Best Dog Parks In Los Angeles & Orange County

Not all Southern California dog owners are like Jamie Lee Curtis in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". Sure, they love their dogs, but what's different is that many – if not most – don't really carry their dogs around in designer bags. In fact, they actually like to let them run around! For a good time for both owner and pooch, take your furry friend to the many city, county and state dog parks throughout L.A. and Orange County. Here are a few favorites:

Known affectionately as Alice's Dog Park, this park has 2 ½ acres of off-leash space for large dogs and a one-acre grassy space for small dogs and dogs with special needs. Offering water, benches and lots of friendly dogs in an area, the hilly park is protected by a double fence ensuring your dog won't run off. Visitors also like that there are tennis balls and toys around for the dogs to play with – equaling a good time for pooch and parent alike.

The name of this park always puts the image of dogs running. And that's exactly what happens at this 160-acre park, which has 90 acres of off-leash dog park area. Set on a steep hill offering stunning views of Los Angeles, the hiking trail makes this park popular with those looking for a workout for themselves – as well as their dogs. There is also a kids park, too (no dogs are allowed there.) But look out! You just might spot a celebrity or two here, too.

A massive regional park offering 1.25 acres of off-leash dog park areas, Silverlake Dog Park lies in the heart of Los Angeles and has separate areas for each big and small dogs, which the visitors love. Near the Silver Lake Reservoir, the park offers great views too.

Found within the South Valley, the Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park offers five acres of off-leash areas and separate areas for each small and timid dogs. Additionally, the park features plenty of grassy area – perfect for throwing the ball for your dog – as well as shady spots and water spigots with drinking bowls for the dogs. The park also has picnic tables for the humans to rest while the pups play.

Offering 3 distinct areas (one for small dogs under 25 pounds, another "wood chip" area for all dogs, and a big dog area), toys and pup-friends are plentiful here, as is the space to run around – making it fun for the doggies. Making for a great place to wear out the pooch and make some new friends, pup parents like this park because it's not only clean but the people are friendly too. A warning: this park can be hard to find, and is closed on Wednesdays.

As an important part of the Huntington Beach community, the park is actually a non-profit organization that depends on the donations of its "fans" to stay open. And the fans are supportive – via direct donations, fundraising events, t-shirts and more. The community support results in this one-mile-plus stretch of sand being made available for off-leash dog frolicking. The beach area offers dog bags a-plenty, and is cleaned daily by staff and volunteers. All in all, it's a great place for two- and four-legged lovers of surf, sand, and sun to have fun.

With lush grass and beautiful views, the Laguna Beach Dog Park is a doggie parent favorite. Small dogs frolic freely in their own space away from where the bigger dogs run and play, and it's known for its great expanse of grassy area, and foliage that's great for exploring. The people are friendly and responsible too. An added plus? The park is supported by a non-profit organization- Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park - that also supports responsible pet ownership education and local dog rescue organizations.

Adjacent to the Santa Ana River in Anaheim, Yorba Park offers scenery, picnic areas and a great deal of serenity. While dogs are permitted only on their leash, dog-parents like that the park offers baggies along the path in case you forgot to bring your own. A great place for a walk where you know all the other dogs will be leashed, too – and good to know you can have a barbecue here with friends – and bring your furry friend along.