Monterey County is one of the friendliest places to bring your dog along the PCH. Most of their stores and restaurants welcome your pooch to join your side, including many of their beaches.
It’s not surprising to walk along Cannery Row and see water bowls lined up for your dog to grab a drink while exploring with you.
Dog-friendly beaches in Monterey CA even offer dog pickup bags because the towns love that your four-legged pal is around.
If you’re taking a vacation with Fido and want to explore a few beaches in Monterey County, these are the ones that your dog is welcome to get their paws sandy at with you.
Top Dog-friendly beaches in Monterey CA
Monterey State Beach
- 2339 Del Monte Ave, Monterey CA
When you roll up to Monterey State Beach, you will be welcomed by a plethora of dogs. This beach is the best-known dog-friendly beach in Monterey, and a lot of locals frequent it often with their pups.
While your dog should be on a leash, it’s the law; many people do let their dogs run around off-leash, so be aware of that. Parking in the area can be a little rough, and make sure your dog doesn’t roam around the hotel property of the beach.
Del Monte Beach
- 1110 Del Monte Ave, Monterey CA
Right down the road from Monterey State Beach is Del Monte Beach. This pawsome Monterey dog-friendly beach is laid back and perfect for the entire family.
Your dog must be on a leash while visiting, and if you’re looking for a beach less populated than Monterey State Beach, this is the one.
Carmel River State Beach
- 26478 Carmelo St, Carmel CA
Carmel River State Beach is a mile-long, dog-friendly beach in Monterey County that offers a bird sanctuary. This beach is part of a park and is heavily populated with swimmers and scuba divers. Keep a close eye on your dog since the waters can be dangerous during certain times.
Since the lagoon is a protected area and a lot of birds that are protected roam the area, your dog needs to stay on a leash while visiting.
Garrapata State Park
- 25058 Cabrillo Hwy, Carmel CA
Garrapata State Park sits along the beach and welcomes your dog onto the Garrapata Beach. The beach is the only part of the park your dog is allowed to visit, and they must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
The beach is perfect for a walk with your dog and is usually not too crowded with people or dogs.
Carmel Beach
- Ocean Ave and Scenic Rd, Carmel CA
Carmel Beach is known to have many dogs romping in the waves. Usually, dogs run off-leash here, and the beach is large enough to have plenty of room for the numerous dogs that visit. The beach also has a restroom and a sitting area for people who don’t want to get sandy.
This is one of the more popular dog-friendly beaches in Carmel, and you can expect to see it constantly filled with people and dogs.
Asilomar State Beach
- Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove CA
Asilomar State Beach welcomes your leashed dog to come and splash around. This Monterey dog-friendly beach offers a one-mile walking trail called the Asilomar Coast Trail and is open for all to walk; plus, your dog can explore the forest right on the outskirts of the beach.
There is also the Dune Boardwalk; the two of you can visit, but your dog needs to remain on a leash the entire time.
Lovers Point Park and Beach
- Ocean View Blvd and 17th St, Pacific Grove CA
This community park and beach is over 4.4 acres and welcomes your dog to enjoy picnicking, fishing, swimming, and more with you. Lovers Point is a popular area in Pacific Grove, so make sure your dog will be comfortable with people.
The tides and currents can be rough at the beach, so keep an eye on your dog and make sure they stay on a leash.
Alder Creek Beach
- Hwy 1, Big Sur CA
Sitting along highway 1 is Alder Creek Beach, a smaller beach that your dog is welcome to join you on. This is one of many smaller dog-welcoming beaches that neatly sit along the PCH where your dog can frolic around with you. It’s perfect for a small stop to stretch your legs or enjoy a meal before continuing your adventure along the PCH. Make sure your dog stays on a leash while visiting.
Visiting the beach with your dog is a great idea, especially in Monterey County, where they are super dog friendly. Pay attention to posted signs and follow the rules, including keeping your dog on a leash and picking up after them.