The minute you bring home a puppy, you are unofficially initiated into a group you probably never knew existed—the dog owners' network. Almost immediately, you get sympathetic smiles from more experienced dog walkers as your 20-lb pup pulls you around the neighborhood. When you finally tangle leashes with another owner on your block, it escalates to encouraging words, and pretty soon, you're swapping stories and trading tips on everything from nutrition to discipline.
Probably the most valuable pearls of wisdom involve public places where dogs are welcome. In Los Angeles suburbs, many parks, beaches, and restaurants are off limits to canine companions, and with good reason. Not all owners are diligent about cleaning up after pets, and there are also discipline and safety issues to consider, especially when dogs are around small children. However, dogs also need places to run—and small suburban backyards don't always cut it. Some communities offer parks and other areas where well-behaved dogs can play off leash—mostly thanks to lobbying efforts from organized dog owners. The Orange County community of Huntington Beach gives dogs plenty of play options, making it one of the best destinations for So Cal dogs. The area's crown jewel is a one-mile, leash-free stretch of beach—a rare treat for you and your dog.
Hit the Surf
Each year, more than 100,000 dogs take to the sand at Huntington Dog Beach, located off of Pacific Coast Highway between 21st Street and Seapoint Street. The designated beach is below street level, which keeps your dog safely away from traffic on the main road. When you arrive, park in one of the two parking lots, and bring plenty of quarters, as metered spots run 25 cents for every 10 minutes. If you plan to be a regular, membership parking permits are available.
A nonprofit organization administers the beach and employs cleaners who work every weekend and some weekdays. You will appreciate the ready supply of clean-up bags available from 60 dispensers along the beach, and there is even a dog drinking fountain located beside one of the towers.
Dogs of every size and breed play on the shore and in the surf, and many humans enjoy the beach along with them. Surfers and swimmers brave the water, and plenty of people lay out on towels and blankets despite a steady stream of dogs rushing by. With so much activity, dogs can be distracted easily by water fowl and other dogs. To keep your dog engaged, bring Frisbees or tennis balls—and pack a few extras, as it's easy to lose one in the waves.
Even though dogs are off leash, most owners keep their pets under control, which makes Huntington Dog Beach a fun and safe place to spend the day. While your dog enjoys running about unfettered, you can relax a little, too. Most people there will actually welcome attention from your canine friend!
Park It Here
After a full day at the beach, you and your dog will probably be ready to eat. In the nearby Huntington Central Park, you'll find a popular pet destination for refreshment—the Park Bench Cafe. Dog owners sit around plastic tables shaded by umbrellas, while at their feet, dogs enjoy bowls of fresh water. The menu tempts humans with wholesome cafe fare, and there's a also a special selection for dogs, including chicken strips and ice cream. For pets watching their weight, there's a kibble option as well. It may take a little while to be seated, but friendly service, good food, and pleasant atmosphere make it worth the wait!
After lunch, take a stroll around the park. While dogs have to be leashed here, they won't be bored. There are plenty of ducks and other water fowl to keep them entertained as you walk along tree-lined paths beside the pond. A fenced-off dog park on the premises gives your dog another place to play off leash, if chasing birds at the beach didn't prove to be as tiring as you'd hoped.
Find a Spot
As dog owners become more organized in their communities, efforts are underway to encourage more dog-friendly places in L.A. For example, lobbyists hope to open up Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey to dogs, which would mean that L.A. residents and their pets wouldn't have to travel to Santa Barbara or Long Beach for a day on the sand.
To find places that welcome dogs in your community, the Internet provides great information about restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that cater to dogs. But one of the best resources out there is The Dog Lover's Companion to California. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best parks, eateries, and other dog-friendly destinations in every area of the state.
Huntington Dog Beach: *****
Park Bench Cafe: ****
The Dog Lover's Companion to California: *****
1 comment:
This should be published in some dog owner's publication because it is very informative. Makes me want a dog, not really, but perhaps there is a cat beach???
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