Interested in somewhere for your sniffer to exercise and meet other mutts in the City of Angels? Why not visit one of the area’s amazing dog parks?
Dog parks aren’t for every four-footer, but for friendly fur kids, they’re an awesome place to enjoy safe off-leash fun. They’re especially great for urban dogs like those in LA who may not have access to a fenced yard for outdoor enrichment.
Below, we’ll share the best dog parks in Los Angeles, discuss the features to look for in a dog park, and share tips and tricks to make the most of your dog park visit.
Best Dog Parks in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most dog-friendly cities, so it’s no surprise it’s home to amazing pupper play areas. Let’s get to know the best dog parks in Los Angeles (in no specific order) and see which might suit you and your dog’s idea of fun.
1. Griffith Dog Park
About: Enclosed fully with tall chain-link fencing, this public barker break space isn’t overflowing with amenities, but it offers a safe place for LA lapdogs to sprint freely and play with fur friends. A few trash cans dot the space, along with pooper scoopers, water stations for hydration, and trees for shade.
Info:
- Area: Griffith
- Address: 5105 N Zoo Dr, Los Angeles CA
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/griffith
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset, Closed Tuesdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for maintenance
- Size: 1.6 acres
Special notes:
- Dirt terrain can get messy
- Small and large dog areas separate from one another for safety
- Nearby roadways create quite a bit of noise
- Some picnic tables, chairs, and benches for seating
- No food or treats are allowed within the dog park
- No smoking is allowed on the park grounds
- Females in heat and puppies under 4 months old are not permitted
- All visiting dogs must be spayed or neutered
2. Arts District Dog Park
About: Cool canine art sets this private pupper play park apart from the rest, fitting nicely with its neighborhood motif. Coded entry secures the area from outsiders, which gives many pet parents peace of mind.
Info:
- Area: Arts District
- Address: 1004 East 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Website: https://laraba.org/arts-district-dog-park-1/
- Open hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Size: 6000 square feet
Special notes:
- Separate space for small and shy pups
- Double-gated entry for added safety
- All visiting dogs must be more than 4 months old, altered, up-to-date on vaccines, and licensed
- Completely enclosed with tall metal fencing featuring closely spaced bars
- Decomposed granite rock terrain can get muddy (especially around the drinking areas!)
- Doggy fire hydrants for woof “watering”
- Water fountain for rehydrating during play
- A few trees offer some shade from the hot LA sun
- Onsite pooper scoopers are provided for easy cleanup
- Street parking can be a headache
It isn’t entirely clear whether or not Arts District Dog Park charges a fee to gain entry to the park. We’ve reached out via email, but they haven’t responded.
3. Longwood Park Dog Park
About: Also known as Bark Park to locals, this no-frills Fido fun plex has all your dog needs to flex his legs off-leash with friends. Trees add a touch of nature, while the rectangular space doesn’t have any nooks and crannies for your pup to hide, allowing you to keep tabs on your pooch easily.
Info:
- Area: Playa Vista
- Address: 13077 Villosa Pl, Playa Vista, CA 90094
- Website: https://foursquare.com/v/longwood-park-dog-park/4c384ce71e06d13a067f773e
- Open hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Size: Less than ¼ city block
Special notes:
- Fully fenced with chain-link
- Hard-packed dirt and mulch terrain can get dusty
- Cleanup stations positioned throughout the park for easy poop scooping
- Shaded areas and benches are available to keep owners comfy
- Open and flat, making it perfect for fetch
- Separate areas for large and small dogs for safer play
- Dog water fountain helps keep floofs hydrated
- Not as busy as most LA dog parks
4. Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park
About: Venturing west of the city allows your dog to conquer agility equipment at this off-leash play area. Several trees offer shade and sniffability, and onsite pooper scoopers and trash bins make for convenient cleanup.
Info:
- Area: Encino
- Address: 17550 Victory Boulevard, Encino Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/sepulveda
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset, Closed Fridays from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM for maintenance
- Size: 6.5 acres
Special notes:
- Tall chain-link fencing surrounds the park on all sides
- Features 3 separate play spaces to accommodate dogs of different sizes and play styles
- No food or treats are allowed within the off-leash area
- All dogs must be spayed or neutered
- Lots of open space for sprinting and playing fetch
- Multiple benches and plastic chairs for seating
- Grass and dirt terrain can get messy
5. Bluff Creek Fields Dog Park
About: Escape the city’s concrete jungle at this hillside hound haunt, featuring well-maintained grounds with hedges and trees to block out traffic and passersby. It’s one of the busier spots on our list, and it only offers street parking, so you may want to avoid peak hours.
Info:
- Area: Playa Vista
- Address: 12604 Bluff Creek Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90094
- Website: https://foursquare.com/v/bluff-creek-fields-dog-park/575386cd498e80be5c08261f
- Open hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Size: Unknown
Special notes:
- Separate areas for small and large dogs
- Onsite dog water fountains
- Fully fenced with tall chain-link
- Small play hills give each dog area a fun, varying texture
- Shaded areas and benches are within the dog park
- Artificial grass and pavement in the dog runs
- Onsite poop bag dispensers
- Splash fountains available for watery woof fun
6. Herman Park in the Arroyo Seco Dog Park
About: If you’re after a simple open space for off-leash play, this sniffer site is a perfect match, as it’s relatively flat and sparsely occupied by trees and other obstacles. Surrounded by average-height chain-link fencing, this granite and dirt-terrain dog park isn’t as noisy as many others, as it’s tucked away in a less trafficked residential area.
Info:
- Area: Hermon
- Address: 5566 Via Marisol Los Angeles, CA 90042
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/hermon-arroyo-seco
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: 1.3 acres
Special notes:
- Double-gated entries for safer visitor flow
- Separate areas for small and large dogs
- Several benches dot the off-leash area for humans to relax
- Onsite water for dogs
- Walking trails nearby are great for leashed walks
- Poop bag dispensers are stationed at the park (but pack your own, just in case!)
7. Whittier Dog Park
About: Head to Whittier for everyday open-air fun at this off-leash oasis for dogs. The hard-packed dirt terrain is great for rounds of fetch, but it can get dusty when windy and muddy around the watering areas.
Info:
- Area: Whittier
- Address: 12206 Philadelphia Street, Whittier, CA 90601
- Website: https://www.whittierprcs.org/parks-center/dog-park
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed until 11:00 AM on Thursdays to allow for maintenance
- Size: Unknown
Special notes:
- Separate sections for large and small dogs
- All dogs must be handled by owners 18 years and older
- No digging is allowed
- Benches and shaded areas help pet parents stay comfy
- Several water fixtures to keep canines hydrated
- No food is permitted in the dog area
- No puppies under 4 months or female dogs in heat can enter the park
- Dogs must wear county or local government-issued licensing tags or risk citation
- Only 3 dogs per visitor allowed
8. Runyon Canyon
About: Seeking more of an outdoorsy adventure than a run-of-the-mill dog park excursion? Travel to this hiking lover’s paradise of winding trails to hike off-leash with your best fur friend.
Info:
- Area: Griffith
- Address: 2000 N Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/runyon-canyon
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: 90 acres of off-leash space
Special notes:
- No fencing, so dogs need top-notch recall
- Canyon is home to several dangerous animals, including coyotes, cougars, snakes, and hawks (leash little dogs, please!)
- Poop bag dispensers dot the park’s many trails
- One of the most popular places to take pups for off-leash fun
- Water fountains for keeping you and your floof well hydrated
- Finding a parking spot can be a headache (getting an early start makes it easier)
9. Silver Lake Dog Park
About: Located in one of LA’s busiest areas, Silver Lake is the place to be if you’re after an ever-changing group of fur friends for your floof. Weekends and peak hours are super busy here, so you’re bound to meet new faces during each visit.
Info:
- Area: Griffith
- Address: 1863 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/silverlake
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed until 8:30 AM on Wednesdays for maintenance
- Size: 1.25 acres
Special notes:
- Small and large dog sections keep canines safer during play
- Sand and dirt terrain can get messy
- Fresh water supply available for dogs on site
- Some benches and shaded areas for pet parents
- Lighting is poor in the early morning and evening
- Large dog area is on an incline, which doesn’t pair well with rounds of fetch
10. Laurel Canyon
About: Proudly serving as LA’s first dog park, Laurel Canyon remains one of the best dog parks in Los Angeles with its sizable off-leash area, open spaces, and convenient dog wash station. Wheelchair-accessible seating and observation make this an excellent fit for more pet parents than other sniffer parks.
Info:
- Area: Hollywood Hills
- Address: 8260 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/laurel-canyon
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed Fridays until 11:00 AM for maintenance
- Size: 3 acres
Special notes:
- Separate areas for big and small dogs
- Onsite poop scoopers and trash cans offer easy poo patrol
- Parking can be limited at times, as this is one of the busier dog parks in LA
- Dirt terrain can get dusty and muddy at times
- Several area trails are great for leashed hikes or jogs
- Picnic tables and benches dot the dog run and provide human seating
11. Redondo Beach Dog Park
About: Flex your four-footer’s skills at this off-leash area for dogs, featuring agility equipment to master one obstacle at a time. This is a great stop for active dogs looking to put mind and body to work while having fun.
Info:
- Area: Redondo Beach
- Address: 190 Flagler Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
- Website: https://rbdogpark.com/
- Open hours: Dawn to 9:00 PM; closed Wednesdays until noon for maintenance
- Size: 3 acres
Special notes:
- Divided play spaces for large and small dogs
- Grass and dirt terrain can get messy
- Fenced entirely in average-height chain-link fence
- Double-gated entries offer more security
- Onsite pooper scoopers and trash cans make for easier park upkeep
- Watering stations for dogs to stay healthy and hydrated
12. Alice’s Dog Park
About: Also known as The Alice Frost Kennedy Off Leash Dog Park, this grassy growler getaway has small hill features, fire hydrants, and a tunnel to check out. Human visitors will appreciate the benches and shade, with the onsite poop bag dispensers and water sources making canine care easier.
Info:
- Area: Pasadena
- Address: 3026 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
- Website: https://pasadenapooch.org/#intro
- Open hours: Dawn to dusk; closed Tuesdays for maintenance
- Size: 3.5 acres total
Special notes:
- Enclosed in 6-foot chain-link fencing
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Double-gated entries offer an extra layer of safety
- Limit of 3 dogs per visitor
- Can get muddy around water areas or after rain
- No digging or excessive barking are allowed
- Dogs must be licensed in their home district to visit
13. The Boneyard Dog Park
About: Tall chain-link fencing secures this standard California dog park featuring several mature trees and great lighting for early morning or night excursions within its simple off-leash setup. Pooper scoopers and trash cans make keeping the park poo-free a breeze, but you may want to wear sunglasses or other eye protection to keep sand out of your eyes on windy days.
Info:
- Area: Culver City
- Address: 9910 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City 90232
- Website: https://www.culvercity.org/Parks/The-Boneyard-Dog-Park
- Open hours: Dawn to 10:00 PM
- Size: 1 acre
Special notes:
- Dirt and gravel terrain can result in a super messy Rover (anticipate a bath after each visit!)
- Divided into small dog, large dog, and time-out sections
- No leashes are to be worn in the dog runs
- All visiting dogs must be older than 4 months, vaccinated, and licensed (carry proof just in case you’re asked by a city official)
- Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Limit of 3 dogs per owner
- Prong, spike, and choke collars are not permitted
- Food and dog toys aren’t allowed within the off-leash areas
- Nearby park restrooms are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Benches, shaded areas, and water fountains are available onsite
14. Eagle Rock Dog Park
About: Eagle Rock’s combination of artificial grass and paved terrain makes avoiding messes a little easier, though the park still has some dirt determined doggos will roll around in. Rock obstacles and trees decorate the Rover run, giving your pup a chance to use his climbing and sniffing skills.
Info:
- Area: Eagle Rock
- Address: 1100 Eagle Vista Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90041
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/eagle-rock-dog-park
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: 1 acre
Special notes:
- Entirely fenced with metal barricades but not ideal for escape artists
- No separate space for smaller or shy dogs
- Water fountains help keep canines hydrated for more fun
- Several benches and shaded spots to unwind while your woof plays
- Hilled portions make the area more interesting for dogs to explore (but can make playing fetch exhausting!)
- Street parking only
15. Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park
About: Formerly known as Glen Alla Dog Park, this dog park is home to a number of four-footed events, including dog park etiquette classes and breed meetups. While well-maintained, this pupper play place isn’t as well-shaded as others, so avoid visiting during the hottest hours of the day.
Info:
- Area: West Los Angeles
- Address: 4601 Alla Rd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/glen-alla
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: Unknown
Special notes:
- Double-gated entries add extra security
- Fenced entirely with tall chain-link
- Sections for large and small dogs to ensure everyone plays comfortably
- All visiting dogs must be altered, vaccinated, and licensed
- Water sources for quenching four-footer thirst
- Several benches in the dog runs (they fill up fast!)
- Nearby playground and tennis courts can be overwhelming to some doggos
- Dirt, concrete, and artificial turf terrain
16. Westminster Dog Park
About: No-frills fun is a promise at this busy but basic barker space, offering clear sightlines to your canine without an abundance of obstacles as he zips around. This humble hound area may not have the glitz and glamor of others, but it still offers city-living pups a chance to roam off-leash and meet new fur friends.
Info:
- Area: Venice
- Address: 1234 Pacific Avenue Venice, CA 90291
- Website: https://www.laparks.org/dogpark/westminster
- Open hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed until 10:00 AM Tuesdays for maintenance
- Size: 0.8 acre
Special notes:
- Sand and woodchip play surface can get messy
- Tons of open space for sprinting and fetch
- Separate area for small dogs to play
- Enclosed with average-height, chain-link and wood fencing
- Double-gated entries offer extra safety
- Benches and chairs offer humans some seating while sniffers romp around
17. West Hollywood Dog Park
About: Frequent maintenance can make scheduling stops at this four-footed fun place tricky, but it pays off in a clean, modern mutt area of artificial turf. If you want to skip the sandy and dirt of other LA dog parks, this is the Rover rec space for you.
Info:
- Area: West Hollywood
- Address: 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069
- Website: https://www.weho.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/773
- Open hours: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM; small dog area closed for maintenance 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM daily and on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM; large dog space closed for maintenance 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM daily and on Tuesdays from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM, as well as Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Size: 7000 square foot space for large dogs, 4000 square feet for small dogs
Special notes:
- Separate large and small dog parks
- Water sources for canines to drink from
- Good lightning for early morning and evening visits
- Fully enclosed by metal and chain-link fencing
- Shrubbery offers some coziness from nearby traffic, but it still noisy to sensitive sniffers
- Some shaded spots and seating for human guests
- Onsite bag dispensers and trash bins for dog poop disposal
Features to Look for in a Dog Park?
Finding the best dog park for your pupperino takes some digging, as some areas are better suited for some play styles and needs than others. The wrong park makes for a lousy day, making research ahead of time a must.
When browsing potential dog parks for your dog, look into the following:
- Sizing: Dog parks that are too small can leave your sprinting sniffer feeling confined and may lead to capacity issues in a busy city like LA. At the same time, bigger isn’t always better, with expansive fenced spaces overwhelming if your dog’s still mastering recall.
- Fencing: Secure fencing is vital in keeping your dog safe at the dog park. Many parks feature chain-link fencing, while others use wood or metal. Pay attention to slats to ensure your pup can’t slip out, and note the height, as some doggos can easily scale 3- or 4-foot-tall fences.
- Special sections: If you have a senior, small, or timid dog, look for a dog park with a separate area for these more delicate doggos. These protect your pup away from rowdy Rovers who may accidentally hurt them during play.
- Area: Wildlife is a significant concern in Los Angeles, with coyotes, cougars, and rattlesnakes just some of the dangerous creatures to watch for. Avoid off-leash areas near remote areas like parks or canyons with small dogs; instead, stick to leashed excursions. Skip early morning and early evening visits, too, as these are when predators are actively hunting.
- Terrain: The arid climate of Los Angeles means that most dog parks have dirt, sand, or gravel terrain, which can get messy around watering areas and dog pools. At the same time, paved play places can burn your pup’s paws in the afternoon heat.
- Human comforts: Seating is important if you plan a long outing at the dog park, as is shade from trees or awnings if your visits will be during the summer. Nearby bathrooms are great, too.
- Perks for pups: Are you looking for a basic place for your pup to stretch his legs or does your dog need added enrichment like splash pads or agility equipment? The smartest dog breeds like border collies and shepherd breeds usually need more things to do than the average off-leash area offers.
- Rules: As a general rule, LA dog parks require all visitors to be vaccinated and licensed, but each facility may have additional rules, such as toy restrictions, breed-specific bans, and limits to how many dogs an owner can bring per visit. Checking the rules ahead of time prevents you from showing up unprepared.
- Hours: Most of the best dog parks in LA operate on a sunrise to sunset schedule, but it’s important to double-check in advance to be sure a park’s hours meet your needs. You also want to note maintenance hours, as many area parks shut down at certain times to maintain the area, keeping it fresh and safe.
- Lighting: Visiting during low-light hours such as the early morning and evening means you’ll need ample lighting to stay safe. Many urban dog parks in LA feature plenty of street posts, but rural fur fun zones near canyons may lay proper lighting.
- Waste disposal: Many dog parks have onsite poop bag dispensers and trash bins, but always check to be sure. Nothing’s worse than visiting somewhere without garbage cans, leaving you holding a stinky bag until you can find one elsewhere.
- Status: Most of the best dog parks in Los Angeles we listed are public, but there are the occasional private dog parks requiring membership fees and registration. Both types of dog parks have their own pros and cons to consider.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, of course. There may be other things you care about, like how busy a dog park is, the parking situation, and proximity to public transit. Brainstorm these must-have features to weed the best from the rest on your list of contenders.
Reminder About Dog Park Etiquette 101
No one wants to be a rude pet parent, so learning dog park etiquette is necessary. Knowing the unspoken rules makes you more comfortable during your visit and ensures you won’t accidentally offend other owners.
Universal rules across all dog parks include:
- Clean up after your canine: Scoop your dog’s poop and toss away anything he shreds, like toys. You should also fill in any holes your dog digs and, ideally, stop him before he gets too deep and redirect him to a less destructive activity.
- Own your mutt’s mistakes: If your dog injures another dog or person, it’s your responsibility. This is also true if your dog destroys anything at the park.
- Watch your dog: While inside the dog park fences, your dog is your responsibility. This means ensuring he’s not pestering pet parents, trying to escape, or bullying other dogs.
- Treat others with respect: Pet parents and pups alike deserve kindness. There’s no need to talk down to others or be rude.
- Don’t scold other people’s pooches: You wouldn’t like someone correcting your fur kiddo, and most owners feel the same. Rather than overstepping, simply say, “Hey, can you please get your dog?” if their pooch displays a problem behavior.
- Leave when appropriate: Every dog has its limit. If your floof is overly hyped up or stressed out, call it a day and let him cool down with a leashed walk as you head home. This is also true if someone arrives with a bullying barker that doesn’t match your mutt’s playstyle.
- Follow the rules: Rules apply to everyone, even if you don’t necessarily agree with every regulation. Ignoring them may make you feel invincible, but it’s a sign to other pet parents that you think you’re above existing between the lines.
- Pack a leash: While many dog parks are off-leash, the areas beyond the designated zones are likely covered by a leash law, especially in Los Angeles. Always bring a leash along and use it where required.
- Only visit with healthy, vaccinated dogs: Dog parks can be a breeding ground for illness if sick dogs frequent them. If your pup is under the weather with any digestive upset or other concerns, skip the park for solo play at home until he’s healthy again. It’s also essential to ensure he’s current on vaccinations to protect him and other pups from communicable diseases like rabies and distemper.
- Avoid the dog park if it’s not a good fit: If you or your dog dislike groups of people or pets, a dog park isn’t the place for you. This is also true if your pup is known for resource-guarding or being dog-selective. Rather than risk a problem, do a solo activity with your sniffer, like hiking him on a long leash.
The best way to assess if a dog park is a good fit is to visit it in person alone before bringing your dog along. This allows you to focus on things like the fencing quality, area noise, and overall vibe – things you may overlook while tending to your hound’s happiness.
Tips for a Better Dog Park Visit
The secret to having the best outing to the dog park is being prepared. While you can’t anticipate everything that may happen, paying attention to a few vital areas ensures an easier trip overall.
Before your next dog park run:
- Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and licensing: LA requires all dogs visiting public dog parks to be current on vaccines and licensed, with either tags or paperwork as proof.
- Treat your dog with tick and flea preventative: Dog parks can be spreading grounds for pests, making topic treatments or flea collars must-haves before any visit.
- Pack water for you and your woof: A park’s water fountains may not be running, which may leave you and your pup parched.
- Bring extra poop bags: Onsite bag dispensers aren’t always stocked; so, always bring your own (including a few spares). .
- Keep a towel handy: You never know if your pup’s going to splash in dog park water sources or find a new fun mud bog. A towel isn’t the end-all-be-all of canine cleanup, but it can certainly cut down on the initial ick before your journey home to cleanup.
- Use a carseat cover or sheet if driving: Even the cleanest of dog parks risk some extra hair or sand in your car. Covering your seats contains the mess.
- Be ready for a bath after your trip: Not every dog park visit will turn into bath time, but it’s always a possibility to account for.
- Exercise your dog ahead of time: A quick walk or jog before a dog park visit helps burn some pent-up energy, preventing your woof from going too wild.
- Work on recall and other obedience basics: Even if fully fenced, an off-leash dog area means you’ll ultimately have to leash your dog to go home. If he doesn’t respond to commands or come when called, the process can be a real headache.
Does your doggo love any of our best dog parks in Los Angeles picks? Is there another pupper play space he adores? Tell us about your LA dog park adventures in the comments. We’d love to hear about them!
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