Leaving the house for a new adventure switches up your Rover’s routine and provides critical canine enrichment, helping your hound live his best life.
Thankfully, in Los Angeles, you can get out and experience the city with your pup through paws-on activities, from bummin’ it on the beach to hiking the countless canyons around the area.
Get to know the best dog-friendly activities in Los Angeles and learn the basics of barkin’ etiquette when you’re out with your woof below.
The 9 Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a pinnacle in human entertainment, so it’s no surprise that resident Rovers aren’t short on fun festivities to enjoy. Check out these dog-friendly activities in LA, and see which match your mutt.
1. Increase your floof’s fun at a dog park.
Has your four-footer never met a furry face he didn’t love? Visit one of LA’s many dog parks for some prime mutt mingling!
Dog parks combine fur friends and exercise, working out your woof’s mind and body while letting him socialize with other pups. They’re also an opportunity to chat with pet parents and learn about more dog-friendly activities in the area. Remember to follow dog park etiquette, and you and your floof should have a blast.
If your pup is dog-selective or anxious, look into dog park alternatives that fit his personality better. Only well-mannered, dog-friendly floofs should visit the dog park!
Discover the best dog parks in Los Angeles, from basic lots to obstacle-dotted fun zones.
2. Head out for a hike with your pup.
The LA landscape is dotted with dog-friendly hiking trails, including waterside walking paths and strenuous canyon treks. Setting out for a hike with your hound tires his mind and body, whether opting for a short journey with a senior or a challenging route with a young Rover.
Considering the high temperatures LA can see, it’s critical to check the forecast and pack ample dog water bottles before venturing out on the trail. It’s also a good idea to consider a dog cooling vest. For pups prone to overheating, particularly brachycephalic dog breeds, it’s best to skip hiking on hot days altogether.
Other potentially helpful canine gear for your trail adventures include a dog backpack carrier and hiking harness. You could even bring along treats for a trail-side picnic with your pooch.
LA is home to some dangerous wildlife, warranting caution when hiking with your pup. Be wary of coyotes, and keep your canine close and leashed rather than wandering off the path, as snakes are also a concern.
Castle Peak
About: Spanning 2.5 miles, this looped trail in El Escorpion Park presents a moderate challenge to you and your mutt with natural dirt and stone terrain and an incline. Certain sections of brush can be overgrown, and shade is scarce, so plan accordingly!
Address: 6801 Sunset Ridge Court, Los Angeles, CA 91307
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/castle-peak-extended-loop
Special Notes:
- Watch for thistles
- Some dogs (and pet parents) may find the trail too steep to complete
Marshall Canyon Regional Park
About: Run, hike, or bike this park’s trail system with your sniffer. The natural terrain is more forgiving on paws than sun-soaked pavement, plus there are shaded areas to cool down and plenty of routes to fit every fitness level.
Address: 6550 N. Stephens Ranch Road, La Verne, CA 91750
Phone: (909) 596-5568
Website: https://parks.lacounty.gov/marshall-canyon-regional-park/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Use caution in high brush areas, as snakes are frequently seen
Beachwood Canyon Stairs
About: Visit this route with your Rover for a more urban take on hiking with its paved path. Extending 2 miles, this journey tasks you and your pup with scaling more than 100 stairs, putting everyone’s legs to work! Thankfully, beautiful architecture dots the path, giving you something new to look at along the way when your knees yell, “Uncle!”
Address: 3020 N Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/beachwood-canyon-stairs–2
Special Notes:
- This is a residential area, so please prevent your pooch from barking excessively
- Can be busy a busy trail at times
3. See the sights with your sniffer.
The Hollywood Sign is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Los Angeles landmarks, as this city is bursting at the seams with wonder and awe. Viewing these sites with your sniffer is the perfect way to bond with your pup and appreciate the city you love. Best of all, sightseeing is versatile, fitting canines capable of covering the city on foot and those needing a dog stroller.
As with any outdoor dog-friendly activity in LA, precaution is needed when sightseeing in hot weather since you and your pooch can quickly overheat. Plenty of water and shaded or air-conditioned breaks are musts during warm weather outings. Unfortunately, when temperatures rise above 85℉, it may be too hot to comfortably cruise around landmarks on foot.
See which Los Angeles site is an ideal spot to watch with your woof.
Sunset Boulevard
About: This 22-mile road is one of the most famous in the city and is great for walking with your woof. There’s everything from old architecture of years past to modern metropolises of opulence lining its path, making it a cool place to snag epic dog selfies, too. We recommend starting around the Rodeo Drive area to see the most landmark-like structures.
Address: Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive
Website: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/in/attraction/sunset-boulevard
Special Notes:
- Some stretches are way more dog walker-friendly than others
- Avoid midday walks in hot weather, as the pavement can harm your pup’s paws
Hollywood Walk of Fame
About: Pose your pooch with your favorite star’s square on this famous landmark. Be respectful and make sure your pup doesn’t piddle or poo near the placards. More than 2,700 celebrity stars make up this attraction, so you’ll have plenty of exploring to do during your visit.
Address: Hollywood Boulevard from Gower to La Brea / Vine Street from Sunset to Yucca
Website: https://walkoffame.com/
Special Notes:
- Use the site’s Find A Star feature if you’re interested in locating specific celebrity stars quickly
- One of the most popular landmarks in the city, so it can be crowded
- Check the events calendar for upcoming star ceremonies
4. Refuel with your Rover at a dog-friendly restaurant.
Food, fresh air, and freedom from the house? That sounds like an awesome pawventure to almost any dog. You can get all three by taking your four-footer to a pup-friendly restaurant.
Dining out with your doggo exposes him to new scenery and potentially new food if the dog-friendly restaurant has a mutt menu. Few four-footers would say no to that!
With that in mind, restaurants are best for well-behaved, friendly dogs who don’t struggle with resource guarding. You’ll also want to avoid slipping your pup table scraps to avoid tummy upset.
Check out our picks for the best dog-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles. Looking for more mutt-friendly eateries in LA and beyond? See the best dog-friendly restaurant chains.
5. Bounce over to the beach with your barker.
A beach trip is essential if your woof can’t get enough of the wet stuff. A few hours of running across the sand and splashing in the water tires your terrier out from head to tail, particularly if he spends his time zooming around with other pups!
Of course, beach outings are best for dogs who like water, but some water-hating woofs still appreciate the chance to spread out on a beach blanket and watch the waves. Pack enough water for everyone to stay hydrated, and consider an umbrella or canopy for shade.
Always monitor your dog around water, even if he’s a strong swimmer. A dog life vest may also be a good idea, especially if he’s older or a stockier breed that can’t tread water well, like a bulldog.
Grab a towel and explore this dog-friendly Los Angeles beach for a surfside adventure.
Rosie’s Dog Beach
About: This 4-acre stretch of beach is entirely unfenced, which works well for Rovers with great recall. If your pup doesn’t reliably respond to commands, walking him on a leash is a must; otherwise, you may have a runaway dog!
Address: Ocean Boulevard between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue, Long Beach, CA
Website: https://www.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/directory/rosies-dog-beach/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- May close for poor beach conditions or special events
6. Pamper your pup with a shopping trip.
Shopping might not seem like the most dog-friendly activity in Los Angeles, but a house-dwelling doggo will surely appreciate the chance to get out and stretch his legs somewhere new, especially if you’re shopping for pooch products!
Wandering a store with your pup offers vital physical and mental exercise, even at a leisurely pace. Think of the menagerie of fun new things you see in a day of shopping. Now imagine seeing all that, plus having a nose as powerful as a pooch’s. Incredible, right?
Browse doggone awesome deals at these dog-friendly shopping spots around LA.
Ovation Hollywood
About: Several dog-friendly shops and restaurants are within this famous shopping space. There are also several shaded patches and seating areas to rest with your Rover between shop stops.
Address: 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone Number: (323) 817-0200
Website: https://www.ovationhollywood.com/
Special Notes:
- Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though individual shop and restaurant hours may vary
- Check the site’s social calendar for events that may lead to packed conditions and live music – two things that may stress your dog out
The Grove LA
About: Leashed pups are permitted to stroll with pet parents in this open-air shopping district, but only some of the stores welcome woofers inside, so be sure to ask in advance. The center’s grassy patches are a hit for resting your Rover between deal dashing shop to shop.
Address: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone Number: (323) 900-8080
Website: https://thegrovela.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday
- Open rain or shine
7. Relax with your retriever at a dog-friendly bar.
Ready to kick back after a long day with your doggo?
Pop over to a dog-friendly patio at a Los Angeles bar.
Often shaded by awnings and equipped with fans, these pooch-welcoming spaces are perfect for your dog to calmly take in his surroundings without too much fuss (unless it’s a sports bar on game day!). Dog-friendly bars are also a great setting to meet other pup-loving people.
While friendly, well-mannered mutts might love a dog-friendly bar adventure, anxious and snappish canines will not. For these pups, skip the trip and sip a cool beverage in your backyard. You could even try out a DIY non-alcoholic dog beer recipe so he can join the fun!
As always, drink responsibly. Never drive drunk and limit your intake; you’re still responsible for your sniffer’s well-being.
Browse our picks for the best dog-friendly bars in Los Angeles to find a watering hole to enjoy with your woofer.
8. Visit a doggy bakery.
Are you looking to sweeten your best buddy’s day with a doggo dessert?
Head to a dog-friendly bakery.
Yes, these exist, and there are several across Los Angeles to explore, serving everything from savory salmon treats to “sweet” carob cakes for your barker’s birthday. Just be sure to avoid any food allergies or intolerance your pup has!
Check out these Los Angeles dog-friendly bakeries to treat your canine to something special.
The Dog Bakery
About: Found within the LA Farmers Market, the Los Angeles location of this barkin’ bakery welcomes your woof to come along as you browse handmade dog treats, cakes, jerky, and more. All recipes feature natural ingredients and are made in the USA.
Address: 6333 West 3rd Street #710, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone Number: (323) 935-7512
Website: https://www.thedogbakery.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Additional California locations in Long Beach, Old Pasadena, Mar Vista, and in LAX
Naked Dog Bistro
About: Technically, this hound-bakin’ business is in Laguna Beach, but it’s close enough for consideration when you factor in its natural, gluten-free Fido food offerings. Sniffer snacks include fresh dog treats made daily, custom-order dog cakes, and custom canine cupcakes.
Address: 424 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone Number: (949) 715-9900
Website: https://www.nakeddogbistro.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday
- Fresh dog food and CBD dog products are also available
Daisy’s Delights
About: Specializing in small batches of dog goodies handmade with human-grade ingredients and no preservatives, this pooch bakeshop sells treats from its brick-and-mortar location as well as distributes them from pet shops all around. They also have special diet treats, including corn, wheat, and gluten-free for floofs with food restrictions.
Address: 5405 Wilshire Boulevard #234, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone Number: (310) 273-0092
Website: https://www.daisysdelights.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
Why not try your hand at making a DIY doggy recipe at home? From dog cookies to training treats and dog cakes, you can bake up a storm at home for your sniffer, ensuring you know exactly what goes into each batch. Feel free to sprinkle in extra love, too!
9. Settle in for the night at a dog-friendly hotel.
After a long day of fun under the LA sun, who wants to sit in traffic?
Not a tired pet parent, that’s for sure.
Instead, stay over and extend your muttventure at a woof-welcoming Los Angeles hotel. There’s no shortage of options, either, with the city offering everything from boutique accommodations to dog-friendly hotel chains within its borders.
Staying at a hotel lets you focus on the moment with your mutt rather than worrying about commuting home. Plus, it opens you up to an array of other amazing dog-friendly activities in LA, like a sunset or sunrise walk on the beach!
Of course, hotel stays aren’t suitable for every dog. A hotel isn’t a good fit if your pup has complex medical issues, isn’t housetrained, or struggles with nuisance barking. Anxious dogs may find the extended change of scenery too much as well.
Kiss travel woes goodbye for the night and browse these dog-friendly Los Angeles hotels.
UCLA Luskin Conference Center
About: A flat $25 fee per stay, this hotel permits your pup to stay over and enjoy its gorgeous grounds of walking paths and open greenery – things any pooch will love to explore. All visiting dogs score a welcoming kit containing a water bowl, treat, and dog poop bags for convenient cleanup.
Address: 425 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone Number: (310) 206-8585
Website: https://luskinconferencecenter.ucla.edu/
Special Notes:
- Check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM
- Onsite restaurant has a dog-friendly menu
- No size limit on sniffers
- Limit of 2 dogs per room
Bayside Hotel
About: Any size floof can come along when you stay at this beautiful waterside hotel, located close to heaps of hound-friendly spaces, including the beach! The vibe is much more laid back than many area hotels, letting you and your pupper kick back in comfort.
Address: 2001 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone Number: (310) 396-6000
Website: https://www.baysidehotel.com/
Special Notes:
- Check-in time is 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM
- A $50 pet fee applies to your stay if you have a pooch
The Delphi
About: Your dog can snooze with you at this luxury downtown hotel that provides visiting woofs with a bed and food and water bowls at check-in for maximum canine comfort. There is a $100 fee per stay and no size restrictions, allowing you to stay with a gargantuan Great Dane or tiny toy poodle.
Address: 550 S Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone Number: (213) 892-8080
Website: https://www.thedelphihotel.com/
Special Notes:
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM
- Smoke-free property
Dog-Friendly Activity Etiquette Tips
Taking your dog out requires following a set of spoken and unspoken rules, or the fur might fly – literally and figuratively. Please keep these in mind to keep dog-friendly activities flourishing in LA and beyond.
When enjoying a dog-friendly activity with your dog:
- Scoop your dog’s poop. Dog poop disposal is essential in spreading disease and parasites. It also helps keep public spaces clean and usable. Always pack dog poop bags, clean up your canine’s droppings, and properly dispose of the bag in a trash can.
- Don’t go to public places with a dog- or people-aggressive canine. Risking the safety of your dog and others is never okay. It’s also unfairly stressful on your floof. Instead, opt for solo activities, like backyard dog pool time or enjoying DIY dog ice cream.
- Make sure your dog is healthy. Sick doggos belong at home recuperating, not out and about being walked ragged and potentially spreading illness. When your woof isn’t feeling his best, consult your vet and let him recover at home with extra TLC.
- Ensure your dog’s vaccines are current. Los Angeles doggos must be up-to-date on a rabies vaccine, but other vaccinations like distemper and parvo are also recommended for pups visiting public places like parks. Ask your vet if you don’t know which shots your woof needs.
- Leash your four-footer. Dogs are forbidden from running at large in public spaces in LA unless they’re within a designated off-leash area. Multiple leash styles exist to make tethering your terrier easier, including multi-function dog leashes and leashes for dogs that pull.
- Respect the space of others. People are allowed to dine, walk, and exist without dogs begging them, jumping on them, or barking at them. Some people may be allergic, and others might not like dogs – horrid, we know. However, as a pet parent, your job is to corral your canine. Don’t let him invade the space of others.
- Don’t allow doggo destruction. Your dog shouldn’t be digging, shredding, or otherwise damaging anything in public spaces unless it’s part of the intended activity. Any destruction caused is your responsibility, and you may be fined or billed for the damage.
- Skip cemeteries and memorials. These are sacred spots of remembrance, not dog parks. No one wants to see an animal relieving themselves by their loved one’s grave.
Don’t forget the most important rule of dog-friendly activities: Have fun! Dog-inclusive activities are all about bonding with your barker. Don’t get caught up in the planning and particulars. Remember to enjoy the moment with your mutt!
Los Angeles sure is a pooch-friendly place. We hope your agenda is full of pupper possibilities!
Have you enjoyed any of our picks for the best dog-friendly activities in Los Angeles? Are there others you partake in with your pooch? Share with us in the comments. We’d love to know your favorite pup pastimes in the city!
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