With spectacular wide-open spaces and an unwavering welcoming spirit to both pets and humans alike, Monterey County is a pet-friendly destination worthy to explore. If you're planning a trip with your pet in mind, Monterey County offers a wide range of activities, dining and lodging options purrfect for you and your four-legged friend.
Best Places to Take Your Pet in Monterey
Pet-Friendly Activities
There are so many ways to venture out with your pet-companion in Monterey County–the paw-sibilities are endless!
Rent premium quality bikes and e-bikes from Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop to pedal your pup in a comfy sidecar. See the sights up close, feel the wind on your faces, maybe even stick your tongue out and smell that fresh sea salt air!
Itching to get out on the bay? Discovery Whale Watch and Monterey Bay Whale Watch welcome friendly dogs on whale watching trips for a one-of-a-kind experience with your pet. Prefer to keep your two-feet and four-paws on solid ground? A refreshing seaside stroll on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is exactly what you and your pet need to unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze. The 18-mile paved path is perfect for walking or jogging with your dog.
Have Some Fun
Once you're well rested and fed, it's time to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and sunny weather this part of California has to offer. Monterey County isn't short on spots to get in some exercise while taking in the sights. Monterey State Beach and Veteran's Memorial Park are perfect for a long, scenic walk, while El Estero Park in Monterey and Carmel Beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea give your pet the chance to stretch his legs leash-free.
Pet-Friendly Beaches
Is there a more quintessential pet-friendly experience in Monterey County than the sight of the joy on your dog's face as they run free along the powdery sands of Carmel Beach? For the days you just want to lay out on the sand in the sun with your best friend, enjoy a beach picnic or a leisurely sunset stroll at additional dog-friendly beaches like Asilomar State Beach and Monterey State Beach.
Please remember to pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints behind.
Pet-Friendly Hiking
With hiking trails that feature one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey Pine trees in the U.S. and stunning ridge-top vistas of the Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, Jacks Peak County Park is a wonderful place to explore for yourself and with your pet in Monterey. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times in the main park area and under voice control on the trails. In Carmel Valley, Garland Ranch Regional Park is also a great option for voice-trained dogs with multiple trails for the beginner to advanced hiker.
The campgrounds at Laguna Seca Recreation Area at WeatherTech Raceway in Monterey are dog-friendly for pups that are leashed and picked up after. Dogs are welcome and encouraged on local trails, but are not allowed in the paddock during events and in the grandstands.
Pet-Friendly Shopping
Pet-friendly shopping can be enjoyed all over Monterey County. Many businesses in downtown Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea offer biscuits, treats and water to keep your pets happy while you shop. Check out Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey to do some shopping with your pups of all shapes and sizes. If you opted for Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea's Ocean Ave and Carmel Plaza's boutiques, studios and restaurants are pet-friendly as well. Pop into Diggidy Dog, a Dog & Cat Boutique store for a huge selection of pet products and accessories and snap a selfie in front of the famous Fountain of Woof in the plaza's courtyard.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Wine and Dine your pets at pet-friendly restaurants, breweries and wineries in Monterey County. Start the day off right with brunch on the pet-friendly patio at The Grill at Point Pinos in Pacific Grove or head to Peter B's Brewpub heated patio in Monterey for Yappy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and a Bark Bowls menu for pet-friendly dining. You can then take a stroll on Fisherman’s Wharf and stop by Paluca Trattoria to experience their extensive dog-friendly patio overlooking the Monterey Marina.
For a unique beer lounge experience enhanced by Sand City's thriving arts scene, kick back to enjoy a wonderfully curated selection of beers on the dog-friendly patio at Post No Bills Craft Brewery. Take your pup on a tour of Sand City’s funky West End arts district to see local artists’ murals afterward.
Looking to wine down? Enjoy a glass of vino with your pet in the Wine Garden at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley or head to Galante Vineyards's tasting room in Carme;-by-the-Sea!
Grab a Bite
One of the most popular pet-friendly restaurants in the area is The Forge in the Forest, which is known for its delicious fare for humans and custom menu just for your furry friend. Other places to check out include Paluca Trattoria and Cannery Row Brewing Co., which are loved by tourists and locals alike. All in all, there are dozens of places to dine with your dog in Monterey County, but it's always a good idea to call ahead to check on a specific restaurant's policies.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
From luxury accommodations to campgrounds, Monterey County has a full list of pet-friendly lodging options to meet your needs. Pebble Beach Resorts is heaven on earth for vacationing pups! The resort offers room service with a full dog menu including fresh treats, baby carrots, steak tartare and house-made puppy cookies along with puppy concierge service. Cypress Inn is a pet-friendly boutique inn located in the heart of Carmel that also offers Yappy Hour and a full dog menu. Visit our Pet-Friendly Hotels page to discover what accommodations are top dog for you.
Ready for a trip to our pet-friendly paradise? Pack your bags and pack your pets! We hope to see you here for a fun-filled and unforgettable getaway with your furry friend.
Rest Your Head
The Sanctuary Beach Resort is a fantastic pet-friendly hotel located in Marina. In addition to beautiful, roomy accommodations and ocean-front views, this hotel also offers amenities like on-site dining, Wi-Fi, room service and an on-site spa.
You can also find pet-friendly accommodations across Monterey County, including the Bay Park Hotel and Hotel Pacific in Monterey proper and the Coachman's Inn and Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you're looking for specific perks or a special place, browse our complete list of local pet-friendly hotels and find your next favorite.
Enjoying new experiences with your pet is great. But if you need a little bit of solo time, you can drop your dog off at Dawg Gone It doggie daycare and know that your pet is well taken care of and meet lots of new friends. If you're ready for the relaxing time you and your pet deserve, a visit to Monterey County is a great choice.
Tag us @SeeMonterey in your pet-friendly adventures in Monterey County or use the hashtag #SeeMonterey.