23 Dog Friendly Activities in CALIFORNIA (Fun, Calm & Agile)

Dogs are social animals, and spending time with your furry best friend stimulates their physical and mental health.

And having outdoor fun with them prevents behavioral problems and helps strengthen the bond.

It also allows you to socialize with your dog and other dogs, meet new people, and explore new places. 

California is a paradise for dog-friendly activities; spending a day doing their favorite things promotes trust.

From inside activities to outside places, it offers the dogs a chance to hike in famous parks and go on urban trips.

Also, dogs are family, and knowing where your whole family can enjoy themselves is essential.

Here is a list of places for California’s best dog-friendly activities.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Pet-friendly Hotels in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in Monterey, California

1. Socialize your Dog at El Estero Dog Park (Wide Open Spaces)

The beautiful and spectacular wide open spaces of El Estro Park are the favorite dog-friendly place to enjoy.

Dogs perform well with enough space to breathe and sniff the natural air.

And El Estero Dog Park provides a safe and secure environment where you can off-leash your dog and let them explore independently.

You can enjoy the dense shades while sitting at the park and watching your dog play around the park.

El Estero is a small park, but its wide open places allow them to interact with other dogs and strangers, enhancing socialization.

Moreover, the separate play areas for small and large dogs make it easy to watch the dog.

Park has so much to offer where dogs feel relaxed and happy.

Address: 852 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

2. Take your Dog for a Walk at the Carmel by the Sea (Scenic Coastal Town)

Carmel by the Sea is a beautiful, charming coastal town known for its dog-friendly activities.

This town is known for its location and rich recreational activities for dogs.

And Carmel Beach is dog friendly, and its incredible white sand will be a blast of happiness.

Walking beside the ocean, your dogs will feel a sense of completeness, which you can observe from their behavior.

Other dog-friendly beaches do not allow off-leashing the dog.

Moreover, Carmel town with its shops and galleries, is the best town where you can go dining with your furry family member.

Also, your four-legged friend needs grooming, and the Carmel Groomers will give the best haircuts and other personalized grooming.

The Caramel gives the dogs their best time and enhances their socialization experience. 

Address: 56B 5th Ave Lot 1, Carmel, CA 93921

3. Go for a Hike at Garland Ranch Regional Park (Exciting Hiking Trails)

Sometimes the dogs get too excited and energetic by knowing they are going out for fun.

The outdoor fun should be friendly and according to their energy.

And to meet that energy, Golden Ranch Regional Park offers some of the best dog-friendly places.

According to the excitement, the trails with various difficulties at the regional park will give the dogs the best time.

Also, some trails allow you to off-leash the dog but keep them in your sight because of the wildlife and restrictions.

Furthermore, the beautiful scenery and dense canopy of trees will give the dogs a sense of enjoyment, which you can observe.

After the hiking trails, take your dog to swim in the crystal clear water of the Carmel River.

Address: 700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924,

4. Take your Dog for a Walk on Monterey State Beach (Vast Sandy Beaches)

Dogs are faithful companions, but sometimes they need to explore the outdoor world.

For this reason, Monterey State Beach is the best dog-friendly place to have fun along the coastal lines. 

The vast area of sandy Beach provides plenty of space to walk or run, but your dog must be on a leash due to restrictions.

Enjoying the beautiful sunny day on the Beach will spark emotional enjoyment, where they will whirl around and drag you in excitement.

And if your dog loves swimming, the ocean’s clear and clean water is perfect for diving into.

You can also surf with your daring dog, giving them an incredible experience and boosting mental health.

In addition, they will get to know other dogs, enhancing their socialization and temperament.

Address: Monterey State Beach, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

Also see our article on Dog Breeders in California.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Anaheim, California

1. Go for Dog’s Agility Courses at Olive Hills Dog Park (Off-Leash Agility)

Your dog is the biggest reason that brings smiles to your face, and it’s essential to bring a smile to their face too.

Olive Hills Dog Park is perfect for fun because the canines are set loose from leashes allowing them to romp in the park.

The park landscape is made of artificial turf and divided into two sections; for large and small dogs according to their weight.

For more energetic dogs, there is agility equipment to keep them busy and make them solve problems.

Different breeds are making it perfect for socialization and improving their temperament.

And the park features benches and dog water fountains giving easy access to water.

Furthermore, the park provides much space for your fido to play and have fun.  

Address: 700 S Nohl Cyn Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807, United States

2. Attend a Dog-friendly event at Laguna Beach (Leashed Beach Fun)

Laguna Beach is passionate about dogs and is known as a dog-friendly beach.

The dogs must be on a leash to enjoy the beautiful sand and can splash in the ocean.

There are few areas where they can be off-leash, but keeping them under your voice control is necessary.

You and your fido can enjoy the sandy beach with a beautiful sunset and play a little tennis ball game.

And Laguna Beach restaurants are dog-friendly, and you can enjoy the food with your furry friend.

Furthermore, Laguna Beach Dog Park is the perfect place to let your dog off leash and romp the park.

But it would be best to come at the right time to enjoy yourself with your furry friend because Laguna Beach allows the dogs at a specific time.

Address: 375 Cliff Drive Laguna Beach, California 92651 U.S.

Also see our article on Family Activities in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in Santa Rosa, California

1. Take your dog to St. Francis Winery & Vineyards (Dog-Friendly Winery)

There’s no reason to leave your furry friend behind in Santa Rosa because it offers various dog-friendly opportunities.

Santa Rosa is primarily famous for its dog-friendly wines, and dogs are welcome inside the winery if they behave well.

St. Francis Winery offers a hundred percent pet-friendly options and dog-friendly places to stay with your companion.

The best thing is that your fido is welcome in the tasting room and can have the best of their time.

And there are many dog-friendly restaurants where your furry friend can enjoy the best food with family.

Moreover, the breathtaking views and walking in the vineyards are joyful and fun. 

Address: 100 Pythian Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States

2. Take a Morning Walk at Spring Lake Regional Park (Water Bark Event)

Regional Park is a pet-friendly recreational area that provides canines with the most lively adventures and fun activities.

The famous Water Bark is a unique event held after Labor Day in which dogs are welcome at Swimming Lagoon.

And your fido will experience floating play structures and can run and splash in the Lagoon’s clear water.

There is an entry fee for the dogs to enjoy this only-for-dogs event.

Furthermore, make it more adventurous and bring your furry friend to the boating, making it a bit more fun.

Along with this, the regional park offers the best hiking trails for your companion to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Although they want their best when allowed to romp freely, the park provides places where they should be off the leash. 

Address: 5585 Newanga Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, United States

Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in Los Angeles, California

1. Swim with your Dog at Rosie’s Dog Beach (Swimming Opportunities)

It is named after the Bulldog, Rosie, and is famous for its sandy shores and is the only place that offers the off-leash.

This beach is open to dogs and breeds, but you can enjoy it only during the day.

Also, the beach provides all the fun where they can romp on sandy beaches once off-leash.

They will be free to explore the sand, run after the new puppy friends or splash in the ocean.

When they surf the calm waters, their enjoyment is at peaks, and they can chase the fish.

Besides that, they can swim in the warm, gentle currents of the ocean.

Rosie Dog Beach is a dog’s paradise because you can see dogs with happy faces and excitement everywhere.

Address: 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California 90803, United States

2. Spend Time with your Dog at Lake Hollywood Park (Iconic Park)

Lake Hollywood Park is the jewel with its iconic park along the Hollywood sign that allows pet-friendly activities.

Beautiful trees surrounding the park’s grassy fields are perfect for your furry friend.

Here you can engage with Frisbee throwing or ball chasing games but keep within your voice control. 

You will see your fido exploring and socializing with other dogs, and it improves their temperament.

After enjoying the park, take your furry friend on a small hike to explore the beautiful scenery and Hollywood sign.

And it makes the dog’s journey exploring two beautiful places where they will enjoy and romp on the grassy fields.

Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

3. Have a Dog Race at Sepulveda Basin (Grassy Fields)

When given unrestricted freedom, their health improves, keeping them active and agile.

Sepulveda Basin is a majestic place that gives the freedom to meander in the grassy fields.

This park is divided into three sections accommodating dogs of every size and making their time adventurous.

While you off-leash your dog, watch how they behave around other dogs.

The favorite fun activity is the Frisbee catch, allowing the dogs to spread their legs and make them happy.

For more agile dogs, there are agility courses to learn new things and how to solve tricky situations.

Moreover, the park is excellent for the athlete dogs, and they will find the best fun activities to explore the park.

Address: 17550 Victory Boulevard, Encino Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, United States

Also see our article on Indoor Activities in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in San Francisco, California

1. Take your Dog for a Walk to Crissy Field (Scenic Views)

The Crissy Field is an iconic location for dog owners because you will see your dog exploring new places and having fun.

This field is along the coast of the majestic Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Here the vast open fields allow the dogs to roam around, waging their tails, which means they enjoy this place.

Some areas allow off-leash, and playing Frisbee with them is best, making them more energetic. 

Also, dogs are lovely creatures, and sometimes they are natural swimmers.

With this, you can take your dog for a long walk on the Beach and let them have some fun.

And hiking the beautiful trails is fun for dogs who love adventure. 

Address: 1199 E Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

2. Take your Dog to sandy Fort Funston Beach (Off-Leash Sandy Beach)

If your fido loves sandy beaches, then look no further than Fort Funston because it’s a jewel that sparks love.

Once they are off-leash, you can tell from their happy faces that they are having the best day.

They can enjoy running and woofing in the open space with excitement that will allow them to move freely.

But there is one thing that dogs must be in your sight so you can call them when it’s time.

When the dogs are off-leash, they interact with other dogs, which helps improve their social behavior.

Furthermore, the enjoyment prevails with hiking the trails alongside the beach.

Only the luckiest dogs have the opportunity to explore this beautiful sandy beach.

The dogs also get to play funny games with their owners.

Address: Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

3. Play with your Dog at Mission Dolores Dog Park (Vast Grassy Fields)

Dogs often start behaving in misappropriate ways which means they want to go out for fun and to reflex in an open environment.

Mission Dolores Park is the heart and soul of the Mission district, providing two separate parks for the dogs.

With its vast grassy fields, the park lets you off-leash your dog but keep them close to your sight.

They will also mingle with other friendly humans and dogs and improve their temperament.

Play some Frisbee, tennis ball, and tug toys to make it more fun.

Let your dog explore the other stunning views of the park, but they must be on a leash because of restrictions.

And enhance their mental and physical health by spending time and keeping them playing and running. 

Address: Dolores St & 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

4. Take Your Dog to Hike the McLaren Park (Hiking Trails)

Mclaren is the second largest park in San Francisco, with extensive and stunning views that provide great fun activities for your fido.

The park features two separate areas for dog-friendly activities.

First is the Mclaren Amphitheater play area, which provides different open, playful activities.

Your dog is your companion, and playing with them boosts their confidence and love and improves their behavior.

Furthermore, you can get your dog on hiking trails and let them off the leash to wander around and enjoy the hiking.

And when around the lake, they can dip their paws or swim in the beautiful crystal clear water.

This excitement has a positive result because dogs develop a sense of joy and how to react around strangers.

Address: 2075 Burrows St, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

Also see our article on Kayaking in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in San Diego, California

1. Play with your Dog at The Original Dog Beach (Leash-Free Sandy Beach)

It’s the most famous canine hotspot because it is one of the first leash-free beaches in the United States.

This place is reserved and preserved for the dogs, where they can freely go around the sandy beaches.

Here the dogs can run around the shorelines and also get the chance to explore their digging skills.

Furthermore, the clean and calm waters of the ocean make it perfect if your fido wants to have fun in the water.

And the doggy paddle is perfect for your pup, where they also get into contact with other friendly dogs.

Their happy faces and prancing on the sandy beach are enough to tell that they are having great fun.

Once they are enjoying the best of their time, it’s hard to get them off the beach. 

Address: Dog Beach, San Diego, CA 92107, United States

2. Have a Dog Race at Fiesta Island Park (Largest Dog Park)

Fiesta Island Park is nationally recognized as the “Best Dog Park in America” due to its large sandy beaches and playful activities.

Dogs get bored when kept inside the house for extended periods, and it’s best to give them a retreat.

Off-leash your furry friend at the Fiesta and let them explore this wild island without any restrictions.

The dog’s health improves when it can freely wander and romp on the sandy beaches.

And dogs who love the ocean can swim in clean water to cool off.

Their excitement increases ten folds when they are indulged in different activities and play tennis ball.

Your pup will love camping or picnicking on this wild island.

Address: 1590 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, United States

3. Swim with your Dog at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (Hiking Trails)

Dogs are beautiful creatures who need excitement that makes them healthy, and sunset cliffs park provides fun activities.

This park is pet-friendly and provides many friendly activities, but it is known for hiking rough trails.

If your dog loves hiking, it’s the best place to hike, along with the breathtaking views of sunsets.

And you can make this adventurous by backpacking the dog if they are less into hiking.

Hiking on the rough trails gives high-energetic dogs the adventure that meets their energy level.

The different network of trails with a scenic ocean beach view is the place to explore.

Your furry friend will also get to socialize with other dogs on hiking.

Address: Ladera St, San Diego, California 92107

4. Take your Dog Shopping at Seaport Village (Socialization Opportunities)

Seaport Village will be best when planning an adventurous day with your four-legged friend.

This place is perfect to built socialization in your dog by meeting strangers and other dogs.

The dogs have more energy and love to roam to new places and find something attractive.

Along with this, you can also go shopping and explore beautiful places with your fido.

And Seaport Village hosts most of the fantastic dining options for your whole family.

Also, make it a fantastic day by taking your fido to dog-friendly, wine-tasting restaurants.

You can also take your furry friend shopping, and buying them something to play with will make them feel good.

Moreover, strolling the sandy beach of the seaport will make them sniff the best quality natural air.

Although your dog is on a leash, it will be a great fun day for your furry friend.

Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Also see our article on Water Parks in California.

Dog Friendly Activities in Oakland, California

1. Go for a Hike at a Redwood Regional Park (Energy-Matching Hikes)

Sometimes your furry friend needs an outdoor adventure, and Redwood Regional Park is the best place to come to mind.

Dogs enjoy their outdoor time the best when they are off-leash and can run freely.

So, the park offers some trails where your companion can be off-leash but always keep them under your voice control.

If your fido has lots of energy, it’s best to hike the problematic trails to match their power, and they will love it.

You are hiking in the beautiful redwood where your dog has enough place to reflex muscles and sniff in nature.

Hiking Your furry friend might be exhausted after hiking and leisurely walking, so you should be on a leash.

They socialize with other dogs when exploring the park, improving their mental health. 

Address: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, United States

2. Take your dog to Restaurants at Jack London Square (Dog-Friendly Restaurants)

Jack London Square is the best dog-friendly place, with plenty of wine-tasting and dine-in-friendly restaurants.

Your furry friend loves you, and the best is to reward you with something beautiful that makes their day.

The famous Thai cuisine restaurants provide an outdoor dog-friendly patio overlooking the marina.

Besides this, you can also let your fido enjoy the tasty food of the restaurants and make them taste the ice cream.

Also, outdoor restaurants make the dogs enjoy the beautiful scenery and get comfortable around strangers.

Along with restaurants, take your dog to Plank wine tasting, which is more than an adventure.

When looking for urban adventure, Jack Square provides the best hospitality to all family members. 

Address: 245 2nd St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States

3. Take your Dog for a Hike at Robert Sibley Volcanic Preserve (Volcano Views)

The best thing to reward your dog is an adventure, and Robert Sibley Volcanic Reserve offers a dog-friendly park.

This park gives stunning views of the extinct volcano and hiking trails that are easy to difficult.

Dogs seek energetic activities to keep them healthy, and hiking matches their energy level.

Furthermore, along the hiking trails, they will explore the imperative displays of the preserve.

You can experience their sniffing power and their excitement to explore more.

Keeping your fido on a leash would be best because cattle roam the park frequently.

But on some trails, the park offers off-leash and allows dogs to get comfortable around other dogs.

Address: 6800 Skyline Blvd. Oakland, CA 94611

4. Play and Socialize your Dog at Hardy Dog Park (Concrete Playground & Highway Shelter)

The best thing dogs want to do is run freely and play games that reward them.

Hardy Park is unique because it’s underneath the highway and has concrete floors, making it an ideal place to stay.

This park has a playground where your fido can fetch the tennis ball; you will find many there.

Also, the park is under the highway, so you and your pup are protected from the sun and rain and can play undisturbed.

And dogs bark out of excitement and can bark here as loud as possible.

You can feel that their enjoyment is at its peak when roaming freely.

Furthermore, the park also features a pond where your furry friend can dip the paws or can have a quick swim.

Address: 482 Hardy St, Oakland, CA 94618, United States

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best National Parks, Playgrounds, and Fun things to do in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Dog-friendly activities in Florida and Texas.