Southern California: Pet-friendly guide

Incredible views, miles of white, sandy beaches, and beautiful weather all year round. Southern California sure has a lot going for it! But did you know that it’s also one of the most pet-friendly places to visit in the US? From dog-friendly eateries to beaches and breweries, Southern California has it all!

Whether you’re a local looking to further explore your backyard, or you’re on a local pet sit in California and want to explore the city with your new pet pal, you’ll never be at a loss to find great dog-friendly spots in the Golden State. Here are the five most pet-friendly cities in Southern California to explore with your dog by your side.

San Diego

The city coined as ‘America's Finest’, San Diego is known by locals as being a real pet paradise. From its many dog-friendly beaches, parks and hiking trails, to a number of dog-friendly restaurants and bars, there are lots of places to sit, stay and play when in San Diego.

Where to walk

In the mood for soaking up the rays? You’re in luck. San Diego has 70 miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy, many of which allow dogs. Fiesta Island Dog Park, an off-leash dog beach, is just one example and offers up lots of space for your pup to run, swim and explore in.

If you and your dog are more the hiking type, San Elijo Lagoon Trail is the place to go. A must-visit for any dog-owning San Diegan, San Elijo Lagoon Trail is a three-mile hike trail in Encinitas that runs up by the lagoon, with lots of local wildlife providing the perfect opportunity for a spot of bird watching.

Check out our full list of dog-friendly walks in San Diego here.

Where to eat and drink

You and your pup will be spoilt for choice when it comes to pet-friendly eateries in San Diego. 

For classic American fare both man and dog can enjoy, head on over to Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. With multiple locations across Southern California, Lazy Dog's dog-themed cafe has pet-friendly seating available outdoors, as well as a whole menu just for dogs!

Or, why not start your weekend off with a spot of brunch with your dog. A real San Diego favourite, the Prado Restaurant at Balboa Park is always a good choice. Owned by San Diego's famous Cohn Group, the restaurant welcomes dogs on their shaded front patio area and offers upscaled, Californian cuisine.

Where else to go?

For a culturally rich afternoon, head to Balboa Park, where you’ll find museums, theatres, a world-famous zoo, and plenty of pups — providing they’re well behaved! The park has two dedicated off-leash areas located at Balboa Dr. at El Prado, Nate's Point (south side of Cabrillo Bridge), and at Morley Field, northwest of the tennis courts. 

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Then head down to Otay Ranch Town Center, located just a few minutes away from downtown San Diego. This dog-friendly open-air shopping destination has a designated fenced-in dog area, with fresh bowls of water available.

Anaheim

While it’s probably most famous as being home to the Disneyland Resort, this Orange County city was also featured in a list of California’s most dog-friendly cities. Here are some fun things to do with your dog in tow when you next find yourself in Anaheim… 

Where to walk 

From dawn to dusk, you and your pooch can enjoy a run around off-leash at Olive Hills Dog Park. With separate areas for large and small dogs, a large turf area and an agility course, this is a great spot to let your dog roam free. 

Or, head to La Palma Dog Park. Located in one of Anaheim’s largest parks, La Palma Dog Park also provides separate small and large dog separation areas, as well as plenty of benches.

Where to eat and drink

Serving up speciality burgers and cocktails, Umami Burger is a spot loved by San Diego locals and visitors alike. Luckily for Anaheim’s canine residents, it also allows dogs on the outdoor patio area.

Fancy sampling some home-brewed delights? Then take your dog down to Brewheim, a local Anaheim brewery. Dogs are welcome at any time of day here, and if you’re lucky you may even spot their very own brewery dog, Barley!

Where else to go?

There are a number of dog-friendly stores, restaurants and even an escape game at the dog-friendly Anaheim GardenWalk, making this ‘eatertainment’ destination a very popular, dog-friendly choice.

Los Angeles 

Can you get more pet-friendly than Los Angeles? From hiking spots to dog-friendly restaurants in LA, day or night you can be guaranteed to find something to do in this SoCal city with your dog by your side.

Where to walk

Los Angeles has hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore with your dog. A popular spot for locals and tourists alike is Runyon Canyon. Spanning 160 acres (with a 90 acre designated, off-leash area for your dog to run free in), it’s one of LA’s most popular dog-friendly hike spots and boasts incredible views over Hollywood. 

Dog lovers can also head to Boneyard Dog Park, Culver City’s off-leash dog park, or the popular Lake Hollywood Dog Park which, as well as providing lots of room for your dog to run around in, also provides plenty of photo ops with the Hollywood sign as your backdrop. Check out our post on dog parks in Los Angeles for more dog walking inspo!

Where to eat and drink

The Fat Dog, a dog-themed pub-restaurant in North Hollywood, is a popular, pooch-friendly haunt frequented by many of the four-legged locals. Well behaved dogs are more than welcome on the restaurant's spacious, outdoor patio area, and water and treats are available. You might also get a chance to meet the owner’s resident two pooches!

If you fancy just stopping off for a coffee, then Muddy Paw is the place to go. Not only is this dog-themed coffee shop pet-friendly, they also help raise money for local animal rescues.

Finally, why not round off your evening at one of the most dog-friendly breweries in LA. Golden Road Brewing has a dedicated “Doggy Deck,” complete with water bowls and doggie biscuits. They even launched a special "Puppy Hour," where proceeds go towards supporting local rescues.

Where else to go?

If you fancy a bit of window shopping, take a wander around Westfield Century City. This open-air, dog-friendly shopping destination on Santa Monica Boulevard welcomes pups and even provides a few designated doggy play areas.

Or, how about the Hollywood Walk of Fame? When in Rome… or rather, Hollywood! Leashed dogs are welcome to parade this famous walkway, and you may even spot a few of the famous paw prints on show from Hollywood's many dog actors.

Long Beach

Known as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the area, where you’re welcome in Long Beach, you can be pretty sure your pup will be, too!

Where to walk

Bixby Dog Park, the latest instalment to Long Beach’s many dog-friendly recreation parks, provides plenty of space for dogs (and their owners) to play. With separate areas for large and small dogs, lots of lush green grass, a drinking fountain, and benches available, Bixby Dog Park has everything a dog could need! 

Or, if you fancy a beach day, you can head on over to Rosie's Dog Beach on Ocean Blvd, where dogs are permitted in the designated Dog Zone between 6 am - 8 pm.

Where to eat and drink

With a large patio area for your pup to enjoy, The Attic on Broadway is a great choice to opt for if you want to share a nice meal with your dog. Dogs even get their own menu at this dog-friendly eatery, with delights such as chicken, sausage, and even steak to choose from.

Or, pie — it’s the ultimate comfort food! And now it’s one you and your dog can enjoy together. The Pie Bar, located in Long Beach’s City Place Shopping Center, offers up a number of sweet and savoury pies all made from scratch, as well as Pet Pies made from natural pumpkin for its many canine customers to enjoy.

Where else to go?

Get the wind in your hair (and your pup’s fur) with a London Boat duffy boat ride in Alamitos Bay. These electric boats seat up to 12, and are very dog-friendly — in fact, their logo was inspired by the owner’s English bulldog, Titus Maximus, who you might spot manning the store during your visit. 

For more beautiful views of the city, head to Shoreline Village. This dog-friendly waterfront boardwalk has lots to keep you and your pup occupied, from shops and souvenirs to plenty of restaurants. There is also a carousel and fun zone for the kids.

Oxnard

For a little fun in the sun! Oxnard offers many fun-filled activities for pets and their humans to enjoy.

Where to walk

College Park Dog Park is a real pet paradise. This large dog park benefits from two separate areas for large and small dogs, and has plenty of agility equipment available. They even have a doggy wash area, particularly useful if your pup is the muddy kind! 

If it’s a beach day you're after, then why not head to the stunning Oxnard Beach Park, where leashed dogs are allowed to roam at any time of the day.

Where to eat and drink

Enjoy your meal with beautiful views overlooking the harbour at Sea Fresh Channel Islands. Serving up fresh seafood, you and your dog will be welcome here out on the restaurant’s spacious, dog-friendly patio.  

In the mood for pizza instead? Another eatery with gorgeous harbour views is Toppers Pizza. The outdoor patio area is great for watching the sun go down, pizza in hand, with your dog by your side. Sign us up!

Where else to go?

Why not spend an afternoon picking out a new toy for your pooch? Pet Food Express is, naturally, dog-friendly, and you can even take your dog to their self-service pet wash for a luxury shampoo and blow dry for as little as $15.

Heading north?

Let your pet sitting adventures take you north to explore Washington's Emerald City, and get clued up on the dog-friendly bars Seattle has to offer.