Question

I live in LA not far from the beach, so sort of a mediterrian climate. I'm planning my garden in my back yard, and I am thinking of 4 raised beds. I have plenty of room, and great sun. My question is, what to use for ground cover. I could put in grass, but I have two rambunctious dogs and I am afraid with my traffic around the raised beds, and the dogs running through the yard that the grass will just croak. Also, I think lawn grass may be very water intensive. Any suggestions? I was wondering if there was a grass or a ground cover that may not need as much water as a regular grass, and could stand up to some heavy traffic.

(Note pic below is from before I bought the place. Looks like a wreck!)