Dog Walkers in Downtown, Santa Monica

Several dog-friendly restaurants that let your pup to join you in their outdoor seating area include Swingers Santa Monica, Del Frisco’s Grill, Locanda Del Lago, The Misfit Bar, and True Food Kitchen.  

Santa Monica has warm, sunny weather most of the year. Winters are cooler, especially along the water, and experience some rainy days. Fog can occur in winter and especially in May and June but usually burns off later in the day providing a bright, sunny day for a stroll with your hound.

This area has heavy traffic, although there are sidewalks providing safe, separate walkways along streets. Some intersections have pedestrian scrambles which restrict vehicles and allow foot traffic to cross in any direction, which is safer for people and pets at these busy intersections. 

The terrain is flat and there are no steep hills to climb in the region. The waterfront along the westside, with its greenway paths, parks, and the beach along the Pacific coast, is a prominent feature of the neighborhood.

Santa Monica’s waterfront parks, promenade, and piers allow leashed dogs on walkways, but your pup is not permitted on the beach. The Palisades Park is a 16.4-acre park stretching along the sandstone bluffs with trails that are popular with dog walkers.

Three area dog parks provide opportunities for off-leash fun in Santa Monica’s downtown area. The Pacific Street Dog Park has a water supply for thirsty pooches and waste disposal facilities and supplies, with lots of shade and seating in the park. Alternatively, the Herb Katz Dog Park at Joslyn Park is a 1.25-acre enclosed, off-leash dog park with a separate enclosed area for small dogs. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30. Pups in Santa Monica dog parks must be licensed, so out of town visitors will need permits.

Just a short jaunt to the north is the Memorial Dog Park. This fenced dog run is another nearby off-leash venue for downtown pups to play.