Dafi's Ultimate LA tour: The Best Pup Spots

South Coast Botanic Garden — “Dog Days” Event

Every so often, this lush paradise opens its gates just for us pups! It’s the perfect mix of adventure and serenity — wide paths, blooming flowers, and plenty of room to roam.

• Location: Palos Verdes Estates, CA

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Check their calendar for official Dog Days events — dogs are only allowed on special dates! Don't miss the special Dogtober Celebration that happens every weekend during the month of October.

Dog tickets are $5 per dog. Website: www.Southcoastbotanicalgarden.org

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Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area — Views, Vibes & Pawprints

If you’re looking for fresh air, green hills, and skyline views, this is the place. The trails are gentle enough for smaller pups like me, and there are plenty of shady picnic areas for breaks.

• Location: Baldwin Hills

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Early morning visits mean cooler temps and fewer crowds (aka fewer distractions for chasing squirrels).

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Point Vicente Lighthouse — The Ultimate Coastal Walk and Photo Spot

The Point Vicente Lighthouse Trail in Palos Verdes is one of my favorite "walk and wow" destinations. With ocean breezes, dramatic cliffs, and endless blue views, it's the perfect backdrop for an investigative sniff-around.

• Location: Rancho Palos Verdes

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Stay on the path - the cliffs are steep! Visit around golden hour for those dreamy seaside photos(my fur looks amazing in that lighting).

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Echo Park Lake — Pup-Approved Paddle Boat Ride

Did someone say boat ride? Echo Park Lake lets small pups join their humans on the iconic swan boats! Glide across the lake, soak in downtown LA views, and feel the wind in your fur — it’s one of the most unique adventures in the city.

• Location: Echo Park

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Stay on a leash for safety and resist chasing after ducks that float by.

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Polliwog Park — The Local Pup Hangout

Manhattan Beach’s Polliwog Park is all about community and chill. There’s a designated dog park area (which has just recently been renovated), plenty of grass to roll around in, and even a pond for some scenic lounging. Follow the designated pawprints on the walkway for the best pupventure.

• Location: Manhattan Beach

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: It’s a great spot for families — your human siblings will love the playground while you chase your tail nearby!

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Bluff Creek Dog Park — Clean, Calm & Classy

This well-kept park is a hidden gem for LA pups who like a little luxury. There’s soft turf, shaded seating, water fountains, and even separate play areas for large and small dogs.

• Location: Playa Vista

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★★★

Pro Tip: This is the spot for sniff work and socializing - from doodles to dachshund, everyone's mingling. Bring your A-game (and your cutest bandana)!

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Rosie’s Dog Beach — Sun, Surf & Sniffs in Long Beach

Reporting live from LA’s favorite stretch of sand where leashes are optional and fun is mandatory! Rosie’s Dog Beach is the only official off-leash beach in LA County — perfect for a day of fetch, splash, and full-on zoomies.

• Location: Long Beach

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Bring towels (plural). There’s no way you’re leaving this beach dry — or without a few new furry friends!

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Runyon Canyon — The Classic Hollywood Hike for Pups

No list is complete without Runyon Canyon, LA’s most famous off-leash hiking trail.

Whether you’re chasing tennis balls or chasing clout, this is the place to see and be seen — with some of the best skyline views around.

• Location: Hollywood Hills

• Dafi’s Rating: ★★★★★

Pro Tip: Bring water, patience, and your red carpet confidence — this trail doubles as a dog park and a pup celebrity meet-and-greet.

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Final Scoop

So, there you have it — my official scoop on LA’s best dog-friendly adventures! Whether you’re sniffing through the gardens, cruising Echo Park Lake, or strutting your stuff at Marina del Rey, LA has endless options for pups like us.

If you catch me out on assignment, come say hi — I’ll be the one wearing the classy striped tie.

Stay pawsitive, stay tuned.

— Dafi, your LA correspondent