Dogs Just Wanna Have Fun, Too!

Our dogs love us unconditionally and we love them right back. And some of us love them so much that our pets are truly pampered, some with fancy sweaters, or expensive dog carriers and toys. Pretty much, your dog can be your best friend or practically like a child (Melissa Etheridge's one-time partner Julie Cypher, who shares two children with Etheridge, said in a 2000 interview that published as a Rolling Stones cover story that January, "Bruce Springsteen once gave me the best parenting advice. He said, ‘You know, all of a sudden, your dogs are just gonna be dogs.’")

But what do our four-legged friends really want? A tasty treat? A good belly scratch? Yeah, all that and a little exercise and fun with other pups.

To accommodate our loving furry friends, here is a list of five places in the South Bay where they can have all that and more. Do be a considerate dog owner and pick up your doggy landmines while out and about.

Manhattan Beach Veterans Parkway and Hermosa Valley Greenbelt

The patch of green that runs along Valley Drive is a popular place where Manhattan and Hermosa beach residents walk their dogs. Remember to keep your pet on leash and bring supplies for picking up after your dog. The Manhattan Beach stretch occasionally has Mutt Mitts, but your dog won't always do his business near Mutt Mitts. The parkway begins just under Sepulveda Boulevard at the end of a parking lot adjacent Fry's and Manhattan Village and stretches all the way to Herondo Avenue. You can pretty much pick up the path anywhere along the way, but sometimes have to walk around ice plant or bushes to gain access.

The Strand

Any part of the seaside Strand that stretches along the coastline in Manhattan and Hermosa beach is fun for dogs. Just remember that they’re not allowed on the actual beach and must remain on leash.

Flagler Lane and 190th Street

The Redondo Beach dog park at this intersection is a nice gathering place for canines. Dogs are allowed off leash here and there are two fenced-in areas: one for larger dogs, one for smaller size pooches.

Dog Runs at Polliwog Park and Live Oak Park

Manhattan Beach has two dog runs: one at the west end of Polliwog Park adjacent to Begg Field, the other off Valley Drive at Live Oak Park. Both are fenced-in areas which means dogs are allowed off leash. Theses areas are rather small but definitely good for socializing, running, playing and hanging out.

 Trump National Golf Course

Dogs enjoy walking along the paths at this facility on Ocean Trails Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. Just remember to keep your pooch on leash. At the edge of the cliffs on the side of the property that is closer to San Pedro, there is a trail that takes you down to what has become an unofficial leash-free dog beach. The trail is steep.