5 Best Dog Parks in Orange County, California! (2023)

Dog parks in Orange County, California, are a must-do if you are a dog owner living in or visiting the historic San Francisco city. San Francisco is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the United States, and Orange County is no different.

You can do many pet-friendly activities in the city, including a mandatory visit to the beach, hitting the downtown area, taking a dip in the ocean, and shopping at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

While all these activities are enjoyable, nothing is more enjoyable for a puppy than a visit to the park, and orange county has some of the best dog parks in San Francisco.

Always carry snacks and water for your dog when you go to the park. The weather in Orange County can get warm, and the last thing you want is to over-tired or dehydrate your dog.

Before you scroll further down this list of dog parks in Orange County, California, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best German Shepherd Rescues in Orange County For Adoption and Goldendoodles For Sale in Orange County, California.

Find a Dog Park Near Me in Orange County, California

Let us look at five great dog parks in Orange County.

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1. Garden Grove Dog Park

Garden Grove Dog Park is the first on our list of dog parks in Orange County, California. This medium-sized dog park was built a while ago but was completely renovated in 2017, so you can expect modern amenities.

Renovations include new turf, benches, dog waste areas, and drinking fountains. The park has enclosed separate areas for small and large breeds of dogs. It also has an off-leash area where dogs can run freely without being hindered by tethers.

You’ll see dog waste bins and bags everywhere for the easy disposal of doggy doo. Also, be sure to bring your water bowl because even though there is a fountain for dogs to drink water, it may be at a different height for your dog.

Rules for the dog park include:

• You cannot bring infants and children under 3 to the enclosed off-leash area.
• Dogs younger than four months are not allowed in the dog park.
• You are responsible for your dog and any injury that results from them.
• Please leave the park in a better shape than when you visited it. Make sure your dog does not vandalize the park property.

Timings for the park are from sunrise to sunset. There is no fee for this park as it is a public park under city management.

Garden Grove Dog Park Details

• Website: Garden Grove Dog Park
• Address: ​​​ 13601 Deodara Drive, Garden Grove Park, Orange County, CA
• Phone Number: (714) 741–5000
• Facebook: Garden Grove Dog Park’s Facebook
• Instagram: Garden Grove Dog Park’s Instagram

2.  Costa Mesa Dog Park in Tewinkle Park

Costa Mesa Dog Park is located in the city of Costa Mesa. It covers an area of two acres and is intended for small dogs, i.e., dogs under 30 pounds. The park has restrooms and an enclosed off-leash area. The dog park is located in Costa Mesa Park, over 49 acres.

It is a massive park with tennis courts, picnic areas, and duck ponds. It even has an artificial waterfall that has rapids and mini-waterfalls. Your dog must be on a leash if you are not in the enclosed off-leash area. The park has benches where owners can sit, doggie bags for dog waste, and a doggie fountain.

Rules for the park:

• If your dog is over the age of four months, it must be vaccinated.
• Your dog must be licensed.
• Your dog must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and opens to the public with no fee required.

Costa Mesa Dog Park Details

• Website: Costa Mesa Dog Park
• Address: 890 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, Orange County, CA
• Phone Number: (714) 754-5000
• Facebook: Costa Mesa Dog Park’s Facebook
• Instagram: Costa Mesa Dog Park’s Instagram

3. Laguna Niguel Pooch Park

This off-leash dog park in Orange County, California, is located in Laguna Niguel and spans an area of almost one acre. It is not a very large dog park but has an enclosed off-leash area. The off-leash area is covered in wood chips, so it’s easier for dogs to enjoy themselves without hurting their paws.

It also has a water faucet with a hose. Doggie waste stations are littered throughout the park. The park management insists that dog parents must clean up after their puppies. There is a parking space and covered areas in case of bad weather.

There are also four picnic tables and a restroom so human companions can enjoy themselves at the park. If you are looking for a small dog park and live in the area, this can be an excellent place to visit if your dog needs daily exercise.

They do have separate areas for large and small breed dogs. The timings for the park are different for various days of the week. They are closed for clean-up on Monday and Friday mornings and open at noon.

Rules for the park are:

• The timings for the dog park differ according to what day of the week it is. Please adhere to the timings. Check their website for more information.
• All dogs must be on a leash if they are outside of the off-leash enclosure.
• All dogs must be on a leash not more than six feet long.
• All dogs but be licensed to visit the dog park.

Laguna Niguel Pooch Park Details

• Website: Laguna Niguel Pooch Park
• Address: 31575 Golden Lantern Laguna Niguel, Orange County, CA.
• Phone Number: (949) 425-5100
• Email Address: parks@cityoflagunaniguel.org

4. Olive Hills Park

Olive Hills Park is one of the few dog-friendly parks in Orange County, California, situated next to tennis courts. The park covers 10.7 acres of area and has six public tennis courts.

If you want to book a tennis court, you must reserve it online before visiting, but the dog park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, and there is no need to reserve it. The park has restrooms, a walking and jogging path, artificial turf, and separate areas for large and small dogs.

If you are looking for a large park where you can play fetch and throw a Frisbee, this is the perfect park. The park also has agility equipment and natural plant species. The center of the park is a K9 monument dedicated to the K9 unit of the Anaheim police force.

 Olive Hills Park Details

• Website: Olive Hills Park
• Address: 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, Orange County, CA
• Phone Number: (714) 765-4311

5. Laguna Woods Dog Park

The Laguna Woods Dog Park is located in Laguna Woods, California. It is number six on the list of popular dog parks in Orange County, and for a good reason. This is an off-leash park with an enclosed place where your dog can run and play.

The enclosure is for small and large breeds. There is an AstroTurf for the dogs to play on and clean water fountains, so you do not have to bring water. They have benches near the off-leash area, so you can sit down and relax while keeping an eye on your dog.

In addition, there are playgrounds for the dogs, a dog fountain, and restrooms for dog owners. Laguna Woods Dog Park rounds up our list of dog parks in Orange County, California, and is an excellent choice if you live in the area.

Laguna Woods Dog Park Details

• Website: Laguna Woods Dog Park
• Address: 24400 Ridge Route Drive, Laguna Woods, Orange County, CA.
• Phone Number: (949) 639-0500

How to Choose a Dog Park in Orange County, California

If you live in Orange County and are looking for fun and relaxing places to take your dog, you are in luck. With so many beautiful dog parks in the area, Orange County is a very dog-friendly area. But you must vet the parks before taking your dog there to prevent unfortunate incidents.

You should be looking out for a couple of things, such as the park’s services and layout. Is the park secure? Is the off-leash enclosure safe? The enclosure must not have spaces or areas your dog could slip through.

The last thing you want to do is lose your dog when you go to the park. You also want to ensure separate areas for large and small breeds of dogs. Having the same area is not a good idea, especially if your dog is not very friendly.

Lastly, you want to make sure they have dog waste bags, a good number of bins, and water fountains so your do can enjoy some water after they have run around. Free parking and restrooms are human perks that should not be overlooked.

Conclusion For The “Best Dog Parks in Orange County, California”

We have given you a great list of dog parks in Orange County; this list should make choosing your next park much easier.

Please ensure your dog is ready for a trip to the park by ensuring the following:

• License tags
• Vaccination tags
• Microchip
• Leash and Collar
• Water and snacks

In addition, make sure your dog can follow basic commands. Dog park etiquette is essential for you and your dog. If you cannot control your dog from barking or aggressive behavior, then there may be better times to visit a busy park.

You can take some time to train your dog and visit less crowded parks until your dog becomes more sociable and used to having other dogs around. Once you have checked all the boxes, you and your dog are ready for a relaxing day in the park. Here’s hoping you have a great time.

For more guides similar to this list of dog parks in Orange County, California, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team:

• Best Dog Parks in Brooklyn, New York
• Best Dog Parks in Foster City
• Best Dog Parks in Madison, Wisconsin

Before you bring your companion to a dog park in Orange County, California, you can see what it’s like by watching “Happy Dogs Play At Dog Park Compilation” down below: