I went to Joslyn Park for my little friend Felix K.-L.'s 3rd birthday the other week. It was a nice park, a great place to spend a couple easy Saturday hours with the kids. Parking was a breeze. The park has an indoor room you can reserve if you plan far enough ahead, but the outdoor tables are first come first served. Felix's parents claimed a couple tables and brought two of their own, creating a sizable shady party space right next to the playground. I think the whole area was surrounded by a fence, so none of the pre-school age children could easily wander off. My boys had a blast playing in the sand and on the cute structure. There was also a little set-up for puppet shows, and all the kids kept going over there and pretending to buy and sell ice cream. I live too far from Santa Monica to make much use of Joslyn Park, but I know a good park when I see one. I'd recommend this place if you have young children, whether for party time or just a relaxing hour of play. read more

This is a great dog park! I have a small dog and enjoy the small dog area. I was a pleasantly surprised one Sunday morning when I discovered a great little church meets at the park auditorium adjacent to the dog park. They had a covered area outside with a speaker so I could enjoy the church service with my dog after playing at the park! They even brought coffee out to me and had water for my dog. I'll definitely come back on Sunday's more often. read more

Joslyn Park - The church meeting at Joslyn Park auditorium has a seating area for people with dogs who want to enjoy a worship service. - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This park has a dog park next door. It's called the Herb Katz Dog Park, and it is honestly my favorite dog park in LA. There's a separate area for small dogs. The main area is pleasantly shaded with beautiful trees. the park is on a hill, which is nice and it helps minimize puddles. the ground cover is wood chips which makes things less dusty. Nice doggie water fountains read more

We absolutely love Joslyn park. The playground is nice, safe and age- appreciate for young toddlers as well as older kids. There is a grassy area both in and out of the gated playground area. There is also a large dog park, basketball court and clean bathrooms. You can park right near the playground or by the street. Plenty of street parking. read more

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The dog park has one small dog zone for 25lbs and less, and a large field for all dogs. It's very convenient and has street parking right outside, though not very well maintained, so smelly all around the walkway. read more

Joslyn Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A Hidden, adorable little park that features, a little playground, a small grass area, and one for basketball court. I have heard this park, and generally is very busy, but I happen to be lucky on the day that I went it was not. read more

Yay off leash time! Found this dog park on the map as Herb Katz Memorial Dog Park. It's huge, mostly mulch/ wood chips, lotsa room to run! There are 3 or 4 cement tunnels, my girl loved them. We used the entrance on Strand. We were there about 30 mins arriving about 9:15a on Wednesday. It was super windy so we didn't stay long. There was a smaller fenced area for smaller / timid dogs. Plenty of parking available on surrounding streets. Be sure to read parking signs. Strand has street cleaning I think Thursday morning. There is seating for the parents at Strand gate entrance. Some shade from the trees. Was pretty clean didn't see or step in any messes. There are scoopers for the by the trash cans. Also a water fountain. One lady wasn't watching her dog at all, sitting at the table her back was to the park. The few others there were attentive. Fun place my girl had a blast running at full steam. I took videos but can't add them for some reason. read more

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Really nice park. Great for kids. Great for dogs. Perfect for family time. Lots of nice dogs. It's sandy/dirt and bark. It is on a slope so extra work out for you and your pup. Lots of parking around. Locate the dog gate and enjoy the visit. read more

My dog and I love going here since it's close to our house and there's a fair amount of other larger dogs that my dog can run around and play with. I love when they all chase each other and it sounds like a stampede is coming through. I cringe when theres a person standing in the middle of the dog park not paying attention (on phone) while the dogs are chasing each other where at any given moment the dogs will knock'em over. The topography of the dog park is that it sits on a hill so there's no real flat section until you get to the small dog park area. I have mixed feelings about the all brown dirt/moss the dogs play on whether there should also be areas for grass, but the dogs don't care. The water fountain at the top of the hill is the only one that works fine, while the one at the bottom barely spits out water. Like all dog parks, it's a mix crowd of people who have different attitudes about social norms for dogs (from very conservative and cautious to open and free yet controlled). read more

Heads up, some rocket scientist left chicken wings all over the small dog park weekend of April 1. They're buried like a treasure hunt, but an upsetting version where maybe your dog has dietary allergies or chokes on the small bones. Thanks a lot, Saturday crowd! read more

Dirty ground but my dog loved it! There is no grass in the actual dog park but it is well maintained with mulch... maybe more cost effective than grass. There is a small dog park area too. There are some benches, fresh flowing water with bowls and some shaded areas. We met some very friendly people as well as their pooches. We happened to be roadtripping in the area and Yelp was a lifesaver in helping us to find a spot to wear out our doggie! Would return in a heartbeat. Tip - if you plan to play chuck it/ball with your dog, bring old shoes you care nothing for! And be prepared to lose your ball in the dirt! One thing I loved most besides how well maintained it is, is that we did not see one pile of poop. People were diligent here in picking it up and keeping the park nice! read more

Joslyn Park is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, surrounded by unpretentious smaller vintage homes. The fragrance of local flowering spring trees was intoxicating today. You are only a block west of Lincoln here, but the area seems set apart from traffic and noise. The park is up on a hill, offering distant views of the Santa Monica Mountains. There is ample free street parking surrounding the park, as well as a small parking lot along the east side of the grounds. I am disturbed by the deteriorating condition of the crumbling vintage murals at the south entrance to the park (see photos). The paintings depict Santa Monica as it looked in the early 1900s, and seem to be of historical as well as aesthetic value. I've admired them for years, and now they are chipping and peeling away, badly in need of restoration. I think I will call the park district and find out what's up...... Anyways, the good news is the basketball court, the fenced kids' play area, the grassy lawn area, the community center.......and best of all: a large off-leash dog park. There are even separate sections for small and big doggies. It looked very well-maintained. My problem was tearing myself away from the show of dog antics. Take note though: I did notice on the sign at the dog park entrance that dogs must display a Santa Monica dog license tag, and proof of rabies vaccination (see photo). And....I see that there are reviews posted for "Santa Monica Dog Park" in which this requirement is discussed http://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-monica-dog-park-santa-monica although technically the name is "Joslyn Park off-leash dog area". It was a beautiful day today, a fine day to be a lucky SaMo dog playing at Joslyn Park. A dozen photos are posted. read more

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We started coming here after my pup was viciously attacked at the Santa Monica Airport park. It's a great park - the area for large dogs (which is the one we use) is a really large size which my girl loves There's a lot of shade too which is great for summer. Lastly, the people are friendly and keep on top of their dogs for the most part. I recommend it as the best & safest dog park in Santa Monica (: read more

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It's a nice little place. Has the very basics; basketball court (just 1 small full court), dog running area, kid playground and a little grassy area for a picnic. Does get noisy due to being a smaller park but if you don't mind it then it's not a huge deal. Only downside is that the parents/babysitters let the little children run around on the basketball court while people are paying basketball or just shooting around and they don't stop them from interfering with a game or even a shoot around. I worked with kids before so I can understand how hyper they can be. And don't want/need them getting smacked in the head by the ball or get trampled by a group of players playing ball that aren't paying attention. If half the court is available then let them play on that side until it's needed. read more

This is my favorite dog park in LA (so far). So much space for dogs to roam. There's even a separate section for small dogs. In the large dog area, there are water fountains (for dogs and humans), garbage cans, pooper scoopers, and spaces for people to sit. There are always lots of dogs hanging out AND the park is cleaned regularly. read more

Joslyn Park - Genie! - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I bookmarked this one for several reasons, great for kid's birthday parties or family gatherings, any occasion, they have a large rec room with women's and men's restrooms, an area for the kids to play, and you can even bring your dog as they have a separate doggy park. There is plenty of free parking quite street EZ to find, and the park is serene and relaxing. A good place to read as well. When you think of a nice place for a Kid's birthday party or family gathering this is The Spot. Caterer friendly as well, they also have tables and chairs, so no need to have to spend extra money on rentals. They give you ample time to set up your event and EZ for your guests to park. I would recommend this as a great cost effective way to have an event! read more

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One of the better parks in Santa Monica, there are times I steer clear during the afternoon because it gets too busy for comfort and a lot of tiffs can break out, but I like the agility ramp and tunnels they have for some training off leash with distractions for my poochies. People are pretty nice and lots of friendly dogs. Park is well maintained and I give props to the brave squirrels who live in the trees there, seen a few close calls lol. But it's huge and lots of space for the dogs to run. I always recommend to wear what I call "park clothes" as you never know If you'll get muddy or hit with a drool glob and shoes will definitely get covered in dirt but it's great nonetheless. Highly recommend. Small dog area is fair sized as well with separate entrance from the main walk up ramp.i read more

Joslyn Park - Space, space, space. - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Joslyn Dog Park is a fun dog park in Santa Monica. Parking is pretty easy as they have free parking in front of the park as well as the neighboring residential streets. The park is separated into two sections - small and large dog area. Every time I come here, the small dog section is pretty vacant and the large dog area is the place to be! They also provide drinking bowls for the dogs so that's a plus. My dogs love it here and they always come home tired and dirty! I personally haven't experienced any issues with verifying if I was a Santa Monica resident. read more

This is my favorite dog park in the Santa Monica/Brentwood area (although I haven't visited the Santa Monica airport dog park that everyone seems to rave about yet). Parking is easy around the perimeter of the park. The park is spacious; there's an extremely large general area (and a small little dog park at the bottom). It's on a hill and mostly woodchip covered. Yes, our dog does get extremely dusty but I think it's well worth it! There are water fountains for the doggos (or I guess people if you really want) and benches for the people. There is also agility equipment (two cement tunnels and a dog walk). We've never felt crowded. Everyone picks up their dogs business. Our dog has a lot of fun here with just us playing fetch or with her new buddies. read more

This is by far better than the Barrington park. There are two watering locations and many more features for the pups to play in. The area has two entrances; one on the south side of the park and up the stairs and the other on the southeast corner and a ramp leads into the park. The people are very nice and even though my dog is under 20 lbs, he had a great time playing with even a Great Dane. It's a very good layout to see where your dog is roaming and there are many places to sit. The small dog area of the park says it will only allow dogs under 25 lbs but there was a guy there taking it over for his tiny dog and bigger lab. It's a smaller, more boring set up but it has a cute smaller cement tube for smaller doggies to play in. I really enjoyed this park and highly recommend you give it a try. read more

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This is a nice clean dog park that is part of a larger park that has an area with a field and basketball court. There's a small parking lot and also street parking is fairly easy to find period came here with the doggo and she readily made some new friends. The park is well-maintained and there is a side for small dogs, and aside for large dogs. Each area makes you enter through double gated entry points, making it safe so that none of the dogs run out. The park has water fountains, benches to sit at, and areas with and without grass for the dogs to run in. It was large enough that the dogs could run freely. I like that there was no feces on the ground, because the patrons are diligent about cleaning up after their dogs. There were a good amount of trees so there is ample shade that you can sit in if you get hot. Highly recommended if you're looking for a good place for your dog to run around. read more

Joslyn Park - Dog park - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Nice park for dogs to play in good size for dogs and it's off leash in designated play area

Well, I have to give this at least two stars, because my dog LOVES this place...and my wife likes to go here with her fellow dog-owning girlfriends. Most of the people are pretty friendly, as are most of the dogs, but it's on a steep hill that's covered in bark and dirt, so your dog's going to need a bath after a trip here. But here's the kicker: If you cannot prove that you are a Santa Monica resident, Animal Control can and will fine you something like $230+!!! WTF?! Hey, I know Santa Monica's getting pretty hoity-toity and the People's Republic of Santa Monica has become more like SM, Inc., but honestly - an exclusive dog park that is verboten to auslanders? They can kiss my dog's furry butt! She'd probably prefer they lick it, but me? I'd prefer to see them kiss it. Come on, kiss it! KISS IT! read more

This is a relatively smaller dog park. Wood chips, lots of dirt, some trees, a few benches and a watering hole. Typical shovel and trash can situation. There is a small dog area and larger dog area, although alot of small dog owners tend to take theirs into the larger dog area. It's not a bad park. There's shade and adequate seating area. The wood chips and dirt make it very difficult to locate your dog's poop, so make sure you visually mark where the dog goes. I've searched for a while. It's like camouflage! Depending on the time of day you go, the mix can vary a lot. From friendly people and friendly dogs, to overprotective people and cliques. I've had good experiences and bad here. My dog's not perfect by any means, but understanding/experienced dog owners know when a dog barks and wants to play vs. an aggressive bark. I've found that some people get too nervous when they hear any barking. At any rate, there seem to be regulars here that stick together and aren't as welcoming. The park is a little small for me. It's not a bad park, but I didn't feel a connection with the people or many of the dogs here. read more

This WOULD be a nice park if dog owners obeyed the rules. There is a contigency that feels its their right to bring small dogs into the big dog area. Because many large dogs view these as prey, the big dogs then cannot play freely since their owners need to watch and intervene with the interactions with aggressive little dogs, in particular the one that is there daily. Also, if you go to a dog park, try to refrain from speaking in your "dog's voice" to other owners....its a little weird and there is lots of that here in this park. How would they like it if I brought my big dog into the little dog area? read more

This is a really nice , new and clean dog park. The place is sparkling practically, and it's pretty cool to be so close to small planes and landing strip. The only that's lame is that your dog either has to be registered to Santa Monica or you have to pay some small fee for admittance. Honestly, I think that's stupid and completely defies the community purpose of such a park. Also, they are closed if it rains. Remember they don't open until 8:30 am... and sometimes they're late. read more

We have been taking our golden retriever here since we rescued him over a year ago. Yes, its mulch covered but it could be worse. Most owners are pretty good at keeping and eye on their dogs (who they are playing with, picking up after them) but it loses a point for the dog walkers who show up with 15 dogs at a time and just let them run crazy while they read a magazine. However, we have met lots of friendly people and dogs here. It's a great place to come and let your dog live "the life." Good note is that there isn't much shade during the hot parts of the day so best to come either in the morning or late afternoon. And yes, I have been there on a Saturday/Sunday when animal control starts giving out tickets. Its not a joke. It's fairly easy to register your dog in Santa Monica and it only costs $15 so better safe than sorry in my opinion. read more

So, this park is by far the largest park in SM, but it feels somewhat dead...I don't know what it is...the surrounding apartments or... the small dog area is dirty! read more

I have been there daily for almost 2 weeks, even twice in a day. I found the best times for the number of dogs is around 10am and 4pm. Of course, there will be dogs all times of day. YRMV. Every Tuesday morning 7-10am (maybe 11am), the park is closed for maintenance and cleaning. The park is on a hill. I have for most part enjoyed my time there. There are plenty of parking on 3 sides of the park. There are a small and large dog area. There are 2 pokestops here. The large dog area has dark brown wood chips. The dogs' play can get heated so owners please watch your dog. The owners and walkers have been friendly. For most part, the owners pick up after their dog. Some with more than one don't see as they are too far away or on their phones. A few people do point out the fact their dog pooped to these owners. Please do your part and clean up after them. In the large dog area, there are two watering stations with dog bowls. The first thing I do after seeing that my foster dog is settled is change the water. Please be courtesy and do the same. You can see the funniest sights here and see a shaggy brown dog put his whole head into a bowl. Some dogs do hump other dogs. A dominant display. Please don't allow your dog to do this. I doubt the other dog wants this. For most part I have seen, owners will stop their dog. One time, the bottom entrance was still locked. Another issue, my first time there, there was a dog that hated huskies. Mine was a husky and this owner told me this fact after her white short hair dog attacked mine. Remember to get name, number, and photo of owner and dog in order to report any incident See you there. read more

I love this park. The agility tunnels are great, and they use compost and wood chips on the ground. My dogs get insanely dirty, from the rich dark compost but I would rather that then asphalt or sand. We love this park more than the other SM parks. So glad this is here. The trees provide nice shade on sunny days. Note to people with small children: DON'T EVER LET YOUR SMALL CHILD PLAY HERE or think that is in any way a good idea. Dog parks are the only place in cities where dogs can run and act wild together. It is the only time they are off leash and can play roughly. It is extremely dangerous to have your child on the ground here as they can get knocked over and hurt, aggressively chased by a not ordinarily aggressive dog when their prey drive kicks in, or attacked by a dog that is not used to children. I only write this after observing a blond lady with a ten pound Pomeranian in the large dog area bring in her young toddler Xander and have him run around and then play on the agility dog areas like it was a playground. I saw four people leave immediately to avoid a law suit when little Xander gets dragged off. read more

So grateful for this park. Was staying at a friend's place for over a week, located les than a block south of the park. I was unable to use the bathroom at his place because I'm weird when it comes to sitting on a toilet that isn't mine. For some reason, I was comfortable using the bathroom at the park. The bathroom at this park was so nice and clean! Santa Monica Parks and Rec is awesome! Outside the barroom, this park is clean and cute and love that the dog park is so visa able from everywhere in the park. read more

Very nice little park for dogs. Actually tiny, compared to the ones in Ventura county. But, compared to other ones in this area, the large dog area is sandwiched between the small dogs and kids park and well kept. read more

Joslyn Park - Nice little shady park. - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I really like this park. It is kind of hidden and everytime I have gone it is not super crowded which is nice. It is fairly clean and the owner to dog ratio is good. The large dog area is very big and the best part is that there are a ton of huge trees that provide a lot of shade! Now that is is getting warmer out it is nice to have somewhere to go where my puppy can play with sufficient shade for playing while the sun it out. read more

I love this park. I am closer to the one of Main Street but it worth the little extra walk to come to this park. Lots of room for the dog to run around in the big dog area and lots of park tennis balls to chuck. We like to come around 11am and there is a really nice cast of dogs and owners around then. Sometimes you'll get the middle age ladies that are all cliqued up and not the most friendly but there are plenty of other owners that are super nice and enjoyable to chat with while our dogs get all that energy out. read more

Joslyn Park - The park! - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Absolutely magnificent. I am a VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER!!!!! If you ever having an event (both casual or formal) , check this place our for a community center. Is technically called their "auditorium" but it's s community room. It's big, fits 120 people and has windows throughout giving it a very open feel to it. I just had my baby shower here yesterday and i got countless complements on our choice of venue. The charge extra for the kitchen but it's worth it. IF YOU ARE A SANTA MONICA RESIDENT YOU GET A DISCOUNT!! Parking throughout the park, street parking, Meter parking and parking on the side of the park in their small parking structure. The provide tables AND chairs for the event and allow you 15 minutes free (15 minutes before your event) to set up. They are so sweet that if they don't have another event before yours they just let you in earlier. Very family oriented and clean. Families playing or side, children in the park, a secure dog park right in front. Gives it the perfect family feel. I loved it. From the 7 parks, community rooms and event rooms we looked at in Santa Monica and Mar vista, this one was the best, more open, cleanest and cheapest. And our guests weren't forced to pay for parking like at other places we looked at. I will definitely be having my events there from now on. FYI : IT IS IN SANTA MONICA BUT YOU DON'T NEED A PERMIT TO PARK ON THE STREET THERE, making it perfectly convenient for your guests. If going for a formal event, bring seat covers because the chairs don't match. Bit they have s cushion and are comfortable. read more

Relaxing park, theres a dog park as well and the building is pretty big. It has 2 rooms an auditorium, and a Craft Room, usually customers rent out the facility and throw parties. read more

Joslyn Park - Just calm haha - Parks Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a great hidden park in Santa Monica. I love it because my daughter can play, and my small dog can enjoy the small dog park sectioned off from the "big dog" park. They have a great sized area for three small dogs (under 20lb) to run safely. They have a public restroom outside near the children's playground which is great for obvious reasons, and the people I've encountered have been personable and friendly. read more

Been here few times sigh my husky. Kinda hidden but good group of dogs and people. Nice size. Well maintained and convenient location.

Park is nice, dogs are fun, but the people are snobby and rude. I have never felt so unwelcome at a dog park and I have been to plenty.

Went there once and it's a different vibe from the one on Main st..there's a lot of talk about dog fights and a dog got killed there and they talk about what dogs have balls..lol..my two dogs did not seem very into that park read more