L.A. Off the Leash

The top five places to walk your dog in Los Angeles

By Jessamyn Embry

Are you and your pup tired of the twice-a-day walk around the block? The same pit stop on your neighbor’s lawn? Then it’s time to break out of the routine and explore the most dog-friendly spots in Southern California

1.Haute Dogs at the Long Beach Off-Leash Dog Beach. Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, this three-acre beach is one of the few sections of L.A. coastline that allows dogs off the leash. The Haute Dogs Organization hosts many dog oriented events including an annual interfaith pet blessing, a holiday toy and treat collection for shelter animals, and the popular Howl’oween Parade, a doggy costume parade benefiting local shelters. Located between Roycroft and Argonne avenues in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool.

2. Griffith Park

Rising high above the Los Angeles Basin, Griffith Park offers 90 acres of off-leash trails and 160 acres of leashed trails. If you and your pup feel like scoping out the scene before tackling the trails, take a ride on the small train that follows a one-mile tour through the park. The seats are a bit small, however, so bigger breeds may have to sit at your feet. Dogs are also allowed on the roof of the Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign.

Park Entrance: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027

3. Century City Shopping Center. What’s more So-Cal than a trip to the mall? With over 140 stores you’re bound to find something you never knew you needed. Don’t feel like shopping? The food court is a prime spot to sit back with a non-fat sugar-free soy mochaccino and a gourmet doggy treat to watch the city (and the occasional celebrity) stroll by.  Located at10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 93309

4. Westminster Off-Leash Dog Park . The Venice Beach Boardwalk is always a great L.A. destination with plenty to see and do. Dogs aren’t allowed off the leash, however, and it can get pretty crowded and noisy on the weekends. Let your dog run-off some of that inevitable anxiety at the Westminster Dog Park located just a block away. This self-governed park is the creation of FREEPLAY, a non-profit that works to establish off-leash areas in L.A. Located at 1234 Pacific Avenue Venice, CA 90291. At the corner of Westminster and Pacific in Venice

5. Runyon Canyon – Generally considered the most-dog friendly hike in Los Angeles, this is a great place for you and Fido to make new friends. If you don’t have the time or energy to take the off-leash hike, there is also a well-fenced dog park at its base. Located in the Hollywood Hills, it’s a great place to see celebrities walking their own pooches.
Enter off of Fuller Ave., Mulholland Dr. or Vista St. Los Angeles, 90028