This Weekend

With everyone recovering from the holidays, January is off to a slow start.  When it comes to things to do this weekend the official events are few and far between (literally).  But that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up with you pup.  Here are a few things to do this weekend…

Dog Beach

Even if your dog doesn’t like getting a bath he may be like my dogs and love the beach.  Going to the dog beach is a great opportunity to let your pup run, play, socialize with other pups, and get his energy out.  This is an activity for the whole family too!  Bring some lawn chairs, towels, and lunch and make a day of it. 

Huntington Dog Beach is located in Huntington Beach, Ca, off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), between Seapoint Ave. and 21^st Street.  You will have to find street parking across the street from the beach. 

Long Beach Dog Beach (Officially renamed Rosie’s Dog Beach) is located between Roycroft and Argonne avenues in Belmont Shore, Long Beach (zip 90803). It is a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool. You can park in the parking lot on Bennett Ave.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach is located at 4933 Voltaire Street, San Diego (zip 92107).  The Dog beach can be found at the northern end of Ocean beach and you can park in the parking lot off West Point Loma Blvd.

Every dog beach requires that owners be responsible and pick up after their dog but some beaches have more/different rules so be sure to know them before you visit.  There are also several public beaches that allow dogs, even if they aren’t specifically a dog beach.  If you plan on visiting a beach that is not specifically a dog beach, check their website to be sure that dogs are allowed.  The beach may only allow dogs during off-peak times of the day, especially during the summer months. 

Hiking

Dogs love to explore, and what better way to do that then take your pup for a hike.  Living in California affords us the luxury of living near many different mountain ranges.  Cooler weather is a great time to take a little day trip to the mountains since larger animals (like mountain lions and bears) are not likely to be seen and smaller creatures (like snakes and ticks) are not high in numbers.  Just remember to take plenty of water for you and your pup and always take a first-aid kit with you on any hike.

Southern California is littered with hiking trails, from the Newport marshes and Carbon Canyon to the Cleveland National Forest and San Bernardino mountains.  Check out Trails.com to find trails in any zip code (also lists the length of the hike as well) to find the best hike for you and your pup.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having and turn a boring weekend into a great little getaway for you and your dog.  “We live in a world full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharlal Nehru