We've compiled a list of the very best that LA has to offer both you and your dog. Check out these dog-friendly things to do in Los Angeles.
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The Best Things to Do in Dog-Friendly Los Angeles

If you’re looking for the best things to do with your dog in Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered. From sandy beaches, to rocky coastlines, bustling cityscapes and stunning mountains, La La Land has something for everyone.

We’ve compiled a list of the very best that LA has to offer both you and your pup that’ll keep everyone, from eager tourists to lifelong Angelenos, busy. Check out these dog-friendly things to do in Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Palm Trees.

Swim at Rosie’s Dog Beach

Do you want to visit paradise? It exists on 4.1 acres of sand and surf along the Pacific coastline. The place is called Rosie’s Dog Beach, an off-leash, dog-friendly beach where canines are allowed to run, play, and swim to their hearts’ content. While there are a handful of dog-friendly beaches in SoCal, this is the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County.

Rosie's Dog Beach

Rosie’s Dog Beach exists thanks to Rosie the English Bulldog and her dad, local resident Justin Rudd. In 2001 they began hosting monthly special events for dogs to come and enjoy the beach. The 20 or so monthly Sunday dog beach events kicked off a Rudd-led pilot program, and after 15 months, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the permanent “Dog Beach Zone.”

The beach area was officially named “Rosie’s Dog Beach” on Aug. 3, 2010, to honor the life of Rudd’s dog Rosie the English Bulldog, who inspired the entire venture due to her love of the beach.

Rosie the Bulldog

Rosie’s Dog Beach is located at Ocean Blvd. between Granada Ave. and Roycroft Ave. The beach is officially open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. It can get packed in the afternoons, so keep that in mind when planning with your dog.

There’s metered parking in the Bennett Avenue lot, free parking on the street, trash cans and nearby restrooms where you can rinse salt water off of fur. Some poop bags are provided in dispensers, but don’t forget to bring your own bags from home.

We were lucky enough to visit Rosie’s Dog Beach for a pug meet up and had the best time! It’s truly a magical canine wonderland.

Location: Ocean Blvd., between Granada Avenue. and Roycroft Avenue.
Hours: 6am – 8pm every day. 

Tour Hollywood

Hollywood is one of the most famous neighborhoods not only in Los Angeles, but in the entire United States. It’s located in the central region of LA, and almost synonymous with the film industry, since so many film studios were founded there.

There’s lots to do and see in this neighborhood, and it’s worth a visit, even if you’re only in LA for a short time. Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly Hollywood activities:

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Donald Duck Hollywood Star

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of Hollywood’s main attractions, and a milestone for anyone in the entertainment industry. These Hollywood commemorative star-shaped plaques contain the names of a mix of notable musicians, actors, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, fictional characters, and others.There are over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.

Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great dog-friendly activity, since you’re outdoors, it’s a great walk, and it’s fun to spot the stars of your favorite entertainers.

Bonus: See if you can spot the stars of a famous dog or two.

Hollywood Boulevard

Hong Kong on Hollywood

Hollywood Boulevard is a major east–west street that runs through Hollywood. It begins in the west as a winding residential street at Sunset Plaza Drive in the Hollywood Hills West district, crosses Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and then proceeds due east as a major thoroughfare through Hollywood, Little Armenia and Thai Town to Vermont Avenue.

While some of the areas are known for being seedy (you might recognize it as the place where Richard Gere picks up Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman), parts of the boulevard have been revamped and are today popular tourist destinations.

You’ll see an array of attractions while walking down the Boulevard, and there are plenty of fun souvenir shops to dip into and photo ops galore.

Besides the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there’s lots to see along this strip of Hollywood, including:

  • Ovation Hollywood: Formerly known as Hollywood & Highland, this huge dog-friendly mall has a terrace with views of the famous Hollywood Sign.
  • TCL Chinese Theatre: Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is one of the oldest and most famous cinemas in the city. Check out the nearly 200 Hollywood celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt. 
  • Dolby Theatre: You’ve definitely seen this place on TV before – it’s where the Oscars are hosted every year!
Chinese Theater.

Hollywood Cemetery

A cemetery in Hollywood?! Yup! The Hollywood Forever Park Cemetery is not your ordinary cemetery tough. It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, founded in 1899 and built on a large plot of land near Paramount Pictures Studios.

The cemetery is the final resting place of many of Hollywood’s founders and stars, along with neighborhood residents and individuals from around the globe. It still operates as a full-service funeral home, crematory, and cemetery.

But it’s not just a place of remembrance – the cemetery is also a cultural events center! They hold events throughout the year, including an open-air cinema where many people gather to watch popular Hollywood movies, yoga classes, and celebrations, like their yearly Dia de Los Muertos event.

Bonus: Find the monument of Terry, the dog who played Toto in The Wizard of Oz while you’re exploring the cemetery.

Besides these suggestions, there are many more areas within Hollywood to explore. Check out Franklin Village, Little Armenia, Spaulding Square and Thai Town if you can!

See the Hollywood Sign

Boogie and the Hollywood Sign.

Everyone knows about the Hollywood Sign, even people who have never set foot in California! This American landmark is a cultural icon overlooking – you guessed it – Hollywood. It’s situated on Mount Lee, in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Put up in 1923, the sign originally spelled out “Hollywoodland” and was only supposed to last for a few months. It was advertising a new housing development in the hills above the Hollywood district of Los Angeles. The sign was so popular it stayed, minus the whole “land” part, which was dropped in 1949. It features 45 foot tall white capital letters and is 350 feet long, meaning it can be seen from a variety of locations in the surrounding areas.

Hollywood Sign

If you’re in LA, you’ll probably want to see the sign, and not just from afar. Luckily there are a few ways.

Lake Hollywood Park

Lake Hollywood Park

This was my favorite way to see the Hollywood Sign. Lake Hollywood Park, a large grassy field surrounded by trees, is located in the Hollywood Hills. The park is dog-friendly, so there’s plenty of frisbee throwing, ball-toss games, and dog chasing going on. It’s sort of like a make shift dog park with epic views.

The park is a great place to hang out, have a picnic or do yoga, all while admiring the sign from across the canyon. Even though it’s considered a tourist attraction, it’s still a great place to visit, especially if your dog is looking to play. I even had a celeb sighting at this park!

Once you’re done enjoying the park, walk a bit of a ways up the hill to a plateau where you can take some epic snapshots with the sign in the background.

If you’re in the mood, there are two notable hiking paths from the park: one that takes you around the reservoir and one that takes you up to the Hollywood sign itself.

The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Griffith Park

Head to Griffith Park for a day of hiking and make your way up the trail to get an up-close view of the sign. You’ll see the sign in its full glory and spy some amazing views along the way. More on hiking Griffith Park below.

Home Depot

It’s been said by locals that the best unofficial Hollywood Sign viewing spot is is from the top of the Home Depot parking garage on Sunset Boulevard. 

Ovation Hollywood

One of the easiest vantage points from which to see the sign is the raised patio on the north-east corner of Ovation Hollywood, formerly known as the Hollywood & Highland Center Mall. Yes, that means you’ll have to take your selfies on the fourth-floor viewing deck, but hey, it’s an option. The mall is located on the corner of Hollywood Blvd. & Highland Ave.

Eat Tacos

Brothers Cousins Tacos in LA
Brothers Cousins Tacos has my heart!!

Los Angeles has an array of cuisines from across the Americas, but their neighbors to the south stand out in particular. Mexican cuisine, naturally, is prominently featured, and the taco scene in Los Angeles puts other American cities to shame.

The beauty of the Mexican food stand or taco truck is in its simplicity: it’s easy, quick, inexpensive, delicious food that is guaranteed to leave you more than satisfied. There’s no need to have a sit down meal at a restaurant, although there are plenty of those too – the real stand outs are the taco stands and trucks.

There’s an array to choose from: Leo’s Tacos Truck, Ricky’s Fish Tacos, Mariscos Jalisco, Guerrilla Tacos, Taco Zone, El Chato and Jorge’s Tacos.

Each truck has its own speciality, own devoted fanbase, and own style, and each Angeleno will have a favorite one if you ask them.

My favorite taco stand, if you’re in the area, can be said using three magic words: Brothers Cousins Tacos.

This unassuming taco stand is parked in front of a Rite Aid parking lot. They serve up delicious and fresh tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more, all while playing Mexican music for hungry patrons.

Don’t freak out by the unavoidable long lines – they move quickly, and besides, they’re worth the wait! After your order is made, right in front of you, head to the table of fixings and sauces and go nuts.

I learned about Brothers Cousins in much the same way others first discover their favorite taco stand: by word of mouth. Just thinking about their food makes my mouth water!

They’re open every evening, starting at 6pm, except Mondays. Cash only.

Location: 11341 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

See a Movie

Drive in Movie

Nothing screams old school Americana like a classic drive-in movie! And what’s not to like? You get to watch a movie on the big screen in the very city where movies are made and spend more time outdoors. Plus, no one will judge you when you roll up in pajamas and stuff your face with popcorn.

Al fresco screenings usually start to pop up across the city in the late spring and continue into fall, although some are year-round. Luckily, there are a few dog-friendly drive-in theaters across Los Angeles. Here are a few:

The Drive-Up at Santa Monica Airport

Drive-in Menu

Santa Monica has the perfect place to put your car in park and watch a flick: the airport!

The Santa Monica Airport hosts Rooftop Cinema Club’s the Drive-Up. They show multiple films a day until the end of October, with the option to either drive-in or drive-up and pitch a chair. With a huge assortment of films, themed nights, and delicious food trucks, they’re not to be missed.

Their drive-in at the airport is always dog-friendly, whether you’re driving or sitting, so we give them four paws up!

Location: 3233 Donald Douglas Loop S.

Electric Dusk Drive-In

Electric Dusk is LA’s longest running pop up Drive-In and outdoor movie venue. The Drive-In is located in an old Sears parking lot, and they play movies starting in February. They’re a classic Drive-In, showing lots of sci-fi hits, action blockbusters, and black-and-white films.

They offer prepackaged snacks and a wide variety of candy, popcorn, and beverages. You can bring outside food with you, but no alcohol or smoking is allowed on the premises. 

Location: 236 N. Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91203

Vineland Drive-In

This old school drive-in theater opened in 1955 and is open rain or shine, operating 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They feature a wide selection of new releases each week on multiple screens. 

There are no pre-sale tickets available, but the box office opens at 6:00 pm on weekends and 6:30 pm on weekdays. The drive-in broadcasts on the radio, but if you don’t have one, no sweat – you can rent one! Head to the snack bar for radios, plus pizza, popcorn, soda and more.

Location: 443 N. Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA

Street Food Cinema

Street Food Cinema is the perfect place to frequent for film buffs and foodies. It’s a combination of cool outdoor movies, tasty food trucks, good music, interactive games and more.

It goes a little something like this: Street Food Cinema hosts drive-in or sit-in screenings at multiple venues around the region, offering both drive-in and picnic-style outdoor seating, and they invite an assortment of food trucks and sometimes even DJs to come and add to the fun.

Launched in 2012, they hoped to reinvent the traditional movie going experience – al fresco style. Every element is carefully curated to develop the unique atmosphere that makes audiences want to come back again and again. They opened the drive-in feature in 2020, as an added bonus.

We recommend bringing blankets, pillows, hoodies, games, sunscreen, sunglasses and snacks. Although there are many food trucks and vendors with delicious food for purchase, outside food and beverage are also permitted, so you can opt to bring your own picnic.

Most Street Food Cinema events are dog-friendly – but not all! Check the event’s webpage to double check before going.

Their locations that do not allow dogs are: Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City, Veteran’s Park in Culver City, Grand Hope Park Downtown, Westdrift Golf Course, and King Gillette Ranch in Malibu.

Location: various.

Gorge yourself at In-N-Out

Some fast food restaurants have secret menu items for your dog! Order these delicious treats for your dog and get their tail wagging.

Ask a Californian what one of the best things about the West Coast is and you’re guaranteed to hear at least one person mention In-N-Out.

This West Coast staple opened in 1948 as a drive-thru hamburger stand in a space barely 10 square feet at Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park. The family-owned business served up classic American food: burgers, fries, soda, and milkshakes, at fair prices.

Today they’re known for their fresh ingredients, palm tree designs, and excellent service. But you’ll have to be on the west side of the country to enjoy them, there are over 300 stores but they’re primarily in California and the southwest. .

Luckily, In-N-Out serves up good food for both humans and our pups! They offer Pup Patties for all of the good dogs out there!

A Pup Patty is a perfectly grilled hamburger patty served plain—without any toppings, condiments, a bun, or salt. It’s a healthy meal or snack, even for those pups with sensitive tummies, and a good source of protein. It costs $1, and can be ordered via drive through or at the counter (but don’t forget, dogs must eat outside).

Make your dog’s day and give them the full on LA dog experience with their own puppy patty – it’ll make their tail wag!

Fun tip: Ask any Angeleno what their In-N-Out order is and prepare to be amazed. From animal style fries, to double doubles, to the Flying Dutchman, every Angeleno has a particular way to enjoy these not-so-simple American classics.

Walk along Venice Beach and Explore Venice

Venice Beach

Venice is an eccentric beachfront neighborhood in Los Angeles that’s sandwiched between Marina Del Rey and Santa Monica. Originally called “Venice of America,” it was founded by Abbot Kinney in 1905 as a seaside resort town. 

There’s so much to do and see in Venice – it’s a spectator’s paradise! From walking along the 2.5-mile Venice Beach Boardwalk, to shopping up and down posh Abbot Kinney, to canoeing or strolling through the Venice Canals. There’s something for everyone.

Venice Canals

Don’t miss the epic skatepark, muscle beach, and all of the outlandish characters along the boardwalk. There’s a smorgasbord of street performers, tattoo parlors, cannabis shops, fortune-tellers, and vendors that frequent the area.

Make a day of it and explore the area, and don’t forget the sunblock and your camera!

Visit the Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

No visit to the City of Angels is complete without time spent in Santa Monica. With palm tree lined pathways, a beautiful Pacific coastline, and nearly perfect weather year round, it’s no wonder tourists and locals alike flock to the City of Angels. Plus, Santa Monica is a walkable 8.3 square miles, the perfect size to explore on foot and with your dog at your heel.

The 110-year-old Santa Monica Pier – featuring the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the century-old Looff Hippodrome and the aquarium – is perched over the Pacific and attracts families, couples and friends to revel in a delectable slice of West Coast nostalgia.

The pier is one of California’s oldest pleasure piers, and it offers a wide range of activities for the whole family, including a carousel, an arcade, an amusement park, a trapeze school, restaurants and a summer outdoor concert series.

Considered the focal point of Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Pier includes Pacific Park, a traditional set-up stocked with a ferris wheel, aquarium, fairground games and cotton candy stands. It’s definitely worth a jaunt!

On warm weekends, the stretch is busy with families, beach bums and gym bunnies, who work out in public at the original Muscle Beach just south of the pier. Lately, the Pier has also played host to a number of outdoor film and music events, bringing a hip clientele to the boardwalk.

Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier.

Bonus: Read more dog-friendly things to do in Santa Monica!

Grab a Coffee at Dogtown

Dogtown Coffee

If you check out Dogtown Coffee on Google maps or Yelp, you’ll be inundated with positive reviews alongside photos of cute dogs and coffee – the perfect combo! So imagine my surprise when I walked in and was greeted by walls of skateboards and long-haired surfers. Dogtown actually has nothing to do with dogs – but don’t worry, they’re still dog-friendly!

This coffeeshop pays homage to the American skateboarding and surfing history. Santa Monica became known as “Dogtown” to the teenage surf and skate community that helped shape the sport in the 1970s. Dogtown Coffee is a nostalgic nod to them, and the surfing and skateboarding communities that still exist in the area.

Either way, dogs have taken over their not quite namesake coffeeshop, and love to flaunt their mugs with a nice cup of Dogtown joe all over Instagram. Go for the coffee, but stay for their breakfast burritos.

They serve fun and rustic all-day breakfast and lunch, with gluten-free and vegan options and artisan baked treats. Their organic, locally micro-roasted coffee is delicious, and make sure to try the DTC signature drink, a Sweet ‘n Salty Caramel Iced Coffee! For those who aren’t down with coffee there’s also a wide selection of organic, loose leaf teas available.

There are two locations in Santa Monica, but we highly recommend visiting their main store, located in the landmark Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions space on the corner of Main & Bay Street. The walls are plastered with pictures of chill surfers and skateboarders that’ll transport you straight back to the ’70s. There’s a small courtyard so you can enjoy your coffee outdoors, or take it to go with your dog and walk down to the beach.

Location: 2003 Main St.

Shop at Flea Markets

LA Flea Market

Los Angeles has some of the best flea markets, thanks to nearly year-round sunny weather and Angelenos’ love of al fresco activities, like shopping. These outdoor bazaars are goldmines for thrifted finds, vintage clothing, cool antiques, quirky tchotchkes, crafts and artwork, and more.

Unfortunately the mecca of all flea markets, the Rose Bowl flea market, is not dog-friendly (even thought I’ve seen a few dogs there!). But not to worry, there are plenty of other markets that welcome your furry friend. Here are a few:

Melrose Trading Post

Treasure hunt at the Melrose Trading Post, a curated selection of vintage fashion and eclectic goods that takes over Fairfax High School every Sunday. The popular market also features local performers, including music, dance, theater.

The cost of admission and vendor fees is used to raise funds for the high school to pay for things like sports equipment, beautification projects, teacher programs, theatre productions, and more, so you’re shopping for fun and a good cause.

The Melrose Trading Post is open every Sunday at Fairfax High School from 9AM to 5PM. Bring cash for tickets or buy tickets in advance.

Location: 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Santa Monica 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

This antique market, located at the Santa Monica Airport, has countless one-of-a-kind treasures ready for scavengers to uncover. They’re considered a destination for decorators, designers, boutique owners, families with friendly dogs and collectors of all ages.

The Santa Monica Antique Market is open every first and fourth Sunday of the month from 7AM to 3PM. Look for the white tents! Tickets cost $5 and there is free parking on site. Friendly pets are welcome on a leash.

Location: Santa Monica Airport

Pasadena City College Flea Market

The Pasadena City College Flea Market, also known as the PCC Flea Market, features over 400 vendors that sell antiques and collectibles, with the products varying from high-end antiques to rummage sale-type items.

They’re especially known for their record swap, and considered one of the best collections of record vendors in Southern California. Over 50 record and used music vendors attend, located in the Bonnie Street parking structure (Lot 5) on the 4th floor ramp. Their offerings range from memorabilia to new and used CDs and DVDs, from big band to present day performers.

The flea market is typically held on the first Sunday of every month from 8am to 3pm, in Lots 1, 3 and parking structure 4 on the West side of the Pasadena City College campus. Admission is free!

Location: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA

Go hiking at Runyon Canyon

Boogie hiking Runyon Canyon in a K9 Sport Sack.

What’s one of the best go-to green spaces in all of Tinseltown? Runyon Canyon! Spanning 160 acres, Runyon Canyon is one of the best dog-friendly recreational romps and it’s smack dab in the middle of Hollywood. Active Angelenos flock here to hike, run, and spend time with their canine companions.

Located in Hollywood on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the canyon has a few overlapping loops, with varying degrees of difficulty and epic views over Hollywood.

Theres an easier 0.85-mile hike to the top of the park with 200 feet of elevation change, a 1.9-mile loop with 500 feet of elevation change, a larger 2.65-mile loop with 700 feet of elevation change, and a 3.3-mile hike to the top of the park with 800 feet of elevation change.

The view from Runyon Canyon.

Since it’s one of the most popular hiking destinations in Los Angeles, it can get crowded, and there’s always plenty going on. There’s donation-based Runyon Canyon Yoga every morning at 10:30 a.m., and it’s full of avid outdoorsy people, exercise junkies, Hollywood stars, and wide eyed tourists, just taking it all in.

Runyon Canyon Dog Park.

And that’s not all. Runyon Canyon is officially a dog park and has off-leash areas where your dog can run free. Don’t have a dog? No worries, you can hike the Hollywood Hills with a rescue dog through the Free Animal Doctor non-profit animal welfare organization. It’s a great way to exercise and socialize canines before they find their forever homes.

Visit Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive

If you’re a ’90s kid, you probably remember Rodeo Drive from that scene in D2: The Mighty Ducks, or maybe you recall the famous shopping scene in Pretty Woman. Big mistake. Huge!

Rodeo Drive is a two-mile-long street in Beverly Hills, but the name is most commonly used to refer to the three-block stretch of the street between Wilshire Boulevard and Little Santa Monica Boulevard. It is arguably the most famous shopping street in the world, home to high-end designers from all across the globe.

The palm tree lined streets in Rodeo Drive ooze luxury and money, so unless you’re rolling in dough, expect a more visual experience, with window shopping, and oohing and awwing.

As you wander the streets, you’ll most likely find yourself in the European-style cobblestone alley called The Walk of Style, a place that honors style legends for their contributions to the worlds of fashion and entertainment. It features plaques set in the sidewalks along Rodeo Drive, as well as a majestic, nude sculpture called “Torso ” at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way.

Hike at Griffith Park

Griffith Park

On December 16, 1896, Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, a Welshman who made a fortune from California gold mines, bequeathed 3,015 acres of his Rancho Los Feliz estate as a Christmas gift to the people of Los Angeles. The land was to be used as parkland, and after adding another 1,000 to the initial gift, it officially became one of the largest urban parks in the United States. 

Today, this 4,000-plus–acre rugged park has hilly wilderness trails for walking and horseback riding, a zoo, an observatory, a Greek theater, two public golf courses, and so much more.

Griffith Park Trails

It’s truly massive, with an impressive array of flora and fauna (yes there are coyotes!), incredible views of the Los Angeles cityscape, and even the Hollywood Sign, which is within the park’s boundaries and can be reached on a tough hike.

The park is open from 5am – 10:30pm and dogs must be leashed at all times.

Drive to Malibu

Malibu Beach

Head to Santa Monica to get on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 and ride up the coast to Malibu. The famous highway hugs California’s coastline for a scenic drive and epic views all along the shoreline. You’ll be on meandering roads with eye catching cliffs before you hit Malibu, a quintessential beach city in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Malibu is known for their sandy beaches, surf communities, and fresh seafood, among other things – we can’t forget the chic homes dotting the area!

Broad Street Oyster Co.
A Lobster Roll from Broad Street Oyster Co.

Check out the Malibu Creek State Park, an 8,000-acre mountainous park, and watch the sunset at Point Dume State Beach, one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches. When you’re hungry, head to Malibu Seafood or Neptune’s Net, both postcard-worthy seafood locations where you can take in the views and fill your stomach. If you’re not after a view, head to Broad Street Oyster Co. for oysters and lobster rolls.

Wash it all down with some epic walks on the cliffside rock surfaces.

Do a Food Truck Tour

LA Food Truck

In the land of eternal spring, so much is done outdoors, and that includes eating. Food trucks offer restaurants on wheels, which is perfect for a city as sprawling as Los Angeles. You’ll find them everywhere, waiting to serve hungry patrons a quick bite or late night snack, and serving up everything from tacos to sandwiches, to pizza and even dog food – shout out to Woof Bowl!

There’s an option for everyone.

Ceviche from an LA Food Truck.

I loved sampling food trucks while in LA, since they were quick and easy, and always dog-friendly. Here are some great spots to get your fill:

  • Avenue 26 Night Market: 3141 Artesian Street, Los Angeles, CA
    • Hours: Thursdays-Sundays 5pm to late
  • Altadena Food Truck Friday: 2270 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA
    • Hours: Fridays 4pm-9pm
  • Granada Hills Grubfest: 17723 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA
    • Hours: Fridays 5pm-10pm
  • Beach Eats Marina del Rey: 14101 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, CA (Parking Lot #11)
    • Hours: Thursdays 5pm-9pm (seasonally)
  • Grand Park Lunch a la Park: 200 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
    • Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-2pm
  • Yess Aquatic: 2001 E 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA (On Mateo Street)
    • Hours: Thurs-Sun 11am-3pm

Visit the Dog Park

LA Dog Park.

You might assume that LA doesn’t have many public dog parks, since there are so many normal parks, houses have backyards, and many residential buildings have private runs. But you’d be wrong, because LA has plenty! Public dog runs are still worth a visit and provide an opportunity for off-leash socializing for locals and visitors alike.

Scroll down for a list of dog parks in and around Los Angeles. The majority of parks are open from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget – whether you’re a visitor or a local, be sure to follow the rules!

Alice’s Dog Park3026 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Bluff Creek Dog Park12604 Bluff Creek Dr Playa Vista, CA 90094
Boneyard Dog ParkDuquesne Ave, Culver City, CA 90230
Eagle Rock Dog Park1100 Eagle Vista Drive Los Angeles, CA 90041
El Segundo Dog Park901 E Imperial Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Glen Alla Dog Park4601 Alla Rd. Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292
Griffith Park Dog ParkLocated at north end of the John Ferraro Soccer Field on North Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco Dog Park5566 Via Marisol Los Angeles, CA 90042
Laurel Canyon Dog Park8260 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Redondo Beach Dog Park190 Flagler Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Runyon Canyon Dog Park2000 N Fuller Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046
Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park17550 Victory Blvd., Encino,CA 91406
Silverlake Dog Park1863 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Veteran’s Barrington Park333 South Barrington Ave., Los Angeles CA 90049
Westminster Dog Park1234 Pacific Avenue Venice, CA 90291
Westwood Dog Park1350 Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025
Whitnall Off-Leash Dog Park5801 1/2 Whitnall Highway North Hollywood, CA 91601

Go to the Mall

LA Mall

One of the coolest things about California are the malls – they’re infamous in Cali-based TV shows and movies! It’s the land of shopping. Many of the malls feature outdoor areas that welcome both you and your furry friend, making them a one stop shop for dog-friendly socializing, eating, and shopping.

Here’s a list of dog-friendly malls in and around Los Angeles that are definitely worth a visit:

  • Westfield Century City: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
  • The Grove: Third St. & The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA
  • Ovation Hollywood (formerly known as Hollywood & Highland: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
  • The Americana at Brand: 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA
  • The Commons at Calabasas: 4799 Commons Way Ste L Calabasas, CA
  • Santa Monica Place: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA

Bike the Strand

Santa Monica Strand

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also partly known as The Strand, is a paved bicycle path that runs alongside nearly the entire extent of LA’s westward-facing coastline.

It begins in Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades area, and snakes its way through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, and then continues through Dockweiler State Beach, El Porto Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, before finally ending in Torrance Beach.

The path is 22 miles in length, and for most of the route, there is no automobile contact. It’s a great way to tour the coastline and see all of the great beaches LA has to offer.

There’s a constant stream of cyclists and skaters on the path, and feel free to join in with your pup in a bike basket or backpack! No bike? No problem! There’s no lack of places to rent a bicycle, e-bike or electric scooter around Santa Monica, Venice and Playa del Rey.

If biking isn’t your thing, you can find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.

Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market

If you’re adventuring in Downtown LA, hit up the Grand Central Market, the largest and oldest public market in the city. Grand Central Market first opened their doors in 1917, and filled the entire ground floor of the Beaux-Arts-style Homer Laughlin Building, the region’s first steel-reinforced, fireproof structure.

Today, the Market has 40 stalls that are home to a blend of local food vendors selling a hodgepodge of regional cuisines, like China Cafe and Roast To Go (Grand Central Market tenants for over half a century).

The Market is a microcosm of the historic immigrant communities that have shaped Los Angeles. Here, you’ll find everything from tacos and tortas, to wood-fired pizza, to fresh made donuts, and even an oyster bar. There’s simple yet delicious street food alongside trendy eateries, like Eggslut and Fat & Flour. There’s something for everyone!

Grand Central Market Dog.

On the lower level, there’s The Grand Central Market Bazaar, featuring local makers and merchants selling handmade goods. The Bazaar takes place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11am each day.

The market is open from Monday to Sunday, 8AM – 9PM.

Location: 317 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California

Olvera Street

Olvera Street

Olvera Street is a Mexican Marketplace created in 1930 “to preserve and present the customs and trades of early California.” It’s located along a historic tree-shaded, brick-lined street and home to a bevy of Mexican street vendors, shops, restaurants, and cafes selling traditional foods and goods from Mexico.

Olvera Street is deeply embedded in Los Angeles history, and definitely worth exploring. Back when California was still part of Mexico in the 1700 and 1800s, there was an Old Church Plaza that was the heart of a vibrant ethnic Californio community.

After the Mexican War, in 1877, the Plaza remained the center of town and the small alley branching off of the Plaza, Wine Street, had its name changed to Olvera Street, in honor of Agustin Olvera. Olvera was the first Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles County, and owned a since demolished adobe house nearby.

The street is a great place to get Mexican handcrafted items, like pottery, clothing, folk art, shoes, souvenirs, toys, and more. They also host numerous traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals, Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos, and Las Posadas.

Location: 845 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 

What’s your favorite thing to do with your dog in LA? Let us know in the comments!


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