A quick visual preview from one of the local parks on this page.
California city guide
Best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica, CA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 7 total results, including 5 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.4/5 from roughly 1,478 combined Google reviews, and Joslyn Park, Westminster Dog Park, and Herb Katz Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, small dogs or homes with multiple dog sizes, and social dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowd. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that maintenance can be uneven and shade is limited at some spots, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
Santa Monica dog park scene
Santa Monica, CA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 7 total results, including 5 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.4/5 from roughly 1,478 combined Google reviews, and Joslyn Park, Westminster Dog Park, and Herb Katz Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, small dogs or homes with multiple dog sizes, and social dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowd. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that maintenance can be uneven and shade is limited at some spots, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
A look around Santa Monica
Real Google photos make the page feel more trustworthy before someone even clicks into a park.
Top rated in Santa Monica
These are the strongest-rated listings for people who want a fast starting shortlist.
Joslyn Park
Joslyn Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
633 Kensington Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Airport Park Dog Park
Overview: Airport Park Dog Park is rated 4.6/5 from 83 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as spacious with room for dogs to run and clean and well kept. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas. Crowd: Reviews describe a friendly crowd of owners and dogs, regular visitors and active use, and steady activity with other dogs to meet. Downsides: Some reviews mention inconsistent cleanliness.
3201 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
DOG PPL
Overview: DOG PPL is rated 4.5/5 from 193 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept and spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas. Crowd: Reviews describe regular visitors and active use, a sense of community among regular visitors, and steady activity with other dogs to meet.
3440 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
Most reviewed local favorites
High-review parks usually signal the places dog owners know best and talk about most.
Joslyn Park
Joslyn Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
633 Kensington Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
DOG PPL
Overview: DOG PPL is rated 4.5/5 from 193 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept and spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas. Crowd: Reviews describe regular visitors and active use, a sense of community among regular visitors, and steady activity with other dogs to meet.
3440 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
Pacific Street Park
Overview: Pacific Street Park is rated 4.4/5 from 90 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept and spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas, shade and tree cover, water fountains or bowls, and poop bags, seating, and other park extras. Crowd: Reviews describe a sense of community among regular visitors. Downsides: Some reviews mention inconsistent cleanliness and maintenance issues with benches or other amenities.
Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
What dog owners are saying
Recent review snippets help visitors gauge vibe, upkeep, and who each park suits best.
I'm glad I found this dog park, and it's now a regular spot for us. The dogs and their owners are friendly. The large dog area has plenty of room to run around. The location is beautiful and has a classic Santa Monica feel. My only suggestion would be to add a workspace, allowing owners like myself (who live in apartments) to bring their laptops and work while their dogs play.
Read more about Airport Park Dog ParkI wanted to join this place when it first opened but I was skeptical about my letting my dogs near OTHER peoples dogs considering how much I’ve spent on training mine and how little others can put into theirs .. however during their temperament test here I realized most of the owners are watching their dogs, the staff was quick at stopping any dog who might be misbehaving. We joined and my 3 love coming here. I’ve brought guests with me who also enjoy it. The coffee is great, the food has been delicious and my dogs get time to run around. They only play as a pack but they do recognize other poodles! The price point for 3 large dogs isn’t too expensive for me, the place is clean, and so far we’re enjoying it.
Read more about DOG PPLThis is probably the best park around for owners who understand that a dog park is not the equivalent of taking your 14 y/o to the mall. If you pay attention to your dog even as they socialize with other dogs and/or occasionally engage in fetch - this park can be great. It’s not huge and has no grass, but it’s open and flat and doesn’t get as crowded. The size can be tougher for big dogs when there are multiple trying to play ball, but it’s a big benefit if an unruly dog/person comes into the park because your dog is always close by. There’s water and usually tennis balls buried in the dirt and wood chips - which are my dogs favorite smh. All in all this is a decent option for those who don’t risk the ticket by playing by the beach. There’s a water station that can sometimes be gross so bring a bowl if you have one. I recommend going at a late hour to beat the rush.
Read more about Pacific Street ParkNo shade to the people who maintain this dog run, but it simply doesn’t hold a candle to Herb Katz, just a couple minutes away. Narrow, dusty, flat, featureless, and a long, awkward walk from the parking lot. Came here because Herb Katz was closed for maintenance. I’d be hard pressed to find a reason to come back.
Read more about Memorial Park Dog ParkDog parks and dog-friendly parks in Santa Monica
Search by name, filter by park type, or sort by reviews when you want a more specific fit.
Joslyn Park
Joslyn Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
633 Kensington Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Airport Park Dog Park
Overview: Airport Park Dog Park is rated 4.6/5 from 83 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as spacious with room for dogs to run and clean and well kept. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas. Crowd: Reviews describe a friendly crowd of owners and dogs, regular visitors and active use, and steady activity with other dogs to meet. Downsides: Some reviews mention inconsistent cleanliness.
3201 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
DOG PPL
Overview: DOG PPL is rated 4.5/5 from 193 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept and spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas. Crowd: Reviews describe regular visitors and active use, a sense of community among regular visitors, and steady activity with other dogs to meet.
3440 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
Pacific Street Park
Overview: Pacific Street Park is rated 4.4/5 from 90 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept and spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention secure fencing and separate dog areas, shade and tree cover, water fountains or bowls, and poop bags, seating, and other park extras. Crowd: Reviews describe a sense of community among regular visitors. Downsides: Some reviews mention inconsistent cleanliness and maintenance issues with benches or other amenities.
Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Open now
Memorial Park Dog Park
Overview: Memorial Park Dog Park is rated 4.2/5 from 6 Google reviews. Amenities: Reviewers often mention shade and tree cover. Downsides: Some reviews mention limited shade.
1601 14th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
Open now
Quick FAQs for Santa Monica
How many dog parks are listed for Santa Monica?
7 places are currently mapped for Santa Monica, including 5 dedicated dog parks in the latest Google export.
What stands out about the Santa Monica dog park scene?
Santa Monica, CA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 7 total results, including 5 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.4/5 from roughly 1,478 combined Google reviews, and Joslyn Park, Westminster Dog Park, and Herb Katz Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Santa Monica, CA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Santa Monica, CA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, small dogs or homes with multiple dog sizes, and social dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowd. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that maintenance can be uneven and shade is limited at some spots, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
Helpful guides before you visit Santa Monica
Use these articles to pick the right park, handle first visits, and avoid common dog-park problems.
Dog Park Etiquette That Keeps Play Safe
A practical field guide to entering, supervising, and leaving dog parks in a way that protects your dog and everyone else's.
Dog Park Safety Checklist For First-Time Visitors
A step-by-step framework for deciding whether a park is suitable, how to assess risk on arrival, and when to leave.
Small-Dog Tips For Better Dog Park Visits
How to protect confidence, reduce overwhelm, and choose settings where small dogs can actually succeed.
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