Trails & things to do

Ordered by today's walking weather — the best area is at the top. Each place links to its source rule.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

82° · take careIt's a bit hot to take pooch for a walk

Mission Trail Nature Preserve

Off leash · voice controlCarmel-by-the-Sea

Voice control per Carmel's rules — carry a leash

Three miles of woodland trails from Rio Road up to the Flanders Mansion, designated for passive recreation including dog walking.

The rules

Designated in 1979 as a nature park for passive recreational use including dog walking (City of Carmel).
Carmel's voice-command standard applies to loose dogs: carry a leash, stay within 25 feet, return to within three feet on command (CMC 6.08.015).
Wildlife lives here — bobcats, foxes and the occasional mountain lion — keep your dog close.

Carmel-by-the-Sea patios, shops & inns

On leashCarmel-by-the-Sea

Possibly the most dog-friendly town in America — water bowls outside the shops, dog menus on the patios, and inns that greet your dog by name.

The rules

On leash in the business district and residential streets (CMC 6.08.010 / 6.08.015).
No dogs in Devendorf Park (guide dogs excepted).

Finish with a run on Carmel Beach — it's off leash under voice control.

Pacific Grove

84° · take careIt's a bit hot to take pooch for a walk

Pacific Grove shoreline path (Lovers Point → Point Pinos)

On leashPacific Grove

Three flat miles along Ocean View Boulevard past Lovers Point, the tide pools and the magic-carpet ice plant to the lighthouse. The real-life route of Lovers Point Pooches.

The rules

Leashed dogs are permitted on any improved or natural trail in the coastal zone, including the waterfront recreational walking and biking trails (PGMC § 14.08.030(b)(2)).
Six-foot leash maximum; stay off the beach and lawn at Lovers Point.

Watch for otters in the kelp off Lovers Point and harbour seals at Hopkins in spring.

Asilomar Coast Trail

On leashPacific Grove

A mile of boardwalk and sandy path through the dunes above Asilomar State Beach, with beach access all the way along.

The rules

Dogs on leash on the beach and trails (California State Parks).
Respect closures for nesting Black Oystercatchers.

Seaside

87° · take careIt's a bit hot to take pooch for a walk

Fort Ord National Monument

Off leash · voice controlSeaside

Off leash only on the signed off-leash routes; 6-ft leash everywhere else

Eighty-six miles of rolling oak and chaparral trails behind Seaside, with over six miles of designated off-leash roads.

The rules

Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet long on any road or trail not designated as an off-leash opportunity route, and in parking lots, at trailheads and along driveways (BLM supplementary rules).
Designated off-leash segments: Guidotti, Skyline and Oilwell Roads near Badger Hills; Engineer Canyon, Old Reservation and Sandy Ridge Roads near Creekside Terrace — voice control required.
Open dawn to dusk.

Ticks and foxtails in the grass from spring to autumn — check paws and ears after.

Morning social at Pacchetti Dog Park

Off leash · fencedSeaside

Seaside's regulars meet early at Pacchetti — 1.7 fenced acres with separate small-dog and big-dog sides.

The rules

Licensed, vaccinated dogs only; bring the rabies certificate. Three dogs per handler max.

Monterey

88° · take careIt's a bit hot to take pooch for a walk

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

On leashMonterey

The paved bay-side trail from Seaside through Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row to Pacific Grove — 18 miles if you want them all.

The rules

On leash, maximum six feet (SPCA for Monterey County list; City of Monterey Sec. 23-8).
Shared with bikes — keep the leash short and stay right.

The Wharf 2 to Cannery Row stretch has water fountains with dog bowls.

Jacks Peak County Park

On leashMonterey

Shady Monterey-pine trails to the highest point on the Peninsula, with bay views from the Skyline Nature Trail.

The rules

County parks: dogs on a leash no longer than seven feet, supervised at all times.
Day-use fee at the entrance.

Fisherman's Wharf & Cannery Row stroll

On leashMonterey

Sea-lion barking, otter spotting from the wharf, and a Coastal Trail walk to Cannery Row — easy, flat and full of smells.

The rules

Six-foot leash citywide (City of Monterey Sec. 23-8); many wharf patios welcome dogs outdoors.
Pick up after your dog — fines start at $100.

SPCA Monterey County events & adoptions

On leashMonterey County

The county SPCA keeps the definitive pet-friendly recreation list and runs adoption days, vaccine clinics and training classes.

The rules

Leashed, vaccinated dogs at public events; check each event listing.

Carmel Valley

90° · skip todayToo hot for pooch right now

Garland Ranch — Lupine Loop & Waterfall Trail

Off leash · voice controlCarmel Valley

Leash or immediate voice and visual control

The flat Lupine Loop along the Carmel River is an easy sniff; the Waterfall Trail climbs to a seasonal fall and a big valley view.

The rules

Domestic animals welcome if under leash or immediate voice and visual control (MPRPD).
Dawn to dusk; pick up and use the bins.

The river crossing can be dry in late summer — bring water from home.

Toro County Park

On leashMonterey County

Wide-open oak savanna trails off Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas — usually sunny when the coast is grey.

The rules

County parks: dogs on a leash no longer than seven feet, supervised at all times.
Day-use fee applies.

Dog-friendly tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village

On leashCarmel Valley

Sunny patios where the dog is as welcome as you are: Cowgirl Winery's garden, Bernardus's lawn, McIntyre's patio, and Joyce, De Tierra and Folktale.

The rules

Leashed dogs on the patios and, at several rooms, indoors — policies vary by winery, so check before you go.
Tasting rooms are private businesses; be a good guest and keep pooch settled.

The Village is usually 10–15°F warmer than the coast — pick a shaded patio in summer and bring a water bowl.

Looking for the rules?

Every park, beach and dog park with leash rules and sources is on the park rules page.