Memorial Park’s dog run sits in the middle of a residential Santa Monica neighborhood, just a few blocks from the ocean, with actual grass underfoot instead of the packed dirt or mulch you find at most LA dog parks. The space splits into two sections—a larger area for dogs over 25 pounds and a smaller enclosure for tiny dogs—so your small-breed dog won’t get knocked around by the bigger crowd if that’s a concern. The park itself is well-maintained, and the grass actually gets watered, which makes a real difference on hot days when your dog’s paws would otherwise be on scorching ground.

Dogs can run off-leash only within the fenced dog run areas; the rest of Memorial Park is leash-only. There’s no fee to use the dog run. The space has water bowls available, though bringing your own collapsible bowl is smart since shared bowls can spread things around. Some shade exists from nearby trees, but it’s not abundant, so morning or late-afternoon visits work better in summer. The dog run operates during park hours, which run from dawn to dusk year-round.

The location sits near 14th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard, walkable from several Santa Monica neighborhoods and with street parking available nearby. Peak times tend to be late afternoons and weekends when people come by after work or school. The grass surface requires dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations since it holds moisture and can be a vector for parasites, so have your vet records ready if someone asks. The dog run can get muddy after rain, which is fine if you don’t mind a wet dog heading home—just plan accordingly. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer a calmer environment for your dog to acclimate.