Summer is the perfect time to let your furry friend enjoy the outdoors with total freedom and meet some new friends along the way. LA has a number of fantastic off-leash dog parks where your pup can run free, socialize, and play their hearts out. We’re going to share with you a few of our favorite SoCal off-leash parks, along with some important best practices to keep in mind before your visit.

Our Top Five Off-Leash Dog Parks

1.     Runyon Canyon Park

A Los Angeles favorite and it’s easy to see why. The park offers plenty of trails where dogs can roam off-leash, with ample space to run and stunning views of the city.

  • Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
  • Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

2.     Griffith Park Dog Park

An off-leash section within the larger Griffith Park, it features two well-maintained areas separated between small and large dogs which allows every furry friend to enjoy an atmosphere best suited for them. 

  • Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
  • Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset, closes every Tuesday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM 

3.     Laurel Canyon Dog Park

Known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, the park offers plenty of space for every dog to explore. 

  • Location: 8260 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046
  • Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset, closes every Friday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM

4.     Silver Lake Dog Park

Located within the popular Silver Lake Reservoir, it’s a piece of paradise for both dogs and their owners. The park is divided into separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every pup. 

  • Location: 1863 Silver Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90026
  • Hours: Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, closes every Wednesday from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM

5.     Hermon Dog Park

A hidden gem located in the northeast part of the city. The park also features separate areas for small and large dogs, and plenty of open space. 

  • Location: 5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles, CA 90042
  • Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

Best Practices for Off-Leash Dog Parks

It’s always exciting to browse a list of potential new parks and destinations to visit with your canine companion. So you and your dog can have the best possible time at the park, make sure you and your doggo are ready. Here are a few things that we want to highlight for you to consider before visiting an off-leash dog park:

Ensuring Your Dog is Ready

Before you head to an off-leash park, double check that your dog is ready for the experience. Here are some important points to tick off your checklist: 

  • Training: Does your dog respond well to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come?” Reliable recall is important in any off-leash environment. 
  • Socialization: Is your dog comfortable around other dogs and people? Make sure to socialize them in various settings to build their confidence and ensure they are well-behaved in different situations. 
  • Health Check: When was the last time you visited the vet? Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and flea treatments to protect them and other dogs they interact with.

Do Your “Doody”

Don’t forget the dog waste bags! Picking up after your dog is crucial for maintaining a clean and enjoyable environment for everyone. Not only does it keep the park clean, but it also prevents environmental contamination. Dog waste left on the ground can wash into storm drains and contribute to stormwater runoff pollution, harming local waterways and wildlife. Fortunately, the City of Los Angeles offers free dog waste bags to LA residents. Here’s where you may request them. And, please remember:

  • Bring Bags: Always bring plenty of waste bags with you to the park. 
  • Dispose Properly: Use park’s designated waste bins to dispose of your dog’s waste.

Now grab your leash (just for the walk there) and your dog waste bags, and find out which of these parks is just right for you and your pup! Remember to follow our practices to keep everyone and your environment safe. Happy adventuring, Angelenos!

We would love to see your furry friend enjoying LA! Feel free to send us photos from your favorite off-leash park at lastormwater@lacity.org and we might feature your canine companion on our social media.