If your dog dreams of hanging 20 with the surfers in Santa Monica or Venice, he may be disappointed. Sadly, there are no dog friendly beaches in these communities. However, if your pup’s dreams involve, shopping in funky boutiques and dining at trendy restaurants, these areas deliver! Dog friendly Santa Monica even offers some luxurious hotels you can both enjoy.
Many are surprised to learn that dogs are never allowed on Santa Monica or Venice Beaches. You’ll have to visit the city of Long Beach to find a dog friendly beach in LA County. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! Over the years I’ve had enjoyable visits to the area with both Louis and my first Frenchie, Tara.
Dog Friendly Santa Monica
In 2015 Tara and I spent several nights at the dog friendly Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Like all Loews hotels, the Santa Monica property offers the “Loews Loves Pets” program. Benefits vary by location but may include treats, name tags, loaner bowls, and beds. Loews even offers a room service menu, especially for pets!
Our room at Loews had a fantastic view of the iconic Santa Monica Pier. It is within easy walking distance, and leashed dogs are allowed to stroll with you on the pier. There are numerous food vendors and unlimited people watching opportunities.
Another dog friendly place to people watch is Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. Pups will get showered with attention at stores like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and the Apple Store. The Promenade leads to the more upscale Santa Monica Place shopping center. There your dog can join you for shopping at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and more.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach
Located a short drive from Santa Monica, Venice Beach offers a more laid-back, bohemian vibe. Even though dogs are not allowed on the sand, you can both check out the sights and sounds of the famous Boardwalk. Watch street performers and artists rub elbows with muscle men and roller skaters in bikinis. It can get a bit seedy at night but is good fun during daylight hours.
When I visited Venice Beach with Louis this year, we rented a great dog friendly apartment through Airbnb. It was located right off chic and trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This mile-long street features independent boutiques and stylish chain stores. Most of the stores along Abbot Kinney allow dogs inside and some even have bowls of fresh water for your pup.
My favorite shopping spot on Abbot Kinney is the Toms Flagship Store (1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd). At Toms, you and your pup can shop for shoes and accessories or just hang out and enjoy coffee and free wi-fi in the comfy lounge. Dogs aren’t technically allowed at the cafe counter; your dog can wait just around the corner while you order.
If you are looking for a more substantial meal, there is a wide variety of dog friendly Santa Monica and Venice Beach restaurants. Louis and I had a surprisingly delicious vegan dinner at Cafe Gratitude (512 Rose Ave. Venice). We also enjoyed meals with friends at Salt Air (1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd) and Coast at the luxurious Shutters on the Beach hotel (1 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica).
Do you have a recommendation for another dog friendly Santa Monica or Venice Beach restaurant? Please mention them in the comments below.
MORE CALIFORNIA POSTS:Â
- LA County – Sunset Tower Hotel, Chateau Marmont, Santa Monica & Venice, Long Beach
- Orange County – Huntington Beach, Newport Beach & Balboa Island
- Riverside County – Palm Springs
- San Diego County – Hotel Del Coronado
- Humboldt County – Redwoods
- Transportation: CA Highway 1, JSX Airlines
