Echo Park Lake sits right in the middle of Los Angeles, and it’s one of the few spots in the city where you can actually walk your dog around water without feeling like you’re in someone’s backyard. The lake loop itself is about a mile and a half, which makes for a solid morning or afternoon walk depending on how much heat your dog can handle. The path is paved and well-maintained, shaded in spots by trees, and you get actual views of the water the whole way around instead of just glimpses.

The lotus flowers are genuinely stunning from June through September—they completely cover sections of the lake in pink and white blooms. It’s the kind of thing that makes even a routine walk feel a bit special. There’s a boathouse where you can rent pedal boats if you want to get out on the water (dogs can’t go on those, but they’re fine waiting on shore or in your care at a picnic table). The fishing is decent too, though your dog will probably be more interested in the ducks and occasional heron than anything else.

The picnic areas are scattered around the lake, which is helpful if you want to stop and eat something without your dog staring at you the whole time. Bring water—the sun bounces off the lake, and there’s less shade than you’d think. The parking situation can get tight on weekends, especially if there’s an event happening at the park adjacent to the lake, so arriving early matters.

Dogs are welcome to walk the entire perimeter and hang out in the picnic areas. It’s a genuinely dog-friendly setup without feeling like it’s been specifically marketed as such. Just watch for occasional soft spots along the path if it’s rained recently, and keep an eye on your dog near the water’s edge since the footing can be slippery in places.