pet friendly santa monica

Dog Friendly Hotels Santa Monica

Southern California is renowned for its happy animal companions—and in few places are they welcomed more than in Santa Monica. After all, four-legged friends love the sunny weather and outdoor activities as much as their human counterparts, and can enjoy outdoor dining, walks along the boardwalk, and even VIP pampering at the area’s finest spas.

Santa Monica Pet Friendly Things to Do

There are no shortages of pet-friendly hotels in the Los Angeles area. If you’re planning to visit Santa Monica with a furry traveling companion, ensure that your trip gets barks (or meows) of approval with these pet-friendly hotel and activity suggestions! By Caila Ball-Dionne

santa monica weather
pet friendly things to do

Unleash the Beasts: Off Leash Santa Monica Dog Parks

Healthy and friendly dogs can run off-leash at any of Santa Monica’s dog parks! Make sure to secure a non-resident dog license by calling the Santa Monica Animal Shelter before giving your dog the opportunity to cut loose.

Airport Park Dog Park: Dogs can run free at Airport Park Dog Park in the Ocean Park/Santa Monica airport neighborhood. This dog park has separate areas for small and large dogs and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 8:30pm, and Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 8:30am to 8:30pm. The park is closed for maintenance every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Memorial Park Dog Run: If your dog just needs to run out some energy, try the Memorial Park Dog Run in Mid-City. The long expanse of fetch-worthy space is open daily from 6am to 8pm, and is closed for maintenance every Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Herb Katz Dog Park: In the Main Street neighborhood, take your furry friends to Herb Katz Dog Park at Joslyn Park, which has separate areas for small and large dogs. The park is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 8:30pm, and Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 8:30am to 8:30pm. The park is closed for maintenance every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Pacific Street Dog Park: Let your dog loose at the conveniently placed Pacific Street Dog Park, located at the corner of Pacific and Main Street in the Main Street Neighborhood. This off-leash dog park is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 8:30pm, and Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 8:30am to 8:30pm. The park is closed for maintenance every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11:30am.

View the City’s website for more information.

Dog Friendly Hotels Santa Monica

If you’re looking for a pet friendly hotel in Los Angeles, look no further than our list below! Many hotels in Santa Monica welcome pets with advance notice, and some even offer luxury services typically reserved for humans! These local pet-friendly Santa Monica hotels currently accept well-behaved pets, but as hotels’ pet policies are updated frequently, it’s always best to call in advance of your stay to confirm:

pet friendly hotels
dog friendly hotels

Explore More Pet-Friendly Hotels

  • Bayside Hotel: The chic and affordable hotel is located steps from the beach and charges a $50 non-refundable pet fee for pets of all sizes.
  • Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows: As part of its PAW (Pets Always Welcome) program, this Wilshire Boulevard neighborhood hotel welcomes all pets in a pet friendly room with a bed, bowl, and treats at no extra charge! Guests can also spoil their pets with 10 percent off products, doggy day care (for dogs under 30 pounds), and grooming services with the hotel’s exclusive pet store partner Healthy Spot.
  • Hotel Carmel: This historic European-style boutique hotel charges a $250 fee for up to 2 pets under 40 lbs.
  • Hotel Casa del Mar: This grand beachfront hotel welcomes up to two dogs in your room (25 lbs or less) for a $125 fee. Their canine loving staff will pamper your pet with a comfy bed, cute bowls, and complimentary stuffed toy.
  • Le Merigot Santa Monica: This upscale hotel charges a nonrefundable fee of $150 for furry friends. Up to two dogs weighing 100 lbs or less are allowed.
  • Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica: Dogs weighing up to 40 lbs can join you for a non-refundable $100 deposit.
  • Palihouse Santa Monica: For $150, can book this Mediterranean garden-style hotel’s PAWLISOCIETY pet package. This package is for dogs 30 lbs or less and includes treats, a dog bed, plush toys, and bowls. Dog walking services can be arranged by their pet-loving staff.
  • Palm Motel: Pets of all sizes are permitted in these garden-style bungalows for a $40 fee.
  • Santa Monica Proper Hotel: Furry friends with a max weight of 45 lbs are welcome at Santa Monica’s newest luxury hotel for a $100 non-refundable fee per pet (max 2 dogs). With every pet stay, Proper will help a pet in need. 10% of your pet fee gets donated to the Best Friends Animal Society.
  • Sea Blue Hotel: Just steps from the beach, this charming Cali-style hotel welcomes pets 25 lbs or less for a $50 fee.
  • Shutters on the Beach: This luxurious beachfront hotel welcomes pets (25 lbs or less) for a $125 fee. Their canine loving staff will pamper your pet with a comfy bed, cute bowls, and complimentary stuffed toy. You must call the hotel in advance if you wish to bring more than one dog.
  • The Georgian Hotel: Ocean Avenue’s Art Deco hotel allows pets up to 50 lbs for a fee depending on the size of the dog. Up to 24 lbs: $100; 25-50 lbs: $150.
  • Viceroy Santa Monica: Up to two dogs 50 pounds and lighter can join you in your guest room located just steps from the beach. A dog bed, water bowl, and dog food are included in the $50 per dog, per night nonrefundable fee.

Public Transportation With Pets

Using public transit around Santa Monica and Los Angeles is possible with pets, but make sure you have a sturdy carrier with you. On the Big Blue Bus and Metro E (Expo) Line, pets must remain in a carrier, and must fit on your lap or at your feet. For cab services or on-demand rides, the decision of whether or not to allow a pet is left up the discretion of the driver.

public transportation pets
dog friendly transportation

Santa Monica Dog Beaches and Parks

Enjoy your favorite outdoor activities with your canine companions. Take a scenic beachside or neighborhood run along Palisades Park and the San Vicente Median Strip. You can feel the sand beneath your toes at Santa Monica’s beautiful public beaches, but your pets have to enjoy the ocean view from a distance, as pets are not allowed on Santa Monica State Beach. They can, however, take a leashed stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding boardwalks. You’ll find also find many dog beaches in Los Angeles’s surrounding coastal area. Dog friendly beaches aren’t available in Santa Monica proper, but you can find them just a short distance away.

For day trip options, take your leashed pets on beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains in pet-friendly areas such as Leo Carrillo State Park, Solstice Canyon, and Temescal Gateway Park.

Dog Friendly Restaurants Santa Monica

Patio dining is a staple activity in Santa Monica, and LA County allows restaurants to accept dogs on their patios at the restaurant owner’s discretion. Check out our picks for dog friendly restaurants in Santa Monica – some even have special menu items for Fido! After you and your pup hit the dog park, some great dining options that always have a water bowl ready include:

Il Forno Trattoria: Ocean Park’s family-friendly Italian place leaves room on the patio for your favorite four-legged friend.

The Surfing Fox: Enjoy a refreshing breeze from the ocean while you and your four-legged friend enjoy coastal California cuisine, including Ceviche and Caulillni (cauliflower with calabrian chile tahini, garlic-miso oil and mint) for humans and a special canine menu with fresh Protein Bowls, Barkuterie Boards and Pawsicles for pups.

Rosti: Enjoy Tuscan cooking along Santa Monica’s romantic Montana Avenue, where your dog might even be able to find a date on the patio.

The Misfit Restaurant + Bar: Handcrafted cocktails and farm-to-table fare are this trendy lounge’s specialties, and they also pour a mean bowl of water for visiting dogs.

Ashland Hill: This dog friendly restaurant in Santa Monica offers meals especially for your furry friends, like dog friendly ice cream, so be sure to check out their patio on your next visit.

The Royal Treatment

If you’re headed to a “humans only” establishment, drop your pet off for a day at the spa! Pamper your dog or cat at Bark Williams, the puppy spinoff of VIP spa Burke Williams. Not only do they offer full-service grooming, but they also have a “yappy hour” from 10am to 2pm Monday through Thursday, when you can self-wash your furry friend for $10. Another standout salon is Paws & Effect Pet Spa, which offers unique services such as blow outs, brush outs, braiding, coloring and even pedicures.

dog groomer

Santa Monica Pet Souvenirs

What better way for your pet to show off their trip to Santa Monica than with some glamorous souvenirs? To Wag For is filled with pet fashions galore, while Healthy Spot has everything your pet needs for its new Santa Monica-inspired vegan and gluten-free lifestyle. Don’t forget to grab some fun toys at Animal Kingdom!

Santa Monica Loves Healthy Pets

To keep pets happy and healthy, both the City of Santa Monica and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have animal health policies. If your dog is over four months old, he or she must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. When entering the United States from abroad, all animals must have a health certificate written in English from a licensed veterinarian. Dogs entering from certain countries must also receive a screwworm treatment between prior to travel. For a comprehensive look at regulations, check the CDC website, the California Department of Public Health website and the Santa Monica Animal Control website.

santa monica pet friendly
pet friendly

A Few More Rules for the Road

Other than designated off-leash dog parks, pets must be on leashes of 6 feet long or shorter at all times in Santa Monica. Help keep Santa Monica in its beautiful, pristine condition by cleaning up after your dog. Other than outdoor patios, by law, pets are not allowed inside buildings or restaurants. When staying at a dog friendly hotel in Santa Monica with your pet, never leave it unattended and uncrated, and watch out for separation-induced barking that may bother other guests.

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