Ah, summer — the return of scorching temps and long days filled with sunshine, barbecues and beach trips. Long Beach is lucky to be home to plenty of pet-friendly businesses that welcome visitors and their animal companions alike.
If you’re planning to spend a special day out on the town with your pooch, we’ve got you covered. Keep on readin’ for some of our favorite dog-friendly spots in Long Beach!
A day of adventure with your dog
Did someone say treats? The Dog Bakery (4818 E. 2nd St.) is the perfect spot to start your day. Grab Mutter Butter Cookies or Grain-Free Pupcakes from their bakery display case. Your pup will be begging for more!
It’s no secret that Rosie’s Dog Beach (5000 E Ocean Blvd.) is one of our absolute fave local spots. After picking up goodies at the bakery, head over to the only legal dog beach in L.A. County. Located at Belmont Shore Beach, Rosie’s is an excellent place for your dog to run off-leash and splash around in the water, especially on a hot day.
Read more about Rosie’s Dog Beach in our recent blog post, which also includes a list of dog-friendly beaches in Long Beach and helpful tips to make the most of your beach day with your furry companion.
A few minutes from Rosie’s Dog Beach is Belmont Shore, a neighborhood full of pet-friendly stores and restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see water bowls for thirsty pups outside many of the shops. Though not open at time of publication, we’re looking forward to visiting the area’s new bark! bark! Boutique and Treat Bar, where you can unleash your inner artist with your furry friend at their DIY barks n’ crafts area.
(Side note: Cat owners or appreciators will want to go out of their way to stop in at Cool Cat Collective [2741 E 4th St. C], which combines cats, collaboration, community and craft. Billed as the ultimate space for the cat lovers and rescuers of Long Beach, they’re lovely folks with a lot of heart and definitely worth a visit! OK…now, back to the doggo content!)
All of that swimming and shopping will work up an appetite! Grab lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant near Rosie’s Dog Beach. No matter what you’re craving, there is a restaurant on our handy list just waiting to be discovered. We’d love to hear about your personal faves, too.
With your bellies full, you’ll be up for a little more walkin’ and playin’ — and you’ve got lots of options!
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.
If your adventure lands on a Sunday, don’t miss the dog-friendly Farmers’ Marketplace of Long Beach (5000 E Spring St.). Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the fresh produce and goods from local suppliers with their paw-rents.
Want to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the city? Head over to the Rio Hondo River trail, where you can explore 17 miles of paved walkway. Or, walk the shorter Colorado Lagoon wetland trail, an easy one-mile loop with lots of bird-watching for you and your canine companion. (Make sure your pup is on their leash!)
Phew, you’re bound to be exhausted by now! Stop by one of our local faves, Olive’s Gourmet Grocer, (3510 E Broadway) to pick up dinner from their grab-and-go menu, including pre-made salads and ready-to-heat meals. Or, if you’d prefer to dine at a restaurant, check out K.C. Branarghan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (5734 East 2nd St.) for yummy human eats and a healthy doggie menu.
And now for our last stop: Dessert! Laurie’s Pie Bar (450 Pine Ave.) sells delicious made-from-scratch pies for you, as well as all-natural pumpkin pie treats for your pup.
After a long day of adventure, you’ll both be ready for a nap while cuddling in your favorite spot.
Dog-friendly activities and beaches in Long Beach
Of course, there are plenty of other dog-friendly spots in Long Beach and surrounding areas, but we couldn’t paw-sibly list them all! From bustling dog parks to charming cafés, there are so many places where your furry friend is more than welcome.
However you spend your day together, we know it will be special, filled with waggin’ tails, happy barks and wonderful memories with your furry BFF.
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