No Jaws, Just Paws: Rosie's Dog Beach

If you and your four-legged friend are looking for things to do in Long Beach, schedule some time to visit Rosie’s Dog Beach. This four-acre stretch of sandy shoreline has been set aside for dog owners. Here are some tips to make your day at the beach fun and safe.

Off-Leash Fun

This spot is popular with dog lovers because the city allows the pups to roam freely. It is the only beach where off-leash play is permitted in all of LA County. In order to achieve this, one resident and a pup named Rosie scheduled special dog-friendly events at the location. Eventually, the city officials and citizens granted the playground to animals. Now, you can play catch, go swimming, and meet other dog lovers in a fun and fresh environment

Location

The address for Rosie’s Dog Beach is 5000 E. Ocean Blvd. The designated dog area sits on the Belmont Shore. It is located next to the Granada Boat Ramp, and the run is clearly marked with orange cones. There is free parking along Ocean Boulevard, but you may not find spots there Thursday and Friday mornings because of street cleaners. There are fee-for-use parking lots close by also. You can buy parking passes at the many kiosks, which accept most major credit cards and cash.

Hours

This spot is open for off-leash play between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. The fee-use lots only charge users between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., so if you time your visit right, you can park in the nearby lots for free in the early mornings and evenings. You are welcome to visit every day of the week, but there are certain times Rosie’s will not be available because of special events. To find out if any events are scheduled when you are planning your visit, contact the City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (562)570-3100.

Rules

Like most dog parks, there are rules to follow. At Rosie's, each adult is welcome to bring one pooch, so if you have more than one furry pal, you’ll need to bring a friend. There is a doggie drinking fountain, but it can malfunction, so it’s a good idea to pack in your own fresh water and bowl. There are cleanup baggie stations, but in case they are empty, bring a few extra. You must pick up after your pet. Make sure your four-legged friend has a collar, tags, and vaccinations. If your dog dons a spiked collar, be sure to change it to a traditional band before its paws hit the sand. The city does not allow spiked collars on the beach.

As you look for things to do in Long Beach, you will soon discover that there are many animal lovers and pet-friendly venues. The city and the residents worked hard to create unique spots for canines so that they could get fresh air, exercise, and socialize, and Rosie's Dog Beach is one vibrant example.