The Malibu Life

A Dog-Friendly Guide to Malibu

Malibu is a pretty great place to be a dog... from beach walks and scenic hikes to patios and local favorites, there’s plenty to explore together.

Take Your Dog to the Beach at Leo Carrillo

Leo Carrillo State Park is the standout if your dog loves the beach.

Leashed dogs are allowed on North Beach, north of Lifeguard Tower 3, as well as the campground and designated day-use areas.

Good to know: Dogs are not allowed on most Malibu beaches, even on leash. Leo Carrillo's North Beach is one of the best options for a true beach day with your dog.

Where: 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Good for: Beach walks, playing near the water and sunset
Dog rule: Leash required

Let Them Run at Trancas Canyon Dog Park

For some actual off-leash time, head to Trancas Canyon Park.

The park has a fenced dog park, along with picnic tables, water, restrooms and plenty of open space. It is also in a great location for an afternoon around western Malibu.

Where: 6050 Trancas Canyon Road
Good for: Off-leash play and meeting other dogs
Bonus: Trancas Country Market is right nearby

Have Lunch at Malibu Brewing Company

After Trancas, head over to Malibu Brewing Company at Trancas Country Market.

The outdoor seating makes it an easy casual lunch stop with a dog, and the relaxed setting fits perfectly after a morning at the park.

Trancas dog park first, lunch afterward. Easy Malibu day.

Where: 30745 Pacific Coast Highway
Good for: Casual lunch, drinks and a post-dog-park stop

Ocean-View Walk at Malibu Bluffs Park

If you have an older dog, a small dog or simply do not feel like doing a full hike, Malibu Bluffs Park is a great option.

The park overlooks the Pacific and has walking paths, picnic tables and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.

Where: 24250 Pacific Coast Highway
Good for: Easy walks, picnics and ocean views
Dog rule: Keep dogs leashed

Explore Charmlee Wilderness Park

Charmlee covers more than 500 acres and has miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and beautiful coastal overlooks. The interconnected trails make it easy to customize the outing, whether you want a short nature walk or a longer hike.

Where: 2577 Encinal Canyon Road
Good for: Hiking, picnics and ocean overlooks
Dog rule: Leash required

Walk Around Malibu Country Mart

This may be the easiest option on the entire list.

Malibu Country Mart welcomes pets, and its layout makes it perfect for wandering around with a dog. There is outdoor seating throughout the property, grassy areas and plenty of places to grab coffee, lunch or a treat.

Where: 3835 Cross Creek Road
Good for: Coffee walks, shopping and lunch
Local move: Grab a coffee and simply wander around Cross Creek for a while

Zinqué

For a slightly more leisurely dog date, Zinqué Malibu is an easy choice.

Its outdoor patio works especially well for brunch or an early dinner when you want to bring your pup.

Where: 23841 Malibu Road
Good for: Brunch, coffee and patio dining

Take a Canyon Coffee Break at Gentry Market

Trees, rustic ranch surroundings and plenty of outdoor space. Gentry Market at Calamigos is a nice change of scenery if you and your dog have already done every beach walk imaginable.

Where: 327 Latigo Canyon Road
Good for: Coffee, breakfast and slow weekend lunches

Dog rule: Pups must be well-behaved and remain on a leash.

Walk Solstice Canyon

For dogs with a little more energy, Solstice Canyon is another great option.

Dogs are allowed on designated trails as long as they remain leashed, making it an easy way to hike with your pup while remaining close to the beach.

Good for: Hiking and exploring
Dog rule: Keep dogs leashed

Give Your Dog a Vacation at Canyon View Ranch

Just outside Malibu in the hills of Topanga, Canyon View Ranch takes dog boarding to an entirely different level.

The five-acre retreat has been described as a “Disneyland for dogs,” with bone-shaped swimming pools, underground tunnels, agility courses, waterfalls and themed play areas for dogs of different sizes and energy levels.

Canyon View Ranch also offers training and behavioral programs, making it much more than a traditional boarding facility.

Where: 1558 Will Geer Road, Topanga
Good for: Boarding, training and a seriously upgraded dog vacation

Plan your dogs visit to Canyon View Ranch

Read more in the Los Angeles Times

Make a Day of It

Meet the Locals

The Dogs of The Malibu Life

We could not put together a dog-friendly guide to Malibu without introducing a few of the pups behind The Malibu Life.

Madison with his rescue Doberman, Pablo, and his chicken making a cameo.

Jennifer’s Lagotto Romagnolo's know there’s nothing better than a Malibu beach day.

Meet Bob (pictured right) and OJ (left)

Because around here, the dogs are locals too.

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