Dog Walkers in Chinatown, Los Angeles

Nestled in Downtown Los Angeles, California, Chinatown is a bustling commercial area for LA’s Asian community. Locals and visitors alike can explore Chinese restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shops with traditionally built architecture that gives the area a unique look and cultural presence. With a small handful of dog-friendly eateries and some outdoor spaces nearby like the Los Angeles State Historic Park, it’s a well-balanced district to venture out for a late afternoon stroll with your pup. Fair weather friends rejoice, because Los Angeles is well known for being nice and balmy throughout the spring and summer months. With an average temperature ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s, there should be plenty of opportunities for exercise. Overall, Chinatown is a great place to visit for a peek into the diversity that makes Los Angeles a fantastic place to be.

While the terrain closer to the Los Angeles River to the East is flat and easier to traverse, going further into Chinatown where the bulk of the retail district sits, there are a few hills to navigate. Expect to mostly explore a bustling urban area with plenty of traffic to be wary of, but there are a few small spots to stop and take a break in the grass. Chinatown has quite a few residential homes and apartments with walkways out front, so dog owners should prepare with plenty of doggy bags to avoid leaving behind any accidents. Most of the hilly areas are within the park and other areas where buildings are not so prominent. There are a few steep hills that walkers should be aware of when out and about, so walking after dark is away from the streets is generally not advised.

While most of Chinatown is urban and residential, most areas have available front or backyards along with green city curbs that provide ample space to get away from the hot concrete for a few minutes. The largest area to explore a more natural setting would be the Los Angeles State Historic Park, home to 32 acres of recreational area and plenty of space to explore. The park often hosts events and vendors, which can make for a great weekend outing. Another green area which sits to the north of the park is known as Radio Hill Gardens: an isolated portion of Elysian Park which provides a home for native plant life and perhaps a bit of smaller wildlife as well. The area is best for walking adventures, as there is no parking available. Both the park and the gardens are great for an outdoorsy pooch to wander and roam on-leash.