Frankie The Law Dog

Carmel, California is a Dog-Friendly Town

Quaint and Quirky Carmel-by-the-Sea Loves Dogs

In this quaintly eccentric town on California’s north central coast, there are no street numbers, no traffic lights, no parking meters and very few street lights.  The architecture is a quirky mix of log and stone cabins, gingerbread houses and adobe buildings.

And the people of Carmel are dog lovers, so you’ll feel comfortable strolling along Ocean Avenue, taking in an art gallery or stopping in at a coffee shop with your best friend in tow.  Many of the town’s hotels are pet-friendly and most restaurants with outdoor seating welcome dogs.  Additionally, there are a number of sights in and around Carmel for you and your dog to enjoy together.

Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches in Carmel, California

There is so much natural beauty surrounding Carmel to appreciate.  Some are well known tourist destinations and others are secrets that the locals try to keep to themselves.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Carmel Beach With Your Dog

• Mission Trail Nature Preserve is a 35-acre park filled with native wildflowers and oak, redwood and Monterey pine trees.  The preserve offers miles of hiking trails for you and your dog to enjoy.  There are two entrances to the preserve, one on Mountain View Avenue and the other on Rio Road across from Carmel Mission.
• Carmel City Beach is found at the end of Ocean Avenue within walking distance of the village of Carmel.  Well-behaved dogs may run off-leash at this lovely stretch of beach.
• Carmel River State Beach is just south of Carmel City Beach.  Leashes are required on this mile-long stretch of beach.
• Garland Ranch Regional Park on Carmel Valley Road is 4,500 acres with landscapes ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet in elevation.  This park can offer some strenuous exercise for you and your dog, as well as an opportunity to take in the natural beauty of canyons, woodlands and chaparral.  Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than seven feet.

Lamp Lighter Inn in Carmel, California is Pet-Friendly

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Carmel, California

There are many pet-friendly hotels in Carmel, California.  Some do have weight restrictions, though, so it is best to check when making a reservation.

• Lamp Lighter Inn is surrounded by lush gardens and is located just steps away from Carmel City Beach.  This Bed and Breakfast boutique hotel welcomes pets.
• Carmel Forest Lodge is a family owned and operated boutique inn just off Ocean Avenue.  Another pet-friendly hotel, they ask that guests notify them when making a reservation that they will be bringing their pet.
• Tradewinds Carmel has been featured in Architectural Digest and has earned numerous accolades.  This pet-friendly luxury hotel is located on Mission Street in Carmel.

Additional Resources:  Dog-Friendly Monterey, California; Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Monterey, California; Dog-Friendly Ventura, California