Posted: Tuesday, Jan 30th, 2024
25 Top Dog Friendly Activities in Ventura, CA
Your dog deserves a getaway too. Lucky for you and your fur-kid, Ventura is a prime spot for a dog friendly trip. We’ve fetched (pardon the pun) the top dog-friendly activities to do with your dog in Ventura, guaranteed to have tails wagging and make memories that you and your four-legged friend will be thinking about for ages after your getaway. From scenic trails to dog-friendly dining spots, Ventura has it all. So, leash up your pup and let the adventure begin!
Read on for the Top 25 Things to Do With Your Dog in Ventura!
1. Are Ventura Beaches Dog Friendly? Absolutely
Want to let your dog get a taste of the good life? You can and it’s only a few blocks away from your hotel room! Ventura beaches are dog friendly (please keep them on a leash!). Watch surfers catch killer waves at Surfers Point or enjoy the gentle waves at Mothers Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on Ventura beaches except for San Buenaventura State Beach (left of the Ventura Pier). There are plenty of dog friendly beaches and dog friendly activities in Ventura to pick from!
2. Walk the Ventura Promenade
Breathe in the salty air and let the sunshine warm your face along the Ventura Promenade. You’ll see plenty of pups strutting along the promenade. The ocean views and cool breezes make for a perfect outing with your pup. Remember to pick up after your four-legged friend so everyone can have a great experience.
3. Take a Nature Walk through Ventura Botanical Gardens
Get lost in the beauty of Ventura Botanical Gardens. The well-maintained trails are a treat for nature-loving dogs, and the city’s panoramic views will leave you and your furry friend in awe. Leashed dogs are allowed on Wednesdays and Fridays. Take your pup up to new heights where you’ll have a front-row seat to beautiful ocean views every step of the way. Admission is free on Friday, otherwise $7 admission to the general public.
5. Where Can You Hike With Your Dog? Hike at Harmon Canyon!
A must-do dog friendly trail in Ventura can be found at Harmon Canyon Preserve. The preserve itself is over 2,000 acres of wide open space and has dozens of different trails weaving through larger-than-life oak trees and native California plants. You can bring your leashed dog up to the 1.5-mile mark on Harmon Canyon Road, which is one of the main trailheads in the preserve. Your pup will love smelling along the trail and feeling the dirt under its paws. Venture into the great outdoors with your pup at Harmon Canyon, one of the many great dog friendly activities in Ventura!
6. Where is a Dog Park in Ventura? Head to Camino Real Park Dog Park
Did someone call for a park day? Check out Camino Real Park in Midtown Ventura, home to an off leash dog park. There’s plenty of space for your pup to run around, meet new friends, and tire out for the day. Plus, there are three different playgrounds around this park for your other kids. Leashed dogs are welcome to walk with you along the walking trail all around the park. You can have a great field day, fun for everyone!
7. Hike at Arroyo Verde Park
Explore the lush trails of Arroyo Park with your dog by your side. If you’re looking for extensive trails to explore Ventura’s green spaces, you and your pup will love Arroyo Verde Park. You can also let your dog run off leash in the early mornings from 6 AM – 9 AM, Tuesday through Sunday. Remember to bring a portable water bottle for your pup after a morning of hiking!
8. Shop at Dogtown
Your dog deserves a little Ventura souvenir too! Give your pet the VIP treatment at Dogtown, where gifts for your furry friend are endless. From stylish collars and cute pet sweaters to tasty treats, your pup will strut around Ventura in style. Plus, support a local dog boutique store that often fundraises for local animal shelters and events. A feel good buy indeed!
9. Where to Shop for You Dog? Find a Dog Treat at The Wharf and Ventura Pet Barn
A great local store that’s a little under the radar, head over to the Wharf for all things pet supplies. If you’re in need of that bone you forgot to bring with you from home, you’ll be able to find a good replacement at the Wharf. Let your pup pick out their favorite toy or indulge in some gourmet dog treats. Then, walk down the street for some pizza and beer at Transmission Brewing or breakfast at Frontside Cafe (both dog friendly!)
In Midtown Ventura, head over to the Ventura Pet Barn. There also is a self-serve dog wash station which will come in handy after a fun day at the beach!
10. Walk on the Ventura Pier
Bring your dog for an afternoon stroll along the oldest pier in California! That’s right, you can enjoy the beautiful sights of the Pacific Ocean on the historic Ventura Pier. The salty sea breeze and panoramic views make it a perfect spot for a doggy day out. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a selfie against the stunning backdrop! Make sure to call us at the Ventura Visitor Center for updates on the pier’s status — sometimes it closes due to weather damage and repairs.
12. Explore the Ventura Harbor
Explore boutiques around the Ventura Harbor Village where dogs are welcome! There’s a great walking path that goes from the village across to Portside Harbor with harborside views along the way. The combination of fresh sea air and the lively harbor atmosphere makes for a dog friendly adventure you both will cherish. If you and your pup are feeling especially adventurous, hit the water on a boat rental from Ventura Boat Rentals!
13. Feast on a Pup Cream at Coastal Cone
Yes, after a day of exploring the Ventura Harbor, you and your dog deserve a cool treat. Head over to Coastal Cone for a pup cream. And you can treat yourself to a delicious fish cone!
14. Grab a Dog Friendly Meal at Peiranos
Over in the historical block of Ventura is Peirano’s. Head over to their dog friendly outdoor patio for a delicious authentic Italian meal. Yes, you and your dog can munch together! Periano’s offers a dog-friendly menu that is completely safe for your dog to eat! Peirano’s is the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty meal while your furry friend lounges in style with views of the San Buenaventura Mission.
Things to Do
Family Fun
Ventura Shopping
Music & Nightlife
Arts, Culture & History
Pet Friendly
Parking
Outdoors
Beaches & Surfing
Biking & Hiking Trails
Bird Watching
Food & Drink
Restaurants
Outdoor Dining
Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
Farmers Markets
Happy Hours
15. Enjoy Breakfast at Pete’s Breakfast House
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Pete’s Breakfast House — you might have recognized this iconic breakfast spot in Ventura on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Visit Pete’s for homemade pancakes and an amazing classic American breakfast with your pup on their pet-friendly patio. The Instagram-worthy setting is the perfect spot for a morning meal.
16. Does Ventura Have Pet Friendly Hotels? Yes — take your pick!
How could Ventura be dog friendly without a slew of hotels to bring your dog? Hotels like the Crowne Plaza, Motel 6, Holiday Inn Express, Waypoint, and Marriott Ventura Beach gladly accept your furry friend in their dog-friendly hotel rooms. Check here for a full list of dog friendly hotels in Ventura— we’re excited to welcome you to Ventura!
17. Staying at a Hotel? Pick Up a Free Ventura Pooch Pouch
And when you do book your stay in a hotel in Ventura, make sure to stop by the Ventura Visitor Center for a little Ventura dog swag. Our Pooch Pouch is the perfect welcome goodie bag to kickstart your trip to Ventura! You can find vouchers for Peirano’s and Topa Topa Brewing Co.
18. Enjoy a Ventura Brew at Ventura’s Dog Friendly Breweries
Want to relax with a cold one? Ventura boasts 10 unique breweries across town and each of them is dog friendly! From crisp lagers to juicy IPAs, you’ll be able to find a brew that matches your taste. Head over to Rincon Brewery and hang out in their outdoor patio or make your way to Topa Topa’s location on Colt Street where there’s plenty of open space for your pup to lounge around. For more information on Ventura breweries, check out our guide here.
19. Go to Marina Park
Visit Marina Park for a day of outdoor fun. The spacious grounds provide ample room for your pup to play, and the scenic surroundings make it a picturesque setting for a doggy day out.
20. Walk down Main Street
Walk down Main Street to experience a classic day in Ventura, shopping small and making big memories that’ll last well after you leave our beaches. The charming shops and vibrant atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a memorable outing with your furry companion. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and shops are dog-friendly so you don’t have to worry about leaving your pup at home! So get your walking shoes out and have a great day doing this dog friendly activity in Ventura.
21. Are Ventura’s Restaurants Dog Friendly? There’s plenty of dog friendly patios!
Explore Downtown Ventura at your own pace: walk through boutiques and shops and then walk down a block for the best fish taco you’ve ever had. The best part? Your pet can trot alongside you and hang out with you outside on the patio when you take a break to refuel and grab some food. Enjoy the flavors of Ventura and people-watch with your pup — it’s the perfect way to experience Ventura’s food scene together.
22. Walk Along Ventura State Beach Trail
Sandy shores and rolling waves provide the backdrop for a refreshing outing with your furry friend. Remember to bring a leash and some sunglasses for a relaxing day walking along the beach. Runners, bikers, and walkers regularly go along this path left of the Ventura Pier. Enjoy the sounds of the sea and the warm sunshine!
23. Run at Ventura Community Park
On the east end of Ventura is Ventura Community Park. The 1.4 mile paved walking trail is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some outdoor fun with your pup. You’ll also find huge fields perfect to throw around a ball, an aquatic center, and softball fields. Remember to bring a leash for your dog and have fun!
24. Where Can You Get Your Dog Groomed in Ventura? Have Spa Day at Aloha Grooming
Yes, we know your pup loves the sand and sea just as much as you do but sometimes it’s nice to wash off the beach. Treat your dog to a spa day at Aloha Grooming, a local favorite for pet grooming. Call ahead to book an appointment and get your pup’s fur silky clean!
25. Enjoy Views at Grant park
Grant Park is an absolute must-see spot in Ventura and you can absolutely bring your dog along with you. Drive or walk up to Grant Park Grant for a million-dollar view of the city below and the ocean beyond. You can get 360 panoramic views of the iconic Topa Topa mountain range that hugs our city while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Tip: make sure to get there early as parking spaces are limited.
26. End the Day at South Seaward
Step into old-school California as you walk through South Seaward and stop by one of the beachside restaurants. Duke’s Beach Grill is a burger spot that looks like it came right out of a 70s California beach teen movie, set with surfboards, classic arcade games, and a dog friendly outdoor patio. Or head over to Social Tap to catch the game with your dog at your feet. Then walk along the beach at sunset to end the perfect Ventura day!
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