News

Want to treat your pet to a day of fun running around and playing with other dogs? Orange County has plenty of places for your pup to explore near your South Coast Metro apartment, from fenced off-leash dog parks in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana to a leash-optional beach in Huntington Beach. So grab the bags, pack the treats, and get ready for a good fetch session with your best bud. 

Off-Leash and Close to Home

If your ever-active pup needs more room to stretch out, these fenced parks close to Bloom make for a solid afternoon out, and each one has its own area for smaller paws. 

Costa Mesa Bark Park

Tucked inside TeWinkle Park about 3 miles from our community, Costa Mesa Bark Park is at the corner of Arlington Drive and Newport Boulevard. Its 2 fenced acres have a double-gated entrance, water stations, and lots of trees for shade on sunny afternoons, with a separate section for small, senior, and disabled dogs. It’s open daily from 7:30 AM to 8:45 PM, except on Wednesdays, when it closes for maintenance. The park is run entirely by volunteers with the nonprofit Costa Mesa Bark Park Foundation, so even a small donation goes a long way here.

Central Bark

For a bigger playground, head about 15 minutes east to Irvine for Central Bark on Oak Canyon. Nearly three acres of open field make it a go-to spot for full-speed zoomies, while small or frail dogs get their own fenced yard. Covered seating and lighting make it an easy stop to unplug after work. Just plan around the second Wednesday of each month, when the park closes for maintenance.

Newport Beach Dog Park

About 12 minutes south, the Newport Beach Dog Park sits at the north end of the 14-acre Civic Center Park. Big and small dogs have separate play areas, with shade and water fountains for pups and owners alike. Once playtime is over, leash up for a lap on the park’s 1.23-mile trail, which winds past a natural wetlands area and a collection of outdoor sculptures.

Fun & Games by the Beach 

If chasing waves, racing along the shore, and resting over postcard-worthy sunsets sounds like the move, this Orange County favorite has you and your pup covered. 

Huntington Dog Beach

For splashes and fun, Huntington Dog Beach is about 20 minutes away on Pacific Coast Highway. The 1.5-mile stretch between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street is open from 5 AM to 10 PM, and the nonprofit Preservation Society of Huntington Dog Beach has helped keep it clean and open to dogs since 1998. Grab a spot in one of the metered lots along PCH, keep your dog leashed until you reach the sand, and pack an extra towel for the ride home.

Come Home to our Pet-Friendly Apartments

We know playtime is never long enough, but when it’s time to head home, our amenities keep cleanup and pampering simple. Sandy paws get a quick rinse at our on-site pet wash with Evolution Dog Wash and a grooming table, and hardwood-style flooring in the living areas makes your space easy to manage. Ready to join our pet-loving community at Bloom? Schedule a tour and find the layout that fits you and your bud.