Los Angeles is one of the most dog-friendly cities in California. Whether you’re brining your dog on vacation or a local pet owner, there’s plenty of places to explore with your pooch. We regularly travel all over California and we often bring our Black Labrador Holly along with us.

This guide covers the most popular areas and neighborhoods in Los Angles, pretty much the best places to spend your time. You’ll find over 75 dog-friendly parks, beaches, walking trails with city views, restaurants, breweries, outdoor shopping centers and much more.

For the folks planning your dog-friendly trip to Los Angeles, scroll to the bottom of the blog post to see the best hotels that allow dogs. Many of them allow big dogs which I know is a challenge for many of us dog-owners with large breeds.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles

So many people flock to Southern California for the famous beaches, but the truth of the matter is that most of the beaches in the LA area have strict regulations against bringing your dog.

The beaches listed below are the sanctioned coastal places that you can bring your dog. Some of them allow off-leash, others require that your dog stay on-leash at all times.

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Beach is a city on the coast located in Orange County (just south of Los Angeles County). While technically this is an on-leash only beach for dogs, it seems to have unofficially become an off-leash dog beach by the community. It’s open 365 days of the year from 5am - 10pm.

Rosie’s Dog Beach

There’s a portion of the beach in Long Beach which is a dedicated “Dog Zone” known as Rosie’s Dog Beach. This stretch of 4-acre beach runs between Granada Ave and Roycroft Ave. You’ll find many many dogs running off-leash.

Leo Carrillo State Beach & Park

Leo Carrillo Beach is located in the coveted LA city of Malibu. It’s important to note that not all the areas of the beach and park are dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in day-use areas, campground and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails & Walking Paths in Los Angeles

Runyon Canyon

The single most popular place for dog owners to take their pups on a hike is Runyon Canyon. This parks spans 130 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains and there’s both off-leash and leash required areas within the park.

Runyon Canyon is popular with all Los Angeles hikers because of the sweeping city line views of the city. You can even see the famous Hollywood sign in the background.

Hiking Trails in Griffith Park

Griffith Park spans 6.5 square miles right in the center of Los Angeles. There’s many sights to explore inside the park including several hiking trails. You can see a complete list of all the on-leash dog-friendly hiking trails on All Trails. There is one designed off-leash dog park on North Zoo Drive within Griffith Park.

If you’re looking for some more leisurely hikes, I recommend the Ferndell Trail and the Bronson Canyon Caves (a.k.a. the “bat caves” from the 1968 Batman TV series). Also, several of the hikes inside the park offer views of the Hollywood sign.

Ocean Avenue Promenade in Venice

While dogs are not allowed on the sandy portion of Venice Beach, they are welcome to walk the paved 2-mile stretch from Venice to the Santa Monica Pier. This is one of the most visited parts of Los Angles for visitors because it has so many iconic California surfer views and tokens.

Dog-Friendly Parks in Los Angeles

Lake Hollywood Park

Lake Hollywood Park is definitely one of the most scenic parks in Los Angeles, and it’s an extra bonus that it’s dog-friendly. Located on the outer edge of Griffith Park, you’ll find a huge green grassy area, close-up views of the Hollywood sign, a playground for kids and walking trails. Dogs are supposed to stay on-leash at this park.

Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake has been newly renovated to become a beautiful modern water oasis. There’s walking trails around the lake where you can watch adorable swan pedal boats float around with your dog on-leash. There’s also a picnic area!

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is 225 acres of natural beauty just outside Sherman Oaks in Encino. There’s several walking trails and an off-leash dog park.

Bluff Creek Dog Park

Bluff Creek Dog Park is a very modern and manicured dog park in the trendy Playa Vista area of Los Angeles. It’s a great place for dog watching, you’ll see some very fancy breeds frolicking around the park.

There’s also Oberrieder Dog Park very close by.

Los Encinos State Historic Park

If you’re looking to soak in some history while enjoying a stroll with your pup, this five acre historical site in Los Encinos allows dogs to walk on the outdoor walking paths.

Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills

It wouldn't be Los Angeles without enjoying some Hollywood film sites. At the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills you can walk around a real-life western town movie set that has been used in hundreds of movies. Since Paramount Ranch is part of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area, your dog is welcoming to walk with you on a leash.

Laurel Canyon Park

Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon Park is an off-leash 3 acre dog park. Many celebrities live within the surrounding neighborhoods, so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite actor.

Boneyard dog Park

In Culver City the Boneyard Dog Park offers a place for your dog to run free without a leash. This is a large sandy park for big dogs that really need to stretch their legs and run (there’s also an area for small dogs). There’s also plenty of free parking which is a big bonus in L.A.

Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park

This 20,000-acre wilderness park is known as the “Big Wild” and is located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. The dog-friendly hiking trails have spectacular views of the canyons and valley.

Franklin Canyon Park

Just outside Beverly Hills is the vast Franklin Canyon Park comprised of 605 acres of wilderness. The mountainous recreation has a 3-acre lake, a duck pond and over five miles of dog-friendly hiking trails (as long as they stay on-leash).

More Dog Parks in Los Angeles:

Whitnall off-leash Dog Park in North Hollywood
Silver Lake Dog Park - Has both on and off-leash areas.
See the complete list of Los Angeles dog parks here.

Pool and patio at dog-friendly Kasa Hotel in Orange County.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angles

There’s truly an enormous amount of dog-friendly restaurants to chose from in Los Angeles. The key is to find the ones with great food, stylish atmosphere and a staff that truly welcomes your pup. The below list of L.A. eateries has it all!

Umami Burger

During our most recent visit to Los Angeles with our dog Holly we ate lunch at Umami Burger. They employees were very sweet and welcoming to the whole family, including our 2-year-old and our dog Holly. We sat outside on the patio and they brought Holly a big bowl of water. The food was great and the service impeccable, I highly recommend! They have locations all around Los Angeles and Orange County.

Lazy Dog Restaurants

Lazy Dog is an American food chain which has many locations in both Northern and Southern California. They are known to be very dog friendly with a dedicated dog menu which includes plain brown rice, a grilled burger pattie or a chicken breast. They will provide your dog with bowls.

Dinette

This is a cute to-go only window that serves breakfast outdoors. Located on a popular strip of Sunset Blvd, it’s a convenient way to grab quick food with your dog. They do have outdoor seating available or you can walk a couple blocks to Echo Park.

Salazar

This modern Mexican food spot in Silver Lake has been described as embodying those “Palm Springs vibes” that us Californians love. They have spacious outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.

Superba Food + Bread

Superba is a bright and colorful spot in Venice beach that serves up their famous bread and pastries, along with a healthy and fresh menu. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area.

Sycamore Kitchen

This bright morning spot is full of light and has an outdoor patio where you can sit with your dog. They have a large selection of bakery items and they serve lunch until 5pm. Located in the La Brea neighborhood in Los Angeles.

The Morrison

At The Morrison they are super proud of their dog-friendly status, they’ve even been rated top pet friendly restaurant in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. This Scottish gastropub serves hearty meat entrees, all kinds of booze, and even has a doggie menu.

The Hart and The Hunter

This very trendy spot on Melrose Ave is the place to see and be seen. They are super dog-friendly, they even host “Yappy Hour” on Fridays which means biscuits for the dogs and drink specials for the humans.

The Butcher’s Daughter

The Butcher’s Daughter is one of my favorite places to eat in L.A. because I love the interiors, healthy eats and the prime location on Abbot Kinney. The menu is vegan and vegetarian and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.

Zinqué

Zinqué serves fresh French-California meals at their multiple Los Angeles locations. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patios.

Eveleigh

This modern and rustic restaurant in West Hollywood serves farm-to-table fare. On the Eveleigh Instagram account they use the hashtag #dogfriendly so feel free to bring Fido to eat on the patio.

The Rose in Venice

This spacious hot spot in Venice has been around since the 1970’s, but you’d never know it because it feels so updated and modern. The vibe is very boho-chic, the food is healthy California staples and the patio is dog-friendly.

IN-N-OUT

Californians love the burger chain In-N-Out, and die hard fans love to discover “secret menu items” (things you can order that aren’t shown on the menu). Along with other hidden gems, the secret menu has a “puppy patty” which is an unseasoned meat patty for just $1.

Ray's + Stark Bar

If you’re an art buff you may enjoy the fact that everything at this restaurant is inspired by the modern art at the adjacent LA Museum of Art, including both the food and the decor. Dogs welcome on the outdoor patio.

Momed

I especially wanted to include Momed on this list because their food is a modern take on Eastern Mediterranean staple foods. This spot is so dog-friendly that they have an Instagram account dedicated to their doggie patrons @dogsofmomed. Located in Atwater Village.

Messhall Kitchen

At Messhall Kitchen in Los Feliz they serve modern American comfort food in a warm and inviting space. Many patrons have reported on Yelp that their outdoor patio is very dog-friendly.

Jane Q

The Jane Q casual and trendy coffee and cafe spot is located inside the dog-friendly Kimpton Everly Hotel. If you happen to be in Los Angeles on a cold day and you need a spot to eat indoors with your pup, they will allow dogs to dine indoors if you ask permission in advance.

Gracias Madre

The two Gracias Madre L.A. locations are sister restaurants to the popular Cafe Gratitude chain in Southern California. They serve healthy plant-based Mexican food and the atmosphere is very bright and modern. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patios. See photos from our visit to Cafe Gratitude in Little Italy, San Diego.

Playa Provisions

Inside of Playa Provisions you’ll find multiple themed spaces for dining, and they have plenty of outdoor dining space. Pets are allowed exclusively on their cafe patio. They’re located in Playa Del Ray and the cuisine is casual breakfast and for lunch salad and sandwiches.

Ashland Hill

This upscale yet welcoming pub is located in Santa Monica. They serve healthy breakfast/brunch, salads and burgers. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, and they even host “Yappy Hour” for dogs and their humans.

Starbucks

Starbucks is obviously a national chain and available anywhere. But pet owners may be unaware that you can order a Puppuccino for your dog when you stop in to pick up coffee. They are complimentary and mostly consist of whipped cream.

The Dog Cafe

If you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your crew or just want to hangout with some lovable friends, you can enjoy a cafe filled with rescue pups looking for a home at The Dog Cafe. Located in Westlake, Los Angeles.

Dog-Friendly Beer Gardens, Breweries & Bars in Los Angeles

Angel City Brewery

The Angel City Brewery is located in the Arts District in Los Angeles and dogs are welcome in the Public House. You can bring your own food, or take advantage of the taco truck outside while enjoy one of their pints or flights.

Golden Road Brewery

Golden Road Brewery was founded by a woman and has since opened up five locations in California. Their location in Atwater Village has a sprawling outdoor space and a designated “Doggy Deck” with shade, water bowls and astroturf grass.

Brouwerij West Brewery

At Brouwerij West the whole family is welcome, both kids and dogs. Dogs can come into the indoor areas as well as the outdoor spaces. You can bring your own food for a picnic-style lunch. The brewery is located in San Pedro at the most southern tip of L.A.

Blue Dog Beer Tavern

Blue Dog Beer Tavern is an unpretentious and old-school beer and burger spot in Sherman Oaks. They have been named “one of the best places to eat with your dog” and they even have a doggie wall of fame where you can submit photos of your dog to be displayed.

The Lincoln

Located in Venice, I would describe the atmosphere at The Lincoln as rustic hipster chic. On some Sunday afternoons they offer “Dog Day Afternoons” with water bowls, treats, and toys for their canine patrons. The owners can also take advantage of the drink specials.

Big Bar / Alcove Cafe

If you’re looking for fancy crafted cocktails to sip with your pooch, Big Bar has an extra large shared outdoor patio where you can enjoy your libation. Located in Los Feliz.

Highland Park Brewery

The Highland Park Brewery Chinatown location has an extra large patio that welcomes dogs. They have a full kitchen and non-alcoholic beverages for children.

Three Weavers Brewery

As the first craft beer brewery in Inglewood, Three Weavers Brewery is paving the way for a growing community. The tasting room has an exterior patio deck for your pup’s comfort. While they don’t have a kitchen, you can bring or order food.

Idle Hour Bar

Located in the Los Angeles neighborhood Valley Village, this drinking hole is literally inside a giant wooden barrel, and has a dog-friendly back patio. They serve food and cocktails.

MacLeod Ale Brewing Co.

This Van Nuys pizza and beer brewery specialized in traditional British Cask ale. With pup by your side you can play a round of darts or play a board game with your favorite human.

Frogtown Brewery

Frogtown lies adjacent to the L.A. River and is named such because back in the 1930’s the street would often be covered in frogs. The local brewery is both dog and children friendly, and you can bring your own food to munch.

The Fat Dog

L.A. Magazine voted The Fat Dog as the best place to eat brunch with your dog. Located in North Hollywood, you can enjoy craft beer, wine, cocktails and modern comfort food.

Dog-Friendly Shopping in Los Angeles

The Grove

The Grove is sandwiched between some of the trendiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles and is a very popular gathering spot for folks who love to shop for style. This outdoor shopping center also has restaurants with outdoor dining. Pets are welcome to take in the scene with their humans, and many stores welcome dogs inside.

Melrose Trading Post

For those in search of vintage, retro, handcrafted and just plain cool goods, the Melrose Trading Post is an open-air market that may have the perfect hidden gem. Dogs are allowed on-leash to walk the market, and you can pick up a foodie snack from one of the food trucks. Located in the Fairfax neighborhood.

Amoeba Music

Walking into an Amoeba store is like stepping back into the 90’s when we would actually go to the music store and buy CD’s. Amoeba is located right off the Hollywood Walk of Fame and allows dogs inside the store, so you can browse tunes with your pup by your side.

Malibu Country Mart

This dog-Friendly outdoor mall in Malibu is less likely to have the chain retailers you see at other shopping destinations. They feature boutique and mom-and-pop stores, dining and a large outdoor play set for kids.

Westfield Century City

This particular Westfield is more than your typical mall experience, for starters it’s located on the popular on Santa Monica Boulevard. There’s large outdoor portions of the shopping center where you can walk with your dog, they even host dog-adoption events here.

Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

The Third Street Promenade is also known as the Downtown Santa Monica and it’s located right along the beach. It’s a completely outdoor shopping and gathering spot, with lots of colorful public art displays and lights. It’s a very pet-friendly place to hang out, almost all the stores should allow pets inside.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is one of my all-time favorite places to explore in Los Angeles. This main drag in Venice feels so quintessentially California, but it also avoids many of the tourists traps of the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Walking along this street you’ll find restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, ice creams parlors, etc. Walking along this public street is dog-friendly, and you can bring your dog inside some of the shops.

Platform in Culver City

Platform is a high-end boutique shopping experience in Culver City. Instead of big name chain brands, you’ll find local companies with exceptional offerings. The aesthetics at this outdoor shopping center are impeccable, very on-trend and welcoming. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for your dog at the restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive doesn't need much of an introduction, it's already been made very famous by the film Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts. It's a pleasant place to walk outdoors with your pup, even if you aren't planning to spend a lot of money on the luxury brands. Many of the stores allow dogs to come inside.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles

Booking the perfect hotel can really enhance your vacationing experience. Some of the most stylish hotels in the wold can be found in Los Angeles, and many of them are dog-friendly. I always use the website Booking for traveling with a pet because you can quickly filter to all the hotels that allow dogs.

Dog-Friendly Luxury Hotels in Los Angeles:

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel - Dog beds, patio dining and pet sitters are available at this hotel.
The Standard in Downtown LA
Hotel Bel-Air
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Kimpton Everly Hotel - in Hollywood.
Sofitel at Beverly Hills
The Orlando Hotel - in Beverly Hills.
Kasa Condo Apartments - This where we stayed during our trip to the L.A. area with our dog Holly. Comes with a full kitchen and is pet-friendly.

Dog-Friendly Long-Term Stay Hotels in Los Angeles:

Residence Inn - Multiple locations around the L.A. area.
Candlewood Suites - Multiple locations around the L.A. area.
Extended Stay America - Multiple locations around the L.A. area.

Dog-Friendly Economy Hotels in Los Angeles:

Motel 6 - Multiple locations around the L.A. area.
La Quinta - Multiple locations around the L.A. area.

Dog-Friendly Airbnbs in Los Angeles

Airbnb is also a great option for travels with pups. You can quickly filter to dog-friendly homes under the “House Rules” option. Use my unique referral link to get $35 off your first trip.

Other Areas Where You Can Bring Your Dog in Los Angeles

Disneyland Kennel Club

Believe it or not, you can actually go to Disneyland if you are traveling with your dog. While your pup can’t go inside the park, they can stay at the Disney kennel located right outside the front entrance. The boarding fees are pretty reasonable - only $20 a day per dog.

Make sure you plan ahead and bring proof of vaccines. You’ll have to stop by and check on them multiple times throughout the day to let them use the bathroom and exercise them. The kennel opens 30 minutes before the park opens so be sure to get there early.

Universal Studios Dog Kennel

If you’re on vacation with your dog and you’d still like to visit Universal Studios, you can take advantage of their kennels as well. It’s a small fee of $15 per day, they are first come, first serve and air-conditioned. Proof of vaccinations is required, and you should bring blankets, toys and food.

Eat|See|Hear Outdoor Movies

If you’re visiting Los Angeles in the summertime and you’d like to catch a movie with your pup, the organization Eat / See / Hear offers outdoor movie viewing at different parks. Check out their website for movie selection, times and locations.

Los Angeles Murals

If you’ve seen my Instagram then you know I love to take fun photos in front of colorful and whimsical murals. On the blog I have a whole separate guide to the best murals in Los Angles, and they’re all outdoors so totally dog-friendly!