume you are aware that dogs are not allowed on the OC beach or boardwalk or beach anytime from 1 May to 30
September.
Hope it works out for you, and you have a great birthday celebration in OC!