5 Reasons to Vacation With Your Dog in Los Angeles, California

The days are longer and the temperatures are warmer—summer is in full swing! It’s the perfect time to hit the road with your family and take a much-needed (and well-deserved) vacation. For pet parents, summer also means an ideal opportunity to bring your dog along for the adventure.

If you’re planning a vacation with your dog this season, few destinations compare to the City of Angels—Los Angeles, California. Dog-friendly Los Angeles is a must-visit for travelers and their pups: the weather is reliably pleasant, there’s endless exploration to be had, and the region offers an abundance of welcoming spaces—from beaches and trails to restaurants and boutiques—all designed with pets in mind.

A golden retriever happily walking along a sun-dappled trail with the Hollywood Sign visible in the distance

“Los Angeles is the ultimate pet-friendly destination offering memorable experiences for every member of the family, including our furry companions,” says Jamie Foley, vice president of global communications for Discover Los Angeles. “Whether you’re looking for dog-friendly hotels, alfresco dining options, scenic trails, or beaches, LA has it all.”

1. A Wide Selection of Dog-Friendly Hotels

Finding accommodations that welcome dogs is often one of the biggest hurdles for pet travelers—but in Los Angeles, it’s refreshingly easy. Whether you’re staying on the East Side or West Side, in Hollywood or Malibu, you’ll find numerous hotels eager to host you and your pup.

  • The Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood greets guests and their dogs with thoughtful amenities at check-in—including a plush loaner bed and a curated list of nearby pet-friendly attractions. They even host a pet-friendly nightly wine reception!
  • The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows sits just steps from iconic Santa Monica State Beach and welcomes dogs at no extra charge.
  • The Beverly Wilshire—one of LA’s most legendary hotels (famous as the filming location for Pretty in Pink)—goes above and beyond for canine guests, stocking each room with a cozy bed, stainless steel bowls, and a generous supply of treats.

2. Plenty of Pet-Friendly Restaurants

LA doesn’t just offer great places to sleep—it serves up unforgettable dining experiences where your dog is truly part of the table. From laid-back burger joints to elevated patios, the city delivers flavor for both you and your pup.

  • Ashland Hill in Santa Monica hosts regular “Yappy Hours” on its spacious, dog-friendly patio—and features a dedicated menu for dogs, including fan-favorite dog-friendly ice cream.
  • Plan Check Kitchen + Bar in West LA’s Sawtelle neighborhood serves some of the city’s best burgers and boasts one of the most welcoming outdoor spaces for dogs in town.
  • Golden Road Brewing, located just five minutes from the Los Angeles Zoo, features a “doggy deck” with AstroTurf, cool water stations, and special dog treats—so your pup can relax while you enjoy local craft brews.
A mixed-breed dog sitting calmly beside a diner table at an outdoor restaurant, with a small bowl of dog-safe ice cream and a person smiling nearby

3. Amazing Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

For outdoor lovers, LA is a dream destination to explore with your dog. With countless trails winding through mountains, canyons, and coastal bluffs, your biggest challenge will be choosing where to start.

  • Runyon Canyon remains one of LA’s most beloved hikes—popular with locals and their dogs alike—and rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign.
  • Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades offers dramatic ocean vistas and, after recent rain, a seasonal waterfall you won’t want to miss. Just remember to follow posted signs—some park areas restrict dogs.
  • Griffith Park invites you and your pup to hike up to the Griffith Observatory—the city’s most iconic landmark—where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the skyline and the Hollywood Sign.

4. Beach Days With Your Pup

Nothing captures the spirit of vacation like sun, sand, and surf—and in LA, you can enjoy it all alongside your dog. While not every beach allows pets, several outstanding spots welcome leashed or off-leash companions.

  • Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore neighborhood is a designated off-leash zone where your well-trained pup can run, dig, and splash freely.
  • North Beach at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu permits leashed dogs on the sand—ideal for a quiet coastal stroll.
  • In Santa Monica, dogs aren’t allowed directly on the beach—but they’re warmly welcomed on the scenic Beach Trail, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the Santa Monica Pier.
A happy terrier mix splashing in shallow waves at Rosie's Dog Beach, with other dogs playing in the background and palm trees lining the shore

5. Shop Till You Drop—With Your Dog in Tow

LA’s vibrant retail scene is just as inclusive for pets as it is for people. The city’s open-air shopping pavilions are largely dog-friendly, making window browsing and boutique hopping a joyful experience for the whole family.

Try strolling through The Grove, Westfield Century City, or The Promenade in Santa Monica. Many stores offer water bowls and treats at the door—and don’t forget to pick up a commemorative souvenir, like the popular FurPetVo LA Lakers mesh dog jersey, available exclusively at furpetvo.com.

From luxurious dog-friendly hotels and breathtaking hikes to charming patios and breezy shopping districts, Los Angeles delivers an unmatched blend of comfort, convenience, and fun for pet families. It’s no wonder that dog-friendly Los Angeles remains one of the top destinations to vacation with your four-legged friend.