Walking Your Dog Across West Hollywood's Famous Rainbow Crosswalks
The Ultimate Instagram Photo Op for You and Your Pup
West Hollywood's rainbow crosswalks at Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard offer the perfect photo opportunity that you and your dog can enjoy anytime. These iconic crosswalks aren't just colorful street art—they're one of the most photographed dog-friendly landmarks in Los Angeles.
What Makes Them Special
Historic Landmark: Installed in 2012, these were among the first permanent rainbow crosswalks in a major American city. In 2022, West Hollywood added brown, black, blue, pink, and white stripes for greater inclusivity.
Location: Santa Monica Boulevard at San Vicente Boulevard, heart of WeHo's rainbow district.
Best Times for Photos
Ideal Timing:
Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Less foot traffic, better lighting
Weekday mornings: Significantly less crowded than weekends
Times to Avoid:
Friday-Saturday nights (9:00 PM - 3:00 AM): Special "all-walk" phases create crowds of up to 2,000 people per hour
Pride month (June): Extremely busy with tourists
Safety and Photography Tips
Safety First:
Keep your dog on a short leash at all times
Watch for turning vehicles—they must yield, but stay alert
Have treats ready to keep your dog focused during the crossing
Perfect Shot Tips:
Center positioning: Classic shot with rainbow stripes extending both directions
Low angle: Capture full rainbow effect with your dog in foreground
Use portrait mode: Works perfectly for this type of photo
Include background: West Hollywood's buildings make great backdrops
Getting There
Parking: Metered street parking on side streets or Five-story parking structure at San Vicente Boulevard
Weather Considerations: Check pavement temperature in summer—rainbow asphalt can get hot for dog paws
Making the Most of Your Visit
Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots:
Over 60 pet-friendly restaurant patios within walking distance
Dorothy and Toto's Pet Boutique on Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood Park (3 blocks away) with two dog parks
Social Media: Use hashtag #WEHOrainbow and tag @wehocity for maximum engagement
Why This Matters
West Hollywood has been a leader in both LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare—first city to ban cat declawing (2003) and prohibit puppy mill pet sales (2010). These crosswalks represent a community that values both acceptance and pet-friendly policies.
Quick Tips
Best lighting: Hour before sunset for golden hour photos
Traffic pattern: Standard crossing gives you 20-30 seconds for photos
Weekend special: Thursday-Saturday nights feature "all-walk" phases with unlimited crossing time
Always clean up: Waste bag dispensers available nearby
Bottom Line: West Hollywood's rainbow crosswalks offer a colorful, meaningful backdrop for photos with your dog that you can't get anywhere else in LA. With proper timing and safety awareness, you'll capture unique images celebrating both your pup and the community's values.
Bonus Tip: If timing your visit for optimal conditions seems tricky, Dogs On The Run knows the best times for rainbow crosswalk photos and can incorporate this into a neighborhood walking tour.
Book expert dog care today: www.dogsontherun.com
