When most people hear Los Angeles, they think of Hollywood and the city of the stars. And it is true that the city is most known for its proximity to so many famous people and places. However, it is also known for its diversity, beauty, and amazing climate. The average temperature in August is 84 degrees F, and in December, it is 67 degrees F so it never really gets too hot or too cold in this City of Angels, as it is known to so many.
Home to the famous Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, the Getty Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Los Angeles Museum of Art, the city is also known for its attractions. In fact, people come from all over the world to visit Los Angeles for many reasons. It is also well-known for its stunning beaches along the Pacific Ocean, including one called Rosie’s Dog Beach! So, you will have no trouble finding some great dog parks, especially since there are approximately 1.6 million fur babies in LA. Here are some of our favorites.
Runyon Canon Dog Park
In northwestern Los Angeles by Hollywood Hills, Runyon Canyon Park has almost 160 acres to explore and enjoy with your cuddly canine companion. It is not just a dog park, though. It is more like 90 acres of off-leash area for your fur baby, making it one of the most pup popular pet parks in the city and county of LA. At the end of the Santa Monica Mountain Range, the park has miles of trails, from easy walks on paved paths to challenging 10-mile hikes in the rugged mountains.
The only portions of the park where you have to put your pup’s leash back on are the extreme northern end and the southern end by the entrance. You will notice the signs that remind you of this, but it is best to have a map that shows you the details. Make sure you pack doggie bags, and please use them to pick up anything your pup drops. Also, bring extra water and snacks.
Laurel Canyon Dog Park
Also, in northwestern Los Angeles, you can find Laurel Canyon Dog Park between the Getty and Griffith Park. It was the first official dog park in LA and is one of the most popular as well. The three-acre space is very picturesque with the hills behind it, and there is lots of seating, both sun-drenched and shaded. You may even see a celebrity or two with their furry friends. Try to act casual when snapping pics with your phone.
It does get busy here, especially on the weekends and in the evenings when the sunset is just amazing. With so much open space, you and your fur baby will have lots of room for a game of fetch or frisbee, so bring some toys. Also, bring extra water, a bowl, and some doggie bags in case they run out. The rest of the park is also dog-friendly for leashed dogs, so put that leash back on when you go.
Bluff Creek Dog Park
Bluff Creek Dog Park is located in southwestern LA between Playa Vista and Del Rey, just north of Loyola Marymount University. This is a large fenced area with artificial turf and concrete for your pooch to play on with the other pups in the park. There is a separate section for small pups to play with fur puppies their own size, and both sides have running water, poo bag dispensers, and water fountains, as well as benches, shaded picnic tables, and lots of trees.
According to the local pet parents, this is one of the cleanest dog parks in Los Angeles and is always well-stocked and maintained. Some of the unique things here are the manmade stream of clean water for dogs to walk and play in, the hills to climb, and the agility equipment to play on. And it is right next to a popular tennis court, so you can always find random tennis balls to toss around.
Alice Frost Kennedy Dog Park
In Pasadena, northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Alice Frost Kennedy Dog Park, or Alice’s Dog Park, is another popular pup park for pooches. It is found in Vina Vieja Park and has more than 3.5 acres of space for your canine companion to romp around in. One acre is separate for small and shy dogs that play better with the petite pups, and the other 2.5 acres is for fur babies of all sizes.
The only time you cannot go is on Tuesdays when they clean the park, so keep that in mind and keep your dog leashed until you get into the first gate. It is double-gated for safety. And although it is open after dark, there are no lights, so it gets dark. Some pet parents use glow-in-the-dark leashes and collars to make things easier and more fun. And with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background, you can get some fantastic photos to share on social media.
Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park
Sepulveda Basin Off Leash Dog Park in Encino can be found in the northwestern section of Los Angeles. As part of the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, the dog park is only a small section of pup popular space. The recreation area boasts thousands of acres that include Lake Balboa Anthony Beilenson Park, two golf courses, a sports complex, ballfields, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, and the Los Angeles River. There are also a few tennis courts, basketball, and a skate park, as well as many picnic areas with tables, restrooms, and water fountains.
Inside the fenced dog park, your Fido can run free off the leash, and there are three sections for small, average, and large dogs. Each area has its own agility course with tunnels, platforms, hoops, ramps, and jumps. Overall, the dog area is almost seven acres, so there is plenty of room to roam for all the fur puppies.
Culver City Dog Park – The Boneyard
Culver City Dog Park, also known as The Boneyard, is the only official off-leash dog park in the city. It is part of Culver City Park, found in the southwestern corner on Leash Lane and Duquesne Avenue. It is a cute place with over an acre of free space that includes a small dog section, one for large dogs, and another “Time Out” area for pooches who need a break. Between the many trees and manmade structures, pet parents have lots of shaded seating too.
The rest of Culver City Park is also dog-friendly as long as you put your pup’s leash back on once you get outside the fenced dog park. The park is 41 acres and lauds nature trails, picnic areas, concession stands, a rose garden, and a ropes course. Of course, there are also playgrounds for the kids, barbecue pits to do some grilling, and lots of restrooms with water access.
Maxwell Dog Park
Maxwell Park is just southeast of LA in Anaheim and has almost 23 acres that include a large dog park with a fence where your cuddle bug can play with other pups off the leash. The park was named after a popular Anaheim School teacher and principal, Matt Lou Maxwell. Your little buddy can chase other pups through hoops, run through tunnels, and climb up and down ramps. There are also water fountains, separate spaces for dogs under 25 pounds, and benches shaped like dog bones for the pet parents.
The rest of Maxwell Park allows your pooch to join you as long as he is back on his leash and you pick up after him, so please bring baggies. Some of the amenities for families include playgrounds for the kids, an outdoor fitness zone for adults, ballfields and picnic areas for everyone, and a concession stand if you need to grab some food or drinks.
Griffith Park Dog Park
With over 4,200 acres, Griffith Park has a spot that is just for pups and their pet parents. Although it may seem small in relation to the park overall, The Griffith Park Dog Park has almost two acres with separate sections for small and large fur puppies. It is completely fenced, so you know your pooch cannot get away even if he decides to try and chase a squirrel running by. There are benches and shade but no grass, so if it rains, your cuddly compadre may need a bath. But there is water access here too.
The rest of the acreage is also dog-friendly for leashed dogs except for a few places like the Zoo and inside the buildings such as the Griffith Observatory and the museums. You and Fido can go hiking to see the Hollywood Sign, run around on the fields, and have a bite to eat at one of the outdoor eating establishments.
Hollydale Dog Park
To the south of downtown Los Angeles, Hollydale Regional Park is a fantastic community park running along the Los Angeles River. It is sometimes referred to as South Gate Park because it is in the village of South Gate, which is part of Hollydale. The main park boasts children’s playgrounds, picnic areas with barbecue grills, ball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and outdoor fitness zones. You will also find plenty of restrooms, water fountains, and benches as well as the dog park.
The Hollydale Dog Park is in the southwestern corner of the park and has quite a few fun activities for your pupster. It has the usuals like doggie bag dispensers, water fountains, benches, trash cans, and a separate small dog space. But it also has gym equipment like a seesaw, ramps, ladders, tunnels, balance boards, and climbing structures. And you can also bring a frisbee or ball to play catch with your canine companion because there is a lot of space.
Uptown Dog Park
Uptown Dog Park is one of the newer pooch places in Los Angeles. Located in southern LA by Long Beach in Scherer Park, you will find it on the western end of the park. It is a pretty basic off-leash dog park with a fence to keep your pup safe and lots of room to roam. There are shaded tables and benches for the pet parents as well as water fountains and doggie bag dispensers. Be sure to bring extra bags, just in case.
The 26-acre Scherer Park also allows your leashed dog to join you in most of the recreational areas outside the dog park too. There are basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, picnic areas, a playground, and lots of walking trails. There is also a duck pond in the southeastern corner of the park where you can always see some ducks. Please do not let your dog get too close or chase them.
K9 Corner Dog Park
About five miles south of Uptown Dog Park between the Los Angeles River and the Pacific Ocean, K9 Corner Dog Park has almost one acre of a fenced area where you can let your pup off the leash for a while. Although it is smaller than most of the other dog parks, it is popular with its artificial lawn and paved play areas to prevent your pooch from getting too dirty. And it is in a nice residential area where other pup parents live.
Your pooch will have plenty of room to run around on the small or large side, and there are water fountains for both dogs and humans, shaded seating, and some awesome climbing structures. One of the really nice things is the solar power that allows pet parents to bring their canine companions here after dark. Bring your own water bowl and doggie bags just in case, and keep your leash handy.
Home Run Dog Park at Rynerson Park
Home Run Dog Park is situated in southeastern Los Angeles in the northern section of Rynerson Park by the San Gabriel River. The fenced doggie areas (one for small and shy dogs) take up about two acres of space where your fur puppy is welcome to drop the leash and run around. There are lots of shade trees, benches, picnic tables, and other seating for the humans, and a vast area for your cuddle bug to run and play with the other cuddly canines.
Rynerson Park has 40 more acres with trails, picnic areas, and ballfields but you will need to releash your pup if you plan to hang out there. It can be fun to take Fido along the trails, especially the one with the outdoor fitness humans so you can get a workout too. There are playgrounds for the little humans, bike paths, barbecue grills, a tot lot, and restrooms with water fountains. Bring extra water and doggie bags.
Fletcher Fetch Park
The first dog park in El Monte, Fletcher Fetch Park in eastern Los Angeles, can be found in Fletcher Park with three acres of fun space for pups. The fenced areas are separated for large and small dogs, each side with the same agility equipment, dog soaking areas, and water fountains. The park also has lighting and cameras for safety as well as adorable bone-shaped benches for seating. It is the newest off-leash dog park in Los Angeles and has all modern equipment.
The agility course in each section is the best, featuring ramps to climb, tires and hoops to jump through, and fire hydrants donated by the local fire company. And all dogs love fire hydrants! Outside the dog park, your pooch can play as long as he has his leash back on. There is a basketball hoop, playground, and picnic areas to enjoy, as well as restrooms and water fountains.
Polliwog Park Dog Run
Polliwog Park is located in southwestern Los Angeles in Manhattan Beach. It is one of the largest parks in the area, with almost 20 acres. One of the main attractions here is Polliwog Lake, which is right next to the Polliwog Park Dog Run by the baseball field. The 6,000-square-foot dog run is the largest in the city and has a fence to keep your fur baby from running off once you take off his leash.
Although the dog park section is not much more than wood chips and benches, the dogs love being able to run around and play together. It is also a great opportunity to get some one-on-one time with your fur baby playing frisbee or fetch. They do not have adequate dog poop baggies here or water, so bring your own. Your pooch is welcome to join you in the rest of the park on a leash, where you can go for a walk, feed the ducks, or have a picnic or barbecue.
Arts District Dog Park
Arts District Dog Park is a fenced pup place with separate areas for big and small dogs as well as lots of shade trees for you and your cuddly canine companion. There are pooper scoopers and doggie bags to help you keep everything picked up and dog water fountains so your pooch can get a drink when he is thirsty. Your dog must be spayed or neutered and be up to date on their shots.
Do not worry about the keypad and handle that looks like it may not let you in. Anytime between 5 AM and 11 PM, the door is open. Just turn the handle and push. The name tells you its location in the Arts District southeast of downtown Los Angeles right across from the Redemption of the Angels Mural. If you and your pooch take a walk around the neighborhood, you can see some sensational artwork.
The Final Woof
With more than 1.6 million cuddly canines in Los Angeles, you know there is plenty to do for pup parents and their pups. Spending the day at any of these (or all of these) dog parks is a fantastic idea.
But where do you go after it gets dark? Luckily, LA has some great dog activities to entertain you and your fur puppy after hours too. For example, you and your pooch can go shopping or grab something to eat at Westfield Century City. Or, take a spooky ghost tour of the city with the dog-friendly LA Ghosts Tour. It is the number one rated ghost tour in Los Angeles, and they love dogs.
