Monterey is a perfect destination for dog lovers seeking adventure, stunning scenery, and plenty of pet-friendly spots to explore. From the rugged coastline to historic landmarks, this coastal gem offers a variety of activities that both you and your dog can enjoy. Whether you're strolling down Cannery Row, taking in the beauty of 17-Mile Drive, stretching your paws on the beach, or embarking on a whale-watching tour, Monterey makes it easy to include your four-legged friend in all the fun.

How to get to Monterey

Getting to Monterey is easy, whether you're traveling by car, bus, or plane. If you're driving from San Francisco, Monterey is about a two-hour drive south along Highway 101 or the more scenic Highway 1, offering breathtaking coastal views along the way. From Los Angeles, it’s a five to six-hour drive via Highway 101. For those flying, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) offers direct flights from several major cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver, and is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Monterey. You can also take public transportation, such as the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus service, which connects to nearby cities like Salinas and Carmel, making it a convenient option if you're not driving.

Monterey's WEATHER: WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO PACK

Monterey's weather is mild year-round, but it can be quite variable, so it’s best to be prepared for a mix of conditions. Summers are cool and often foggy, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low 70s (°F), making layers essential. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons may warm up, especially if the sun breaks through the coastal fog. Winters are also mild, with temperatures typically in the 40s to 60s (°F), though rain is more common during this season. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime, a warm jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, and don’t forget comfortable walking shoes for exploring the rugged coastline. If you're planning outdoor activities with your dog, like beach walks or hiking, a rain jacket and some extra layers are smart to have on hand, especially in case the weather turns.

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN Monterey: LUXURY TO BUDGET

Monterey offers a fantastic range of dog-friendly lodging options. Whether you’re seeking luxury at a beachfront resort or a cozy mid-range hotel near the heart of downtown, Monterey has accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Many hotels welcome dogs with open arms, offering amenities like dog beds, bowls, treats, and easy access to outdoor spaces and trails. With so many dog-friendly options, you and your pup can experience the charm and beauty of Monterey together, from the scenic coastline to the pet-friendly attractions.

Here’s a list of dog-friendly hotels in Monterey, ranked from luxury to budget, including details on pet fees, average nightly rates, unique features, and addresses. So far, the hotels we’ve stayed at have a more in-depth description with photos.

1. The Inn at Spanish Bay

Pet Fee: $175 per stay
Average Nightly Rate: $1,000+
Unique Features: Located on the famed 17-Mile Drive, offering ocean views, a world-class golf course, and outdoor fire pits.
Address: 2700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953

2. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Pet Fee: $150 per stay
Average Nightly Rate: $500+
Unique Features: Stunning ocean views, a rooftop spa, and Cannery Row access. Dogs are welcomed with beds, bowls, and treats.
Address: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

3. Sanctuary Beach Resort

Staying at The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey, CA with your dog is a serene and luxurious experience. Nestled along the stunning coastline, the resort offers beachfront accommodations where you and your pup can relax to the sound of ocean waves. The property’s dog-friendly policy ensures that your furry companion feels right at home, with easy access to sandy dunes, a welcome bag, a stick library, and a dog menu at the on-site restaurant Salt Wood. Each room opens to breathtaking views, and the resort provides thoughtful amenities to make your stay comfortable, such as dog beds and bowls and a kitchenette.

Pet Fee: $75 per night
Average Nightly Rate: $500+
Unique Features: A secluded beachfront resort with luxury, pet-friendly bungalows, private patios, and direct beach access, perfect for walks with your dog.
Address: 3295 Dunes Drive, Marina, CA 93933

4. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa offers a welcoming stay for both you and your dog. With pet-friendly accommodations and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a great option for a getaway with your furry companion. One of the highlights is the "Barking Lot," a designated dog area where your pup can stretch their legs and enjoy fresh grass and agility equipment right outside your door. The onsite restaurant Sea Root has a dog-friendly patio where you can relax by a fire and enjoy a limited menu from their indoor dining. The hotel also offers room service for a more expansive menu.

Pet Fee: $100 per stay
Average Nightly Rate: $300 - $500
Unique Features: Located on Del Monte Golf Course, this resort offers a pet-friendly experience with spacious grounds, a golf course, and walking trails. Dogs are provided with beds, bowls, and treats upon arrival and they have a building of rooms connected to their Barking Lot for direct access to grass and agility equipment.
Address: 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940

5. Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Pet Fee: $100 per stay
Average Nightly Rate: $300 - $500
Unique Features: Eco-friendly hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf, offering dog treats, beds, and bowls.
Address: 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940

6. Hotel Pacific

Pet Fee: $50 per night
Average Nightly Rate: $250 - $400
Unique Features: All-suite hotel with fireplaces and private patios or balconies, located near Cannery Row.
Address: 300 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940

7. Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa

Pet Fee: $50 per night
Average Nightly Rate: $200 - $350
Unique Features: Historic property with Spanish-inspired architecture, pet-friendly rooms, and onsite dining and spa.
Address: 700 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940

DOG-FRIENDLY DINING IN DOWNTOWN Monterey

Monterey and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of dog-friendly dining options where you and your pup can enjoy delicious meals together. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at First Awakenings, located near Cannery Row. Known for its generous portions and cozy outdoor patio, this spot is perfect for enjoying pancakes, omelets, and coffee with your dog by your side. For lunch or dinner, head to Louie Linguini’s on Cannery Row, where you’ll find Italian-American classics paired with stunning ocean views. Their spacious outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, providing an excellent spot to savor seafood and pasta while overlooking the bay.

Another great waterfront dining option is Café Fina on Fisherman’s Wharf. This cozy restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, and its expansive dog-friendly patio offers picturesque views of the marina, making it an ideal stop after a stroll along the wharf. If you're in the heart of downtown Monterey, don't miss Rosine’s Restaurant, a local institution known for hearty comfort food and decadent desserts. Their pet-friendly outdoor seating makes it easy to enjoy a meal with your furry friend after exploring the city.

If you’re in Pacific Grove, The Grill at Point Pinos offers a more serene setting with ocean views and dog-friendly outdoor seating. This restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pet while you enjoy delicious California cuisine. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Peter B's Brewpub in Monterey, where their heated outdoor patio is perfect for a casual meal with your pup. Peter B's also hosts a popular Yappy Hour from 4-6 pm, featuring a special Bark Bowls menu, so your dog can enjoy a treat while you sip on local craft brews.

For something light and scenic, stop by Wave Street Café, located near Cannery Row with bay views and a dog-friendly patio. It’s a wonderful place to grab breakfast or lunch after a walk along the coastal trails. Over in the Del Monte Shopping Center, Lalla Grill Del Monte serves California-inspired dishes and has a comfortable outdoor dining area that’s perfect for you and your pet.

Beer lovers should make a stop at Alvarado Street Brewery in downtown Monterey. Known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere, the brewery offers pet-friendly outdoor seating where you can unwind with your pup after exploring the local shops. Just outside of Monterey in Marina is Salt Wood the on-site restaurant at The Sanctuary. With plenty of land and sea options, there’s something for everyone on the menu and their desserts are not to be missed. They even have a pup menu.

dog-friendly activities in monterey

From exploring the scenic 17-Mile Drive and iconic Pebble Beach to embarking on thrilling whale-watching excursions in Monterey Bay, there’s something for every pup and their parent. Pacific Grove offers charming coastal walks and dog-friendly parks, while Asilomar State Beach and Monterey State Beach provide stunning oceanfront settings where dogs are welcome to roam on-leash. For a bit of nature, head to Jacks Peak County Park, where you can enjoy trails with breathtaking views. Stroll and shop along the vibrant Cannery Row, or spend a delightful day in nearby Carmel, known for its quaint atmosphere and dog-friendly charm.

Exploring the Scenic 17-Mile Drive via Bike or car

The 17-mile Drive along the Monterey Peninsula is a quintessential California experience, offering breathtaking coastal views and iconic landmarks that are best explored either by bike or car. Entry to this scenic route costs $12 per vehicle, but the gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market.

Biking the 17-Mile Drive: For cycling enthusiasts, biking the 17-Mile Drive provides a unique perspective on the rugged coastline and lush forests. Cyclists can enter for free from sunrise to sunset, enjoying the freedom to stop at numerous scenic viewpoints and landmarks along the way. Notable stops include:

Spanish Bay: A picturesque beach renowned for its crashing waves and serene ambiance. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, but it’s a beautiful view.
The Lone Cypress: One of California's most photographed trees, standing proudly on a granite hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: A world-famous golf course offering stunning views of Stillwater Cove and Carmel Bay.
Bird Rock: A haven for wildlife, including harbor seals and various seabirds, where the sound of crashing waves creates a peaceful backdrop.

Driving the 17-Mile Drive: Driving allows for easy access to all points of interest along the route, with designated pull-offs for sightseeing and photography. Beyond the stops mentioned above, drivers can also visit:

The Ghost Tree: A weathered cypress tree surrounded by tales of the area's maritime history.
Cypress Point Lookout: Offering panoramic views of the coastline and a chance to spot migrating whales during the season.
Seal Rock: Home to a colony of harbor seals, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to observe these marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Whether you choose to bike or drive, the 17-mile Drive promises an unforgettable journey through some of California's most stunning landscapes. From dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches to iconic landmarks and abundant wildlife, this scenic route showcases the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula in all its splendor and is by far one of the most scenic roads in California.

Hit the links at Pebble Beach

Visiting Pebble Beach with your dog is a quintessential experience for both golf enthusiasts and pet lovers alike. You can play a round of golf at The Hay, Pebble Beach's dog-friendly par-3 course, followed by a relaxing lunch at Hay’s Place, which offers a welcoming atmosphere for pets on the outdoor patio and a beef pup patty upon request. If golfing isn’t your thing you can take in some of the best views of Carmel Bay from the patio of The Bench while watching all the golfers wrap up their round on the 18th hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Cap off your day by listening to the bagpiper at Spanish Bay at sunset, whose haunting melodies echo across the coastline.

The Bench and Stillwater Grill allow dogs inside their restaurants for those chillier coastal nights and the firepits at The Bench are very coveted and snagged on a first come first serve basis, so go early if you want a private table.

go whale watching any season

Embark on a whale-watching adventure with your dog through Monterey Bay Whale Watch for a unique experience amidst the rich marine life of California's coast. Tours are available at various times throughout the day, typically lasting around 3-4 hours, with prices starting at $50 per person (dogs are free). In the spring, witness migrating gray whales as they journey north, often with calves in tow. Summer brings the opportunity to spot humpback whales breaching and feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Fall offers sightings of orcas, known for their impressive hunting techniques, while winter brings the chance to encounter majestic blue whales, the largest animals on Earth.

Disclaimer: This activity is not for those who encounter motion sickness easily. I took Dramamine before our tour and still suffered the first 3 hours of our 4-hour tour. If you go for it - sit outside in the back of the boat and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Take a scenic walk around Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove, often referred to as "America's Last Hometown," is a charming coastal town in Monterey known for its historic Victorian homes, scenic coastline, and close-knit community vibe. It’s especially famous for being a monarch butterfly sanctuary and for the stunning display of purple ice plants that blanket the coastal cliffs in the summer, often called the "purple magic carpet." With your dog by your side, explore the walking paths along the rugged coastline at spots like Lovers Point Park, where you’ll find picnic areas and dog-friendly beaches. The town itself offers plenty of outdoor cafés and restaurants that welcome pets, making it easy to enjoy a meal or coffee break. Beyond its natural beauty, Pacific Grove boasts a rich history, with landmarks like the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

Asilomar state beach and Monterey state beach

Visiting Asilomar State Beach and Monterey State Beach with your dog offers a delightful seaside experience. At Asilomar State Beach, dogs are welcome on leash, making it an ideal spot for a scenic walk along the wide, sandy shores and exploring tide pools. This beach features stunning coastal rock formations and gentle waves, perfect for a relaxing day out with your furry friend. For a quieter visit, early mornings or weekdays are ideal, as they tend to be less crowded. Monterey State Beach also allows dogs on leashes and offers a long, expansive stretch of sand that’s perfect for a game of fetch or a stroll. The beach's gentle surf and ample space make it a great spot for dogs to enjoy the water, especially in the late afternoon when the sun is lower and the temperatures are cooler. Both beaches provide a picturesque and pet-friendly environment, allowing you and your dog to enjoy the natural beauty of Monterey Bay.

Jack’s Peak County Park

Jack's Peak County Park is a great destination for dog owners seeking a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. This park features several dog-friendly trails that wind through picturesque forests and offer stunning panoramic views of the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. The park’s well-maintained paths are perfect for hiking with your pup, and the cooler temperatures in the morning or late afternoon make for a more comfortable experience.

For your first hike, take a right once you pass by the park gatehouse. Follow this road to the parking lot at the end. Grab a flyer for the Skyline Nature Trail from the information board near the picnic tables. To the left of the information board is the start of the Skyline Nature Trail. As you walk along the trail, you will find it is very well-marked, with signs pointing you in the right direction. Within about 2/10 of a mile, you'll see sweeping views of Monterey Bay and about 2/10 of a mile after that, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Carmel Valley and Point Lobos. Once you've completed the trail (about 8/10 of a mile), you can take a left on the Iris Trail and head back to the parking lot.

If you're feeling energetic, take a right on the Iris Trail, follow it to the Rhus Trail, and take a left to return to the parking lot. This will add roughly another 1.8 miles of beautiful views to your hike.

shop and dine along the cannery row

Shopping and dining along Cannery Row with your dog is a delightful way to experience Monterey’s vibrant waterfront. This historic district, once the center of the sardine-packing industry, is now home to a variety of pet-friendly shops and restaurants. Many of the outdoor patios at local eateries welcome dogs, allowing you to enjoy a meal with your furry friend by your side while taking in views of the bustling waterfront. Stroll along the scenic promenade where your dog can join you as you browse charming boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries. Enjoy a leisurely coffee or a seafood meal at a dog-friendly café, and take advantage of the numerous pet-friendly spots that offer water bowls and treats.

spend a day in Carmel-by-the-sea

Nestled along California's stunning central coast and just 10 minutes south of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque fairytale town that beckons dog lovers and their furry companions. With its charming streets, breathtaking beaches, and an array of pet-friendly establishments, Carmel offers an unforgettable getaway where your four-legged friend is as welcome as you are.

Carmel is by far one of our favorite cities in California. We’ve taken several trips here over the years and have assembled a Dog-friendly Guide to Carmel and How to Spend a Day in Carmel to outline the best that Carmel has to offer and help you make the most of your time there.