Dog-Friendly Santa Monica, California
Where to stay, dine, and explore with your dog in one of Southern California’s most walkable beach cities.
Santa Monica, CA
Best for beachside stays
Beachfront hotel with an on-site dog park and walkable access to the pier area.
Stylish Wilshire Boulevard stay that welcomes up to two dogs with a published weight limit.
Best dog-friendly patios
Main Street favorite known locally for dog-friendly patio service and special pup offerings.
Ocean Avenue patio with pet-friendly seating near the beach and pier.
Relaxed coastal restaurant at The Pierside with a canine menu highlighted by Visit Santa Monica.
Best parks and walks
Dedicated off-leash dog park in Ocean Park near Main Street.
Off-leash area with separate small and large dog sections plus a walking loop.
Leashed strolls with landscaped paths close to downtown and the ocean.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Santa Monica
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Monica
Reliable downtown base a few blocks from the pier and Third Street Promenade, with pet-friendly rooms and easy walking access to dog-friendly patios.
501 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteCourtyard by Marriott Santa Monica
Modern downtown hotel about four blocks from the beach with oversized rooms and a straightforward pet policy for travelers bringing one or two pets.
425 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteSanta Monica Proper Hotel
Design-forward luxury stay on Wilshire with rooftop amenities and a published dog policy suited to smaller pups.
700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteSandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection
Beachfront option steps from the ocean with pet perks and an on-site dog park, making it one of the easiest luxury picks for dog owners.
1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteShore Hotel
Eco-conscious boutique hotel across from the beach with pet-friendly amenities and one of the most convenient locations for pier-area walks.
1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteFairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Classic luxury property near Palisades Park with a long-running PAW program and strong dog-friendly reputation in Santa Monica.
101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica
Ashland Hill
Neighborhood gastropub on Main Street with a dog-friendly patio and a reputation for pup treats and occasional dog-focused specials.
2807 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteBlue Plate Taco
Popular Ocean Avenue taco spot with outdoor dining and a pet-friendly patio close to the beach and pier.
1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteThe Surfing Fox
Coastal California restaurant at The Pierside with a relaxed vibe and one of the best-known canine menus in town.
120 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteDogtown Coffee
Laid-back Main Street coffee stop in the old Zephyr Surf Shop with a casual patio that works well for breakfast or a quick lunch with your dog.
2003 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteIl Forno Trattoria
Family-friendly Italian restaurant in Ocean Park that Visit Santa Monica specifically recommends for dining with dogs on the patio.
2901 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 111, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteUrth Caffe
Busy Main Street cafe known for coffee, brunch, and people-watching, with outdoor seating that fits well into a dog-friendly neighborhood stroll.
2327 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities in Santa Monica
Pacific Street Dog Park
Dedicated off-leash dog park in Ocean Park that’s easy to pair with Main Street coffee or brunch stops.
2190 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteAirport Park
Four-acre park with an off-leash dog area, separate small and large dog sections, and a 0.6-mile walking loop.
3201 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Visit WebsiteMemorial Park
Multi-use community park with an off-leash dog run plus sports fields and skatepark amenities nearby.
1401 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Visit WebsiteTongva Park
Beautiful landscaped urban park near downtown for leashed walks, shaded breaks, and easy access to Ocean Avenue.
1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsitePalisades Park
Classic bluff-top walk with ocean views and one of the best leashed strolls in Santa Monica, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteSanta Monica Pier and Beach Path
Leashed dogs can join you on the pier area and promenade-style walks, but not on the sand at Santa Monica State Beach.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Santa Monica
This two-day plan mixes beach-adjacent walks, patio meals, and off-leash play while respecting Santa Monica’s dog rules.
Day 1: Main Street + Ocean Park
Check into your hotel, then head to Pacific Street Dog Park for off-leash play before grabbing coffee and breakfast on the patio at Dogtown Coffee or Urth Caffe.
Walk Main Street shops and Ocean Park, then settle in for lunch at Ashland Hill or Il Forno Trattoria where patio dining works well with dogs.
Take a leashed sunset stroll along Ocean Avenue or Palisades Park, then have dinner at Blue Plate Taco or The Surfing Fox.
Day 2: Downtown + Parks
Start with a leashed walk through Tongva Park and around the pier area. Keep your dog off the beach sand, then stop for breakfast or brunch nearby.
Visit Airport Park or Memorial Park for another off-leash session, then relax back at your hotel or enjoy a long patio lunch.
Wrap up with one more bluff-top walk and a beach-adjacent dinner before heading out the next morning.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Venice
3 milesClose-by canals, boardwalk energy, and easy dog-friendly patio hopping.
Beverly Hills
10 milesUpscale hotels, polished shopping streets, and manicured park walks.
Long Beach
28 milesWorth the drive for Rosie’s Dog Beach, the best-known off-leash beach option in the region.
Pasadena
28 milesLeafier streets, dog-friendly patios, and a calmer urban pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Santa Monica Beach?
No. Santa Monica is very dog-friendly overall, but dogs are not allowed on the beach sand. Leashed walks are better planned for parks, sidewalks, Ocean Avenue, and the pier-adjacent areas.
Can dogs eat with me at restaurants in Santa Monica?
Yes, many restaurants allow dogs on outdoor patios. In Los Angeles County, pet dogs may be allowed in outdoor dining areas at the operator’s discretion if health rules are followed.
Are there off-leash dog parks in Santa Monica?
Yes. Popular options include Pacific Street Dog Park, Airport Park, and Memorial Park. Visit Santa Monica notes that healthy, friendly dogs can run off-leash in city dog parks, and non-resident visitors should confirm current licensing requirements before going.
What is the typical pet fee at Santa Monica hotels?
Expect many Santa Monica hotels to charge somewhere around $75 to $150, though some luxury properties charge more and a few waive the fee entirely.
What part of Santa Monica is best for staying with a dog?
Downtown works well for walkability to the pier, Tongva Park, and patios, while Ocean Park and Main Street are especially convenient if you want quick access to dog parks and neighborhood cafes.
Explore More Dog-Friendly California Getaways
Compare more city guides for beach towns, weekend escapes, and patio-packed urban stays.
Browse More City Guides