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Monterey is where pets play! Several beaches in the Monterey area welcome dogs. Just be sure to keep the sensitive nature of the local coastal habitat in mind when exploring with your dog. You should also confirm all leash rules before embarking on your bark-friendly journey! Here's a list of the pet-friendly beaches in Monterey to check out during your visit.
1. State Beach - Monterey
Located on the southern side of Monterey Bay, Monterey State Beach is a protected area with miles of gorgeous scenery. This beach is especially popular among people who come to watch tidepools. It's also a beloved spot for fishing and surfing. With Monterey State Beach belonging to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, you're sure to see scuba divers heading toward the water. Additionally, it's common to see kayakers enjoying the rippling tides. The flatness of this beach makes it an excellent spot for long walks with a dog!
2. Del Monte Beach - Monterey
Dog-friendly Del Monte Beach is famed for being a top spot for collecting sea glass on the West Coast! This beach also has a magnificent boardwalk that winds through dunes. There are always plenty of boats to watch in the distance as you take in a glistening sunset at Del Monte. Visitors will find plenty of benches and picnic tables to rest on while exploring the long, wide coastline here.
3. Carmel Beach - Carmel
Carmel Beach is known for its pale, sugar-like sand and bright water. Many consider this one of the country's most beautiful beaches. The scenic path here offers breathtaking views that span from Pebble Beach to Point Lobos. In addition to being a dog-friendly beach, Carmel Beach is one of California's few beaches to allow visitors to enjoy cozy beach fires. You can even take your dog off-leash here!
4. Asilomar State Beach - Pacific Grove
Asilomar State Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of California's rocky coast. This sliver of a beach offers a mile-long strip of blissful coves and soft sand. Dogs simply love exploring all of the nature that's found along the beach's Dune Boardwalk. Pups are welcome to enjoy the Asilomar Coast Trail that winds through the beach as long as they are leashed.
5. Carmel River State Beach - Carmel
Located on Carmel Bay, this gorgeous state beach is the setting of a lagoon that houses a bird sanctuary filled with musical birds and waterfowl that contribute to coastal California's biodiversity. Visitors can bond with their leashed dogs as they take in cinematic views of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. While this beach is a true stunner, visitors should know that the choppy waters can make getting close to the tides unsafe for humans and pets.
6. Garrapata State Park - Carmel
It's common to see otters, harbor seals, and sea lions playing just beyond the shore at Garrapata State Park. Those who come during December and January could even be lucky enough to spot gray whales migrating past California. This wild and rugged wonderland of a park is home to gorgeous trails that run from the beach to dense groves of redwood trees.
Planning a Perfect Day With Your Pet in Monterey
Exploring pet-friendly beaches in Monterey is one of the best ways to work up an appetite! Did you know that Monterey is so pet-friendly that locals often bring their four-legged friends out to eat? This list of pet-friendly restaurants in Monterey ensures that you don't have to part ways with Fido when it's time to dine out.
