Whether you walk, swim, run, hike, bike, or surf, Los Angeles has some excellent dog-friendly activities for all outdoor enthusiasts. Check out our updated list for 2023!
Without a doubt, the weather is what makes the idea of living in Los Angeles so appealing. The warm temperatures and sunny days make heading outside with your pup so easy and enjoyable for dog lovers. Head on a stroll in the big, bustling city or visit your local dog park to socialize with other Angelenos.
But L.A. isn’t just urban walks and small parks. The City of Angels is surrounded by beaches and canyons that provide off-leash areas where your dog can romp, roll, and make other doggy friends.
So how do you find the best dog parks in Los Angeles? What about the best dog beaches in Los Angeles? We’ve put together a list of some of the best dog-friendly destinations near L.A. so your pup can really stretch their legs. And you can take in the natural beauty of sunny Los Angeles! Did you know that Los Angeles also has some of the best pet care pros in the country? Find your pet's new best friend on Local Pet Care!
The Best Dog Parks and Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles
- Laurel Canyon Dog Park
- Eagle Rock Dog Park
- Silver Lake Dog Park
- Sepulveda Basin Dog Park
- The Boneyard, Culver City Dog Park
- Alice’s Dog Park
- Rosie’s Dog Park at Belmont Shore Beach
- Leo Carrillo State Park, North Beach
- West Hollywood Dog Park
- Runyon Canyon Dog Park
Laurel Canyon Dog Park — 8260 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles
This 3-acre dog park is located at the top of the famous Mulholland Drive! Laurel Canyon Dog Park’s unique location makes for some pretty amazing views of the L.A. skyline. With two fenced areas, this dog park has something for dogs of all personalities. Shy, smaller, or less active dogs can enjoy one fenced area while the more active bunch gets to romp and roll in the other.
Laurel Canyon Dog Park was the first dog park in Los Angeles and the crowds that are often there, despite its somewhat hidden location, tell us that it has not faded in popularity. As with many dog parks in Los Angeles, it’s essential to be cautious. The canyon is home to native wildlife, so be sure to watch for snakes and coyotes, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Eagle Rock Dog Park — 1100 Eagle Vista Dr, Los Angeles
Eagle Rock Dog Park opened its gates in 2019 after a massive push from residents of the area to create an off-leash park for their dogs to gather.
Now one of the best dog parks in Los Angeles, Eagle Rock Dog Park features artificial turf and a long cement path winding through it. This park has a large water fountain area for dogs and ample shade from trees and canopies. The park’s edges are wooded, so there are plenty of sniffing opportunities for the most curious of pups. Plus, the off-leash area is entirely enclosed by secure fencing.
Eagle Rock Dog Park is about an acre in size, which may be on the smaller side, but it does mean less running to catch a dog that is reluctant to go home after partying it up with their new dog pals.
Silver Lake Dog Park — 1850 Silver Lake Dr, Los Angeles
Silver Lake Dog Park offers local dogs over an acre of space to run and play. With separate areas for large and small dogs, you can be sure your dog won’t be pestered by dogs twice their size (or half their size, let’s be real).
It’s important to know that this park can get a little dusty since the play area is dirt, but the walking trails around Silver Lake and the city’s views make the dust totally worthwhile.
Sepulveda Basin Dog Park — 17494 Victory Blvd, Encino
Sepulveda Basin Dog Park in Encino offers a whopping 6.5 acres for dogs to play, sniff, and explore. This park has grass and picnic areas as well as agility equipment for dogs that are a little more athletic.
But don’t worry, there is a separate area for more timid dogs, so your dog can get used to being off-leash with other pups around. There is a poop scooper provided, but be a good neighbor and bring your own poop bags to keep the park clean.
The Boneyard, Culver City Dog Park — 3160 N. Canyon Dr, Culver City
Located within Culver City Park, The Boneyard gives dogs an acre to have all sorts of off-leash fun!
What makes this one of the best dog parks in Los Angeles? The Boneyard is open later than many other area dog parks, making it a favorite local Angelenos who work late or odd hours. Open until 10 pm, The Boneyard boasts big lights so you and your dog can have some safe, late-night fun.
Alice’s Dog Park — 3026 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena
Open from dawn to dusk, with a beautiful view of the hills, Alice’s Dog Park is a grassy paradise for dogs to roam around. What makes this one of the unique dog parks in Los Angeles is the attention to detail. Alice’s Dog Park doesn’t use herbicides on the grass for the safety of both the dogs and people!
There are some other considerate features, too. If you have a particularly crafty pup, there is a double fence to help stop canine escape artists from taking off for parts unknown. Plus, small dogs have an acre of their own where they can safely play away from big paws!
Rosie’s Dog Park at Belmont Shore Beach — 5000 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
Rosie’s Dog Beach is one of the best Los Angeles dog beaches. This designated, off-leash stretch of beach is the perfect place to take your dog on a beautiful summer day. Your pup can enjoy digging in the sand or splashing in the waves, whatever their heart desires!
This popular section of beach is located in Long Beach, just outside of Los Angeles. It makes for the perfect day trip or even a weekend staycation destination.
Before visiting the beach, it’s important to know that the dog park is not fenced or sectioned off, so if you have a wandering pup, this may not be the perfect fit.
Surprisingly, dog beaches in Los Angeles aren’t as common as you’d think. Most beaches in the area have a strict ‘No Dogs’ policy. So Rosie’s Dog Beach is undoubtedly a popular hangout for local dog parents. One thing’s for sure… you’ll be pretty much guaranteed to make some new friends!
Leo Carrillo State Park, North Beach — 3500 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Leo Carrillo is not an off-leash area, but if you want to go to the beach and explore the tide pools and caves, this is a great place to take your dog for a pleasant, long stroll.
Pro-tip: Hit the beach at low tide so that you can explore the natural wonders at North Beach, specifically the area known as Sequit Point. This point has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is listed as one of Malibu’s must-see sights!
For easy exploring, be sure to pack booties to protect your dog’s paws from the rocks and crevices.
West Hollywood Dog Park — 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood
This dog park has been referred to as one of the cleanest dog parks in the LA area by pet parents on our Facebook page. Situated on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and North Vista Street, and it covers an area of approximately 1.5 acres inside of West Hollywood Park. The park features separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as plenty of shade trees, benches, and water fountains for both dogs and their owners. The West Hollywood Dog Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and it is free to use.
Runyon Canyon Dog Park — 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Hollywood, Runyon Canyon Dog Park provides generous room for your dog to frolic off-leash. From the park, you can marvel at the views of the classic Hollywood homes perched on the hillside nearby.
While your dog makes friends, grab a shady spot under a pergola or at a nearby bench. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your dog to stay hydrated as there is only one water station here.
Get out and play!
In a city like Los Angeles, there’s no reason to stay home. With beautiful beaches and rambling canyons to explore, Los Angeles has a unique natural beauty unlike any other city.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pup, their leash, and soak up some sun! But don’t limit yourself to the parks listed here. There are many other off-leash dog parks in the Los Angeles area just waiting for you to discover them!
