Where to take your dogs in Los Angeles?

Hello, Dog Angeles! Whether you are visiting or have lived here for years, I think we’ll all agree that LA is one of the most dog-friendly cities there are. With its sunshine and abundant space, Los Angeles offers lots of things to do with your dog. I’ve lived here for over 15 years and I’m still covering ground — this city is big! I’ve listed my favorite places to play, eat, shop + stay with your pup. Welcome to the best coast — the West Coast!

 

Lake Hollywood is a must, especially for that infamous pic under the Hollywood sign! There’s a fun little leash-only dog park below that’s usually dotted with pups and picnics — one of the most popular dog-friendly parks in Los Angeles. 3160 Canyon Lake Dr.

West Hollywood Dog Park is a beautiful, manicured park across the street from the Pacific Design Center. Fully fenced areas with artificial grass for large dog + and a separate fenced area for small dogs. Take a quick 5 minute walk to Zinque for delicious, French small plates + their happy hour. 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.

Bluff Creek Dog Park: for those on the Westside, this super clean park offers artificial grass and a small man-made creek. 12604 Bluff Creek Dr. Playa Vista.

Griffith Park is massive and the perfect place for a nature lover. The park stretches over 4,210 acres of land which makes it one of the largest urban parks in North America. You can explore the Travel Town Museum which features an old railroad track, have a grassy picnic or just have a nice walk around.

If you’re into hiking, put on your workout gear and get your Instagram photos in at Runyun Canyon. The steps will really have you work up a sweat!

 

Read the post: Best Dog Parks in Los Angeles That Aren’t Overcrowded

You would think Southern California’s beaches would be filled with pups running up and down after tennis balls, but LA has very strict rules on bringing dogs to their beaches. Many are not dog-friendly — there are just a few beaches near Los Angeles that allow dogs off-leash.

Dog-Friendly Off-Leash Beaches in Southern California:

• Huntington Dog Beach: 100 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
• Rosie’s Dog Beach: between Granada Ave + Roycroft Ave. 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803.
• Leo Carrillo: located north of lifeguard tower 3. 35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA.

 

Fun tip: if you have a French bulldog, check out the So Cal’s French Beachdogs Meetup group. Frenchie owners + their pups get together for a playdate at Rosie’s Dog Beach!

Paul Smith store: I know, I know. The iconic bubblegum pink wall is overplayed on Instagram and with bloggers but if you’re already on Melrose Ave, you can’t miss it. Take a photo with your pup against the infamous pink wall — just do it. 😉

Of all the shopping areas in LA, Melrose Place is the most charming and oh so “European,” in my humble opinion. This beautiful, tree-lined street features floral alley ways and chic luxury brands like Chloe, Isabel Marant, Oscar de la Renta, Bottega Veneta, Violet Grey and more.

 

My favorite place to shop is Century City Westfield because they have everything. Bloomingdales, Nordstrom’s, Container Store, H&M, Zara, Oak + Fort, Aritzia… and can’t-miss restaurants like Eataly, Javier’s and Din Tai Fung. It’s also just a beautiful place to walk with your dogs — gorgeous sitting areas with to-die-for furniture, beautifully crafted planters and urban chic decor. 

 

Hang out at The Grove! After some shopping (Nordstrom’s, Topshop, Zara, Sephora + more) grab a dairy-free frozen yogurt from Pressed Juicery and hang out on the grassy lawn right next to the main fountain. There are wooden chairs and the Grove provides blankets to stretch out on the grass as well. They even offer complimentary doggie treats. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, make sure to grab a table at Fountain Bar!

 

ROW DTLA is an urban enclave of creative, forward-thinking retailers, restaurants and boutiques. Think super cool Japanese pottery shops, Korean-owned fashion brands, pop-up shops and cute food spots. You’ll definitely feel like an LA native! 777 S Alameda St.

 

Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. So many must-see stores (Cuyana, Le Labo, Parachute, Shinola + more) and artisanal cafes + restaurants fill this popular area. Every Saturday, check out Artist + Fleas for a flea market with 50+ local vendors. 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Sitting on the base of Rodeo Dr is the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel (yes, a la Pretty Woman) It is also dog-friendly with no pet fee which is much-appreciated (dogs 15 lbs max). 9500 Wilshire. Just across the street, stop for lunch at Two Rodeo Drive at their upstairs outdoor patio and enjoy the view. It’s definitely touristy but super fun for people-watching. Complimentary 2 hour valet parking. Stroll along this historic road and visit the flagship stores of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier, Harry Winston and more.

In the mood for a film? The Rooftop Cinema Club has three locations in Los Angeles (DTLA, Arts District + El Segundo). Bring your pup and watch a fun movie outdoors with a great view of the city skylines. They show classic movies like Pulp Fiction, Friday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s — we watched Legally Blonde! You can also get snacks and alcoholic beverages. 😉 

 

Connie & Ted’s. New England seafood classics like fish of the day, fish + chips, raw seafood bar and the best Manhattan chowder in town. Lots of room for your pup(s) with its huge grass-covered patio (converted from their parking lot). 8171 Santa Monica Blvd.

Check out the trendy Ron Herman for curated beauty products, trendy clothing and kitchy home decor. In the front, take a break at Mauro’s Cafe — authentic Italian classics with a modern, cafe atmosphere: my fave dish here is the pomodoro spaghetti with broccoli and peas added in and the Fred’s Pasta! They also offer lots of outdoor seating in their expansive parking lot (it really remains one of the few places in LA with free, ample parking!) 8112 Melrose Ave.

Zinque is one of my favorites in LA, especially for Happy Hour. Happy Hour menu features French mini bites and lotsss of wine. 8684 Melrose Ave.

 

Eveleigh features farm-to-table comfort food and an adorable dog-friendly outdoor patio. The decor here is to die for and the pups feel right at home on their beautiful patio. 8752 Sunset Blvd.

Check out my other top 10 Dog Friendly Eats in Hollywood.

The LINE hotel has made its mark in Los Angeles, highlighting Koreatown as a hip, vibrant spot to explore. 12-story hotel features concrete walls and industrial aesthetic. Read more here. Pet fee: free!

 

With twelve lush acres, the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel has so many spectacular areas to walk around in, especially near the bungalows. Enjoy the giant palm trees, the iconic pink + green shades and palm leaf prints. I just love the old Hollywood vibes of this hotel. Read full review. Pet fee: $35 per pet, per stay.

Now you can find 1 Hotel in West Hollywood! This eco-friendly hotel fits right into the LA lifestyle with native greenery and natural touches like reclaimed wood and organic zen decor. The lobby feels like an oasis and one of my favorite places to have lunch and bring my laptop (and pups). Pet fee: free!

Looking for French glamour? Sofitel perfectly combines Hollywood Glamour and French Elegance. One of the perks of this hotel is its location; walking distance to the Beverly Center, restaurants + more. Gorgeous spa, fitness center, and the best part: no pet fee! Read my full review here. 

With 38 rooms and tucked away in a residential area, the Palihotel in Santa Monica is almost hidden and completely peaceful. No pool but this three-story, 1920s Revival building greets you with an enchanting garden with tall greenery, a fountain and even a bocce ball court. Pets stay for $125 and the hotel provides comfy dog beds, bowls + homemade treats. Read full review.

Silverlake Inn + Pool features 54 rooms, an elevated pool deck and a gorgeous coastal Italian-inspired, outdoor restaurant downstairs called Marco Polo. The rooms feel spacious and airy with cozy accents like speckled terrazzo nightstands, real trees in planters and jute rugs. $125 per pet, up to 2 dogs. 4141 Santa Monica Blvd.

If you’re looking to stay at the beach, Shutters Hotel in Santa Monica is iconic. Built directly on Santa Monica Beach, the beach-chic rooms are plush and and you’re just steps away from the sand, perfect for beach romps with the pup(s)! $125 per dog (25 lbs max), up to 2 dogs. 1 Pico Blvd.