According to the LA Almanac, there are over 5 million dog owners in Los Angeles County, and that number continues to grow. Clearly, residents in Santa Monica and LA County love their dogs. Thankfully, there are tons of fun activities to do with our beloved dogs in Santa Monica. So, if you’re on vacation or just need a short break, here are a few dog-friendly things to do in Santa Monica this summer.
Hit the Beach
Whether you have a Plott Hound, a Great Pyrenees or a toy poodle, there are several beaches in the Santa Monica area that are a dog’s dream, and hitting the beach is a great idea to ditch the heat during the summertime. Take Huntington Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, for example. This beach provides dog waste stations as well as public restrooms for humans. It has tons of grassy areas and oodles of beach space for Fido to play. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, which might be a blessing if your dog isn’t the most social pup on the scene.
You might also want to check out Rosie’s Dog Beach on Ocean Blvd in Long Beach. They have a special Dog Zone devoted for dogs to play leash-free. Rosie’s also has several special events just for dogs throughout the year. Before you go, you should know that Rosie’s has a one-dog-per owner limit, and all dogs need to be vaccinated, tagged, and well-behaved.
Have a Nibble
If you’re not already aware, there are multiple places to eat in Santa Monica that not only welcome dogs – some restaurants even serve doggie treats! For instance, The Albright on Santa Monica Pier has ample outdoor seating spaces where dogs can gather around the dinner table. They also have water bowls set out throughout the area. If that isn’t a strong enough selling point for summertime fun with your dog, then just have a bite of The Albright’s fresh seafood dishes like their famous shrimp po’ boys, fish tacos, and scrummy grilled oysters.
Another welcoming doggy-dining experience can be had at Ashland Hill on Main Street. They have a beautiful atmosphere with a covered patio that is inviting for both dogs and humans alike. They also provide water bowls in the area for your pooch, and they have a Yappy Hour once a month when they dole out custom dog goodies for your best buddy, and feature craft cocktails for you.
Bark in the Park
Because Santa Monicans love their dogs, there’s no wonder there are many dog parks to accommodate both humans and canines. Consider spending a summer afternoon at Pacific Street Dog Park on Main Street, where you can take your dog off-leash to frolic and play. Pacific Street Dog Park has plenty of shaded seating and dog water fountains, so your pooch doesn’t overheat in the summer sun.
Or, if you want to make a day of it, think about heading out to Herb Katz Dog Park in Joslyn Park on Kensington Rd. This is also an off-leash dog park that features a spacious 1.25-acre playground that can hold around 40-45 dogs at a time, with divided areas to separate tiny dogs from big ones. In addition to being a haven for dogs, Herb Katz also has human amenities such as a children’s playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and a community center.
Get Pretty
Sometimes there’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than to spruce up and get a little pampering. Fortunately, Santa Monica has several high-class dog salons that will make your pup look like the superstar he or she is. Make an appointment for your fur baby at Bark Williams on Ocean Park Blvd. This dog spa is heralded as a premier salon and boutique for dogs in Santa Monica. They use all-natural grooming products and will pamper your pooch with the utmost care.
You might also want to check out Healthy Spot on Wilshire Boulevard. They offer a full array of services and products for both you and your furry friend. From grooming to daycare, dog nutrition consultations to dog dental care – your pup will feel like a brand new baby after a visit to Healthy Spot. Moreover, they have a store that features all manner of healthy, organic, natural treats and goodies you can purchase so you can continue to spoil your pup at home.
In closing, it’s clear that Santa Monica is the place to be if you’re a dog or a devoted dog-lover. From premium salons and pristine dog-friendly beaches, to pet-centric parks and dog-loving restaurants – there is no end to the summertime fun you can have with your dog in Santa Monica.
