Dog Friendly Long Beach: Things To Do With a Dog

Dog-friendly Long Beach is a vibrant waterfront playground nestled in Southern California, offering miles of sandy shoreline and a bustling harbourfront promenade.

This guide will cover the top dog-friendly parks, cafes, and more. Plus, we’ll show you how to enjoy a unique stay through house sitting opportunities in Long Beach and how to find a trusted Long Beach pet sitter to keep your dog happy at home while you’re away.

Best dog parks in Long Beach

Ready to raise the woof? Long Beach is home to at least ten off-leash zones where locals gather to mingle and run free. Whether you have a small pupper or large dog, feel free to join in the fun. From the lush, shaded stretches of El Dorado’s 1.5-acre split play areas to neighborhood runs, these parks are prime real estate for sniffaris and new best friends.

El Dorado East Regional Park Dog Park

El Dorado’s dog park was the first off-leash doggy hangout in northeast Long Beach and spans a generous 1.5 acres where both social butterflies and mellow seniors can mingle safely. You’ll find sturdy benches, a fenced park, and shaded picnic tables for human pals, drinking fountains for thirsty pups, and waste-bag dispensers – so pack some treats, a favorite toy, and maybe a collapsible bowl for extra hydration.

Location: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815

Colorado Lagoon Dog Park

Nestled beside a freshwater wetland, Colorado Lagoon is a leafy escape where leash-loving dogs can sniff boardwalk breezes and humans can bird-watch among cattails. Though pups must stay leashed, the gentle trail loops through dappled groves and past picnic sites – ideal for families who want a calm stroll rather than a romping run.

Location: 5059 E Colorado St, Long Beach, CA 90814

Bixby Dog Park

Don’t let its compact size fool you – this 0.43-acre dog zone packs in all the essentials for a quick or leisurely visit. Open since November 2017 and fully ADA accessible, Bixby offers perimeter fencing with double gates, two dedicated play areas by size, benches for chatty meet-ups, and a drinking fountain that dogs adore. A small tip: the soil-and-mulch ground means a little mud on their paws (and yours), so have wipes or a small towel ready.

Location: 130 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

Dog-friendly restaurants in Long Beach

Bone-appétit doesn’t stop at your doorstep – the city boasts 147 dog-friendly restaurants in Long Beach, which means your pup can score his own snack while you dig into beach-inspired bowls and burgers. Whether you roam Downtown’s vegan-friendly patios or Belmont Shore’s beer-and-bark bars, expect pup biscuits and menus that make tails salute.

DOGZ Bar and Grill

Step into DOGZ Bar and Grill and you’ll feel like you’ve crashed the best block party in Belmont Shore, where pups aren’t just tolerated, they’re VIPs. The moment you sit down, the friendly staff will plop a stainless-steel bowl of cold water in front of your four-legged sidekick and ask if your pooch fancies a hot dog from their canine menu – they call it the Hot Dog For Dogs, a perfectly sized snack made with human-grade beef and served sans bun so there’s no guilty crumbs underfoot.

Expect a laid-back crowd of locals who’ve been coming here for years, good-natured banter at the bar, and the infamous “Shoot the Dog” shot if you’re feeling adventurous – just don’t ask your pup to join in on that one.

Location: 5300 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States

Seabirds Kitchen

Here, you and your pup can share a plate of warm, tangy cauliflower ceviche – think crunchy bites drizzled with lime and cilantro – while your pup munches on their complimentary pup biscuits, made in-house for just the right texture. Behind the scenes, the team sources local organic produce and crafts every element from scratch – so expect fresh-cut herbs, scratch-made sauces, and staff who can tell you the farm your kale came from.

Location: 101 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802

Fun dog-friendly activities in Long Beach

Paws for a moment and picture this: you and your four-legged first mate cruising Rainbow Harbor with the breeze in your fur – Harbor Breeze Cruises welcomes pups on deck, so you can bark at passing boats and watch sea lions together. Who says dogs can’t enjoy a bit of maritime mischief with these dog-friendly activities?

Harbor Breeze Cruises

Harbor Breeze Cruises launches from Rainbow Harbor, just steps from the Aquarium of the Pacific, so you and your canine copilot can board this friendly tour in under a minute once you’ve parked for just $8 with validation. You’ll hear fun harbor lore narrated by local captains – ask about Captain Michael’s dog Lele – then disembark with rooftop-style views fresh in your memory.

Cost: Adult walk-up $20; online $15. Dogs ride free.

Date & Time: Daily departures between 11:30 am and 6:15 pm (varies by weekday/weekend).

Location: Rainbow Harbor, 600 Queensway Bay Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802

Gondola Getaway (Naples Island)

Since 1982, Gondola Getaway has let you pluck a slice of Venice out of Naples Island’s maze of quiet canals, where pups sniff the sparkling water from long, narrow gondolas. Leashed dogs are welcome aboard this dog-friendly tour at no extra fee, and the crew provides buckets of ice, cups, and corkage service – so bring your own champagne, snacks, or even a cheese plate to nibble beneath century-old palms in Long Beach California.

Cost: From $100 per private gondola (up to 14 guests).

Date & Time: Daily tours, 10 am–6 pm.

Location: Gondola Getaway Dock, 5437 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Long Beach

Leash up for a change of scenery – El Dorado Park’s quiet canal paths feel like woodland escapes in the heart of the city, perfect for dog-friendly hikes in Long Beach. Whether your pup is a slow-poke sniffer or marathon-minded, these trails treat every pace – and paw – to serene strolls.

Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop

A quick 0.7 km spin around Rainbow Harbor gives you front-row seats to passing yachts and the Aquarium of the Pacific’s glass façade. Dogs on leashes are as welcome as joggers and sunset strollers. On weekends, the grassy lawn beside the boardwalk often hosts farmers' markets or live music, so expect the hum of community energy alongside the harbor breeze.

Location: 149 Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802

Length: 0.7 km

Long Beach Shoreline Marina Trail

Stretching 1.8 km from the Aquarium District to Naples Island, this wide concrete path threads between sleek sailboats and rust-colored breakwaters, blending downtown skyline views with a dash of industrial charm. Keep an eye out for the Long Beach Lighthouse flashing its red beam, and the occasional pelican diving for fish just beyond the marina docks. Parking is metered along Shoreline Drive, but is often easier to find than a downtown lot.

Location: Shoreline Dr at Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Length: 1.8 km

The best dog-friendly cafes in Long Beach

Ready for a cuppa and canine camaraderie? Scattered across East Village and Shoreline, at least a dozen dog-friendly places in Long Beach serve pour-overs and pastries with paw-sitively cozy patios. From Portfolio Coffeehouse’s latte art to Blackbird Cafe’s legendary breakfast, you’ll find leash-side seating that’s truly the cat’s – er, dog’s – meow.

Library A Coffee House

Nestled just off Broadway, Library A Coffee House feels like part café, part bookshop – a place where both two-legged and four-legged guests belong. Expect friendly baristas who remember your dog’s name and might tip you off to weekend book club meetups or pop-up vinyl sales in the courtyard.

Location: 418 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

Nick’s on 2nd

Tucked on a quiet side street, Nick’s on 2nd feels like your next-door neighbor inviting you over for brunch. Start with their skillet-baked breakfast skillet, loaded with house-cured chorizo, melty pepper jack, and a soft-poached egg that perfectly matches the golden fur of any nearby Labrador.

Location: 4901 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

Annual dog events in Long Beach

Grab your calendar - Long Beach knows how to throw a party for dogs. From parades to baseball games that welcome wagging tails, the city’s annual events calendar is packed with fun ways to celebrate Long Beach’s dog-friendly spirit. Expect costumes, community vibes, and plenty of treats for both dogs and humans.

Vito’s Dog Parade

Every June, Lincoln Park transforms into a furry fashion runway for the Independence Day Vito’s Dog Parade. This free celebration kicks off with a colorful procession of pups in patriotic attire, complete with a friendly awards ceremony for Best Costume and Cutest Duo.

Cost: Free

Date & Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 10 am–12 pm

Location: Lincoln Park, 101 Pacific Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

Bark in the Park (Blair Field)

If baseball and bark meet your happy place, grab your glove and your dog for Bark in the Park at Blair Field. The first 250 fans through the gate snag a free “Dirtbags Dog Bag” filled with swag like branded ball toys and treats – perfect for spoiling your pup while you root, root, root for the home team.

Cost: $8 per person (includes dog swag)

Date & Time: Check the Dirtbags schedule (season runs February–May)

Location: Bohl Diamond at Blair Field, 5000 Lew Davis St, Long Beach, CA 90808

The best dog-friendly bars in Long Beach

Thirsty for a pint with your pooch? The list below includes bars and pubs where pups lounge under picnic tables while you sample local brews and craft cocktails. From Gallagher’s Irish pub to Rasselbock’s biergarten, these bars pour pints to pair with puppuccinos.

Long Beach Beer Lab

Long Beach Beer Lab isn’t your typical taproom – it’s a fermentation playground where you can sample everything from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts while your pup curls up by your feet on the floor.

Location: 518 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806

Rasselbock Kitchen and Beer Garden

Tucked just off Anaheim Street, Rasselbock Kitchen and Beer Garden brings a slice of Bavaria to Long Beach, where Fido can join you at one of the communal picnic tables under festoon lights. Expect rotating guest beers on tap alongside Rasselbock’s own unfiltered lagers – and on weekends, you might catch live polka or bluegrass drifting through the air.

Location: 4020 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807

Dog-friendly wineries in Long Beach

Here’s where urban grape lovers and their four-legged friends can raise a glass without leaving the city. Check out these dog-friendly wineries in Long Beach, California.

Waters Edge Winery & Bistro

Long Beach’s first and only urban winery opened downtown in 2016, crafting up to forty globe-trotting wines on site. Their two dog-friendly patios let leashed pups lounge beside your tasting flight while you sip small-lot Chardonnays and bold blends.

Location: 149 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

Kirigin Cellars (Gilroy)

Just a 45-minute drive from Long Beach, Kirigin Cellars invites you and your four-legged companion to stretch out on 33 acres of rolling vineyards and mission-style architecture. While your dogs bound free, your tasting flight comes with jaw-dropping views of Spanish beams and a handcrafted geometric ceiling that’s straight out of a design magazine.

Location: 11550 Watsonville Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020

Dog-friendly beaches in Long Beach

Long Beach makes it easy for beach dogs (and their humans) to enjoy the coast. You have the option for a good sprint through the sand or a quiet walk by the waves. Dogs have plenty of space to sniff, splash, and soak up the sea breeze.

Rosie’s Dog Beach

If your pup dreams in slow-mo beach sprints, Rosie’s Dog Beach is the place to make that dream come true. It’s the only official off-leash beach in Long Beach, and it delivers – four sandy acres where dogs can roam free, dig holes the size of dinner plates, and chase tennis balls straight into the surf. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Rosie’s is a favorite among locals for good reason: the vibe is laid-back, the waves are gentle, and everyone’s just there to have a good time.

Location: 5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States

Huntington Dog Beach

Huntington Dog Beach is the only spot in town where pooches can go leash-optional once they hit the sand – stretching approximately 1.5 miles between 21st and Seapoint Streets. Best of all, the beach is free to the public, making it a no-brainer for weekend warriors who want a sun-soaked splashdown with their four-legged sidekick.

Location: 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Tips for pet parents

Living in Long Beach with a dog is one of the best ways to experience SoCal life. You've got ocean breezes, a seriously dog-loving community, and enough pet-friendly locations to keep tails wagging all year round. But whether you're a lifelong local or new to the 908, there are a few things every dog parent should know about making the most of life with your pup in Long Beach.

Help them become independent

Long Beach is full of pup-friendly dog parks and pet-loving neighbors, but that doesn’t mean your dog will be with you 24/7. Whether you’re out grabbing groceries or meeting friends at a non-dog spot, teaching your dog to be comfortable on their own is a gift for both of you. Start slow with short solo sessions at home and build from there.

Teach basic commands

With all the beaches, parks, and outdoor hangouts, Long Beach is built for well-mannered pups. A solid “come,” “stay,” and “leave it” can go a long way – especially if you’re hanging out off-leash at Rosie’s Dog Beach or passing by busy street traffic downtown. Basic training helps your dog stay safe and welcome in more spaces, which means more fun for both of you.

Find a reliable pet sitter

Planning a trip where your dog can’t tag along? No worries – your pup can still enjoy all the comforts of home while you're away. TrustedHousesitters connects pet parents with verified, caring sitters who'll treat your home (and your dog) like their own. Pets stay happier and calmer in familiar surroundings, and you get peace of mind while you're off exploring.

Finding a pet sitter

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Tips for pet sitters

Long Beach isn’t just a sun-soaked spot on the SoCal coast – it’s a city with heart, history, and a whole lot of dog-friendly charm. And the best way to experience it? From the cozy couch of a local home, with a snoozing pup by your side and the beach just down the road. Whether you’re new to pet sitting or a seasoned tail-wrangler, here are a few travel tips to help you make the most of your time in Long Beach.

Grab coffee in the East Village

Mornings in Long Beach move a little slower – and that’s a good thing. Start your day with a leashed stroll to Library A Coffee House, where dogs are always welcome on the shaded patio, and the vibe is relaxed enough to catch up on notes from the pet parent. Grab a house brew, order a flaky croissant, and enjoy the people-watching with your furry companion curled up nearby.

Get your steps in at Shoreline Aquatic Park

Pet sitting in Long Beach comes with built-in walking routes – and the Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop is one of the best. It’s a quick 15-minute stroll with postcard-worthy views of the marina and the Queen Mary – perfect for morning potty breaks or unwinding after a play session. Don’t forget to bring waste bags and water – hydrated humans and dogs are happy ones.

Keep in touch, Long Beach style

Locals here are friendly and laid-back, but they care deeply about their pets. Send the occasional pup-date with a photo from a marina walk or post-nap snuggle. It shows pet parents that their furry family member is safe and happy – and might just earn you another sit next time they’re headed out of town.

Explore Long Beach through house sitting

The real magic of pet sitting in Long Beach? Walking familiar blocks, chatting with neighbors, and discovering the city’s best dog-friendly spots – like Huntington Dog Beach, just a short drive south, or DOGZ Bar and Grill, where your new four-legged friend is treated like royalty.

Finding a house sit