One of Corona del Mar's favorite activities is called Walkin' the Dog. Dog friend Corona del Mar, a community of Newport Beach, California, offers lots of sidewalks and parks where dogs get to meet and socialize. What a great way to get fresh air and meet other people, too. While some like to people watch (and there's plenty of that going on), we get a kick out of dog watching.  The local dogs in Corona del Mar are generally well kept pedigrees. Most come with coiffed  hair and manicures, and some wear little bows, derbies and clothes on a cool winter day when it 60 degrees outside.   Corona del Mar is one of the trendier pet beaches to visit among the California dog beaches. Only rivaled by the likes of Carmel where your dog may wear healthy sunglasses to protect his eyes from sand glare, it's not uncommon to see a small pet sit on its owners lap and be fed treats like a beloved child.   One day I sat on a park bench and watched the dogs come by in Corona del Mar. Dog owners often seem to find their pets a source of entertainment, and most enjoy using the pets as opportunities to socialize with neighbors or even strangers. The serious local pet walkers go early to avoid having to stop too often and chat.   While one of Newport Beach's beaches doesn't permit dogs, Crystal Cove State Park, Corona del Mar has a pet policy in sync with the Balboa/Newport peninsula beaches.  Pets are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. At the Corona del Mar State Beach they are not allowed to run free. You must keep your dog on a 6 foot leash or you'll receive a ticket. Also at this beach the state beach parking passes are not helpful. You will stay have to pay to park in the beach parking lot at the bottom of the hill. Some people find parking at the top and walk their dog along the sloped, paved path or steps leading down to the beach. But for the frail toddler dogs, you best carry them and do your walking on the flat ground. We've seen a few tiny tot dogs freak out on the steps.   If your are visiting, pet friendly hotels: The Island Hotel   small pets Marriott Newport Beach  small pets Nearby:  Candlewood Suites Orange County Airport small pets Hilton Irvine/Orange County small pets Holiday Inn Costa Mesa small pets Residence Inn Irvine Orange County Airport  small pets allowed Travelodge Orange County Airport  small pets allowed   Pet resources in Newport Beach: Petco Pet Store 1280 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, California 92660 Call: (949) 759-9520 Al fresco (outdoor dining) Baja Fresh Mexican Grill -1324 Bison Avenue Newport Beach Charlie's Chili -102 McFadden Place at base of Newport Pier, Newport Beach Francoli -1133 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach Park Avenue Cafe -501 Park Avenue Newport Beach Sabatino Restaurant -251 Shipyard Way Newport Beach Wilma's Patio -203 Marine Avenue Balboa Island