Dog-friendly activities to do in Long Beach
- Pet Waggin' Pet Care
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Can you think of a better way to spend a day than adventuring with your canine companion by your side? We sure can’t!
Planning a day of dog-friendly activities will help you create memories you’ll both cherish forever.
Need a little inspo? Here’s the ultimate bucket list of dog-friendly activities in Long Beach!
Start your day with a w-a-l-k.
Kick off the morning on a high note. Whether you head on a short stroll around the neighborhood or a longer trail, a refreshing walk outside will set the tone for the day while allowing your best buddy to burn off some energy. Let them sniff, explore and take in all of the sights and sounds!
Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the city? Head to the Rio Hondo River trail to explore 17 miles of paved walkway. The 25.8-acre Bluff Park offers stunning ocean views and is a popular dog-walking spot. Or, walk the shorter Colorado Lagoon wetland trail, an easy one-mile loop with lots of bird-watching for you and your canine companion.
No matter where you venture, remember to bring water, a leash and plenty of poop bags.
Stop for a dog-friendly breakfast.
Phew, you’re going to need some fuel for the excitement ahead!
Long Beach has plenty of pet-friendly restaurants that welcome visitors and their animal companions alike. Find a café with a dog-friendly patio and enjoy a relaxing breakfast together. Grab fresh dog biscuits from The Dog Bakery (4818 E. 2nd St.), available in peanut butter, cheddar cheese and pumpkin to suit every pooch’s palate.
If your favorite local spot doesn’t cater to dogs, bring a special treat for your pup to enjoy while you sip your coffee.
Head to a dog park.
The adventure continues! Long Beach is lucky to be home to many dog parks for pups to run free and socialize with friends, new and old.
Hit Recreation Dog Park (5201 E. 7th St.) for a two-acre spot with watering stations, benches and tables. Further away is the ADA-accessible El Dorado Dog Park (7550 E Spring St.) in El Dorado East Regional Park, which boasts separate large and small dog areas, a drinking fountain, benches and waste bag dispensers.
See a full list of Long Beach dog parks to find the perfect spot for you and your pooch.
Take a mini road trip.
CAR RIDE! Hop in the car and take your pup for a car ride (with windows down if they like to feel the wind blowing through their fur!). Consider a nearby dog beach or even a different part of town.
Check out the new Monty’s Dog Beach and Bar, just steps from Pet Waggin’ fave Rosie’s Dog Beach. Kick back with a cold drink while your doggo enjoys a treat and shows off their skills in Monty’s agility area.
Try a new activity together.
Shake up your usual routine with something fresh and exciting.
One option: kayaking! Many dogs enjoy being on the water, and companies like Kayaks on the Water allow dogs on the boats (with proper safety precautions, of course). You’ll need a life vest for your pooch, so make sure to bring one along if kayaking is in your plans.
Lunch time!
‘Nuff said.
Here are some of our fave dog-friendly restaurants near Rosie’s Dog Beach.
Engage in a little retail therapy.
Spoil your dog with a trip to a pet store. Let them pick out a new toy, a fresh bag of treats or a cozy bed. Many stores allow dogs to come inside, and they’ll love all of the new smells (and likely the free samples!).
Or, unleash your creativity with your furry BFF at bark! bark! Boutique and Treat Bar (5338 E 2nd St.). Create a matching custom dog collar and bracelet at their DIY barks n’ crafts station.
Play paw-parazzi.
Don’t forget to document your special day together!
Snap candid shots of your fur-baby throughout the day. These memories will last a lifetime — and they’ll look pretty adorable on your fridge or social media, too!
Wind down after a day of excitement.
Catch golden hour by planning a sunset hangout at a prime spot like Hilltop Park in Signal Hill or the aforementioned Bluff Park. Pack a picnic blanket and some toys to entertain your pup, find the perfect place and arrive about 30 minutes early to soak in the views together.
Then, head home for couch cuddles and snacks. Give your pup a gentle massage to help them relax after all the activity, if they enjoy massages.
Plan your next adventure!
Before you drift off to sleep, take a moment to reflect on the day’s highlights. What did your dog love most? What made you laugh the hardest? Make a list of new places or activities to try next time!
Our dogs are family. And just like any family member, they deserve our time, attention and a little extra joy. Those shared moments of happiness and connection can do wonders for both your health and your pup’s well-being!
Where are you taking your pup on your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you!
