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

Monterey Bay, California

Dine With Your Best Friend at These Monterey, California Restaurants

Monterey, California is a small town with a big history.  Home of historic residences, an old Spanish Presidio, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and one of the richest marine sanctuaries in the country, Monterey has served as an inspiration to generations of writers and artists.  Situated on the north central California coast, Monterey is also one of the dog-friendliest towns you’ll find.

Dog-Friendly Dining in Monterey California

Just about any restaurant in Monterey that has outdoor seating can be counted on to allow patrons to bring their well-behaved, leashed dogs along.  Enjoy the food, the views and the company of your canine companion at these popular Monterey eateries.

Abalonetti Seafood Trattoria specializes in Monterey Bay Calamari, offering almost a dozen different varieties.  This fun, casual restaurant at 47 Fisherman’s Wharf is “the” place for squid in Monterey and has been voted Best Calamari in Monterey County for years.  This popular restaurant also has Monterey’s “only” fresh abalone sandwich. 

Abalonetti offers outdoor dining with relaxing views of Monterey Bay on a large wind-protected patio, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining areas.  Reservations are not usually necessary during weekdays, but it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead at (831) 373-1851.

Views of Monterey Bay

Santa Lucia Cafe on Washington Street in Downtown Monterey is the place for the best authentic German and Italian cuisine in town.  This moderately priced, family owned restaurant is very popular with locals for its German apple pancake for brunch. 

Classic German fare includes Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten and Beef Rauladen.  And, of course, an excellent selection of German beers. Or try the brick oven pizza.  Open for breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner, Santa Lucia Cafe has outdoor seating and welsomes patrons with dogs.   Reservations are not usually necessary.

Paluca Trattoria at Fisherman’s Wharf features Italian and California cuisine in a casual setting.  Chef-owner Salvatore Tedesco is originally from Sicily and his signature dishes include penne puttanesca and prawns in garlic cream sauce over linguine.  Local wines and ales are on the menue at this family-owned restaurant as well.  Dog-friendly outdoor dining with beautiful views of Monterey Bay make Paluca Trattoria a perfect place for lunch or dinner.

Additional Resources:  Take Your Dog Along When You Visit Carmel, California; Dog-Friendly Ventura, California

Historic Downtown Ventura California is Dog-Friendly

There is Plenty for Dog-Lovers to Enjoy in Ventura

Early Spanish settlers called Ventura “the land of endless summers.”  Located at the southern tip of California’s Central Coast and just an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, Ventura is an ideal destination for vacationers with dogs.  In fact, the city prides itself on being a dog-friendly place.  Most restaurants with outdoor seating permit patrons to have their leashed furry friends in tow, and several beaches in and around Ventura California are dog-friendly. 

Explore Ventura California With Your Dog

If you cannot bear the thought of taking in sunny Southern California without your best friend, don’t worry.  Dogs are welcome at many Ventura landmarks.

Take in the Sights of Ventura Harbor With Your Leashed Dog

a marina and much more.  Stroll through the village with your leashed dog, sample some of the local fare at any of the restaurants with outdoor seating, or enjoy some of the special entertainment sponsored by the Village year-round. 

The historic Ventura Pier is located near downtown and was once the longest wooden pier on the West Coast of the U.S.  Dating back to 1872, the pier now offers some of the best views of the city.  Take your leashed dog along and do some fishing or enjoy a meal in the dog-friendly outdoor area of the restaurant.

Several of  Ventura’s Beaches are dog-friendly.  Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park offers some of the best surf around.  Marina Park offers excellent swimming, picnic areas, views of the marina, and a children’s play area.  Harbor Cove Beach is a favorite of families with children because it is protected from harsh curents by the Harbor’s breakwaters.  

Historic Ventura California Welcomes Dog Lovers

Historic Downtown Ventura combines the best of Ventura’s past and present, and dogs are welcome just about everywhere.  Ventura’s history dates back at least 1500 years when it was a Chumash village.  Its modern name is derived from Mission San Buenaventura, established in 1782 by Spanish friars. 

Ventura’s beautiful downtown district keeps history alive in many of its turn-of-the-century era buildings.  Stroll through the downtown district and see locally-owned shops, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and boutiques.  Many shops are dog-friendly, offering your pooch a lap of water or a cookie.  And most restaurants with outdoor seating permit patrons to bring their dogs along.

Dog Lovers Paradise in Monterey, California

Beautiful Monterey, California is a Dog Lover's Dream Destination

Monterey, California is justifiably proud of its culture, history and the beauty of its natural environment.  The city on the California coast could also brag about being one of the dog-friendliest towns in the United States. 

Dogs Welcome at these Monterey Attractions

Monterey’s temperate climate means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.  The following attractions welcome vacationers of the four-footed variety:

• Monterey Bay Whale Watch.  Located at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, year-round excursions to watch whales and dolphins in Monterey Bay are the feature of this attraction.  Summer and fall trips start around April every year, during which time you can observe Humpback Whales and Blue Whales.  Starting in December and running through April is the time to spot Gray Whales.  At any time of year, one can see the great variety of marine animals and seabirds that inhabit Monterey Bay.  And well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted. 
•  Ventana Vinyards.  The “most award-winning vinyard in America” features the Old Stone House Tasting Room that dates back nearly a century.  Although dogs are not permitted indoors, leashed dogs are welcome on the patio and on the grounds.
• Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.  Enjoy stunning scenery along the coastline on this 18-mile paved pedestrian and bike trail.  The trail goes through Monterey from the Aquarium to the Seaside City limits.  Well-behaved and leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. 
• Monterey State Beach.   Dogs are allowed to accompany their families at this beautiful two-mile strech of beach in Monterey.  Dogs may run and splash and play, but they must remain leashed. 

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Monterey, California

There are a number of hotels in Monterey that allow vacationers to bring their dogs along, including the following:

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California

• Best Western Beach Resort Monterey.  This hotel offers views oceanfront views and access to the coast.  Pets are allowed, with the payment of a $25 per day fee.
• Comfort Inn Monterey Bay.  Located near Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row, this hotel has pet-friendly rooms available.
• Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea.  Centrally located in the heart of Monterey just off scenic Highway 1 and less than three miles from Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea has pet-friendly rooms available.

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