With their well-earned reputation as “man’s best friend,” dogs enjoy spending time with their families at home and out on the town! Luckily, more and more places are welcoming dogs than ever before. From restaurants and beaches to hotels and hiking trails, look for dog-friendly designations and be sure your four-legged friends are well-behaved and friendly before taking them out in public—and don’t forget the doggie bags!
Dog Parks
A great place for dogs to run free and socialize, dog parks are popping up in cities throughout the nation. In Conejo Valley, dog parks are plentiful, with new locations springing up, thanks to community efforts.
» Conejo Creek Dog Park
1350 E Avenida de las Flores, Thousand Oaks
This 3.5-acre dog park has two sections, one for small dogs (30 lbs and under) and the other for large dogs. Drinking fountains have attached dog water fountains.
Open daily 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; closed Thursdays, 7-9 a.m. & all day the 3rd Thursday of each month
» Estella Park
300 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks
This small 1.9-acre neighborhood park is located off Erbes Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive.
Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
» Kimber Park
3295 Bear Creek Drive, Newbury Park
This small dog park offers views of the Conejo Valley and local foothills.
Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
» Oak Canyon Dog Park
5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park
Located toward the top of Oak Canyon Community Park, this dog park includes areas for large and small dogs in a beautiful setting with mountain views. Getting to this dog park requires a little trek through the park.
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
» Walnut Grove Park
400 Windtree Avenue, Thousand Oaks
Located next to a creek and wedged between the 101 Freeway and Newbury Road, this small dog park is named for the walnut trees that occupy the site.
Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
» Westlake Village Dog Park
Southwest corner of West Oak Crest Drive & Agoura Road
Slated to open in 2018, the Westlake Village Dog Park will include 1.19 acres with separate accommodations for small and large dogs, a shade shelter with picnic seating, open play natural turf spaces with mounds and boulders, drinking fountains, tables, benches, leash posts, pet-waste dispensers, trash containers, decomposed granite walkways, fencing, landscaping, and pet wash stations.
Beach Bound
Dogs love frolicking on the beach—some even love to take a dip in the ocean, or at least get their feet wet. While many beaches do not allow dogs, a select few welcome Fido and friends.
» Arroyo Burro Beach Park
3403 Edgewater Way, Santa Barbara
Known as “Hendry’s Beach” to the locals, this beach is unique in that it allows dogs to run leash free. Located 5 miles west of Santa Barbara’s city center on Cliff Drive near Hope Ranch, this special beach is perfect for strolling, swimming and playing ball with your pup.
County Line Beach
West of Yerba Buena Road on Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Part of Leo Carrillo State Park, County Line Beach is located just inside Ventura County. Dogs are welcome on leash at this popular beach for surfers, fishermen and scuba divers. While visitors will not find restrooms or drinking fountains at this beach, the main part of Leo Carrillo State Park has a visitor center, restrooms, campground, lifeguards, picnic areas, and hiking trails to explore. The famous seafood restaurant, Neptune’s Net, is located across the street (but Rover will have to wait in the car).
» Marina Park
Pierpont Blvd, Ventura
This 15-acre oceanfront park offers ample parking and borders the beach. Walk to the left of the park and let your dog run free and play.
» Point Mugu State Park
9000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Leashed pets are welcome throughout the day-use areas, including campgrounds and beaches, but pets are not permitted on any backcountry trails or dirt roads.
» Surfer’s Point
Shoreline Drive, Ventura
This sandy beach is a popular surfing spot and offers picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Locals let their dogs run off leash at this beautiful beach.
» Take a Hike!
Many hiking trails throughout the Conejo Valley allow dogs on leash. A good rule of thumb is to check ahead of time to be sure pets are not restricted.
» Satwiwa Loop Trail
4121 Potrero Road, Newbury Park
An easy, 2.5-mile hike, the Satwiwa Loop Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers shorter jaunts for those not up to the approximately 1.5 hours it takes to hike the full loop. Dogs must be on leash.
Dining Out
After a day of play with your best friend, take a break to eat at one of these dog-friendly local restaurants. With outside patios that welcome your dog, most eateries offer water dishes and many even allow patrons to order menu items for their pups.
» Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
2799 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village
With an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, this casual and lively NYC-deli is a wildly popular restaurant, known for their mile-high sandwiches, black and white cookies, and matzo ball soup. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio, accessed through an outside back gate. Water for Rover is available upon request.
» The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
172 W Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Located at The Oaks mall, this relaxed restaurant chain serves comfort fare, including pizza, pot roast and pastas. As its name suggests, The Lazy Dog takes it a step further than allowing dogs and actually caters to them with their own menu. Offerings include hamburgers, brown rice and more!
» Roma Italian Deli & Restaurant
2247 Michael Drive, Newbury Park
This quaint Italian restaurant with an outdoor patio serves reasonably priced fare, from Eggplant Parmesan and pizzas to Shrimp Scampi and a variety of sandwiches and salads. Dogs are welcome outside on the patio and water is offered upon request.
» Bottle & Pint
1714 Newbury Rd, Newbury Park
This craft beer lover’s dream features a wide selection of craft beer on tap as well as a bottle shop where patrons can purchase beer to go. Well-behaved dogs are welcomed inside, and visitors can order food from neighboring restaurants, including Sumo Sushi, Holdren’s Steak & Seafood and Spumoni Italian Café & Pizzeria, and have it delivered to eat while they sip and sample the latest brews!
» Five Threads Brewing Company
31133 Via Colinas #109, Westlake Village
This tasting room is a favorite locale for beer aficionados. With live music and catered events, games galore—including Giant Jenga—trivia nights and more, Five Threads welcomes well-behaved dogs inside, provided they stay off the furniture!