6 pet friendly beaches in the Monterey bay area
If you’re looking for pet‑friendly beaches in Monterey County, CA, here’s a curated list that’s both welcoming to dogs and mindful of safety and wildlife protections. PLUS, a handy guide to parking and map links for the top pet-friendly beaches; all confirmed safe and enjoyable for dogs with leash rules noted:
🐾 Monterey Area Beaches
Monterey State Beach (South of Monterey Tides Hotel) – Seaside / Monterey
This beach is quite large and didn’t have very many people or dogs on it when we went. Parking was readily available both times I’ve visited but the water had a lot of what appeared to be sea grass or “something” green where the beach and water met; it made me hesitate to let my dogs near the water because of the possibility of it being toxic blue green algae. If you aren’t as paranoid as I am or you plan to stay away from the water though, this would be a great beach for a quiet picnic with your pup.
Leashed dogs allowed south of the Monterey Tides Hotel; dogs are banned north of it due to protected wildlife habitat (e.g., snowy plover nesting) .
Beach offers flat sand, picnic areas, lifeguards (summer), and access to the coastal trail.
Strong rip currents in this area—exercise caution if you or your dog venture into water .
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Dogs allowed on leash only south of the hotel
📍 Address: 2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey, CA 93940
🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot near Monterey Tides Hotel (watch signs for dog-friendly zone)
Del Monte Beach – Monterey
Del Monte Beach really surprised me. Each time I have visited, there has been plenty of parking and the beach itself is clean, beautiful and uncrowded. I also really loved that it gets a decent amount of sun, even when most of Monterey is under fog or clouds. There is also a nice walking path and plenty of benches overlooking to ocean to rest at and just take it all in.
A quieter, local-favorite stretch of Monterey State Beach where leashed dogs are welcome entire length .
Sand dunes, benches, boardwalks, and beautiful views—nice for long strolls. Off-leash in designated areas only .
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome
📍 Address: Tide Ave & Surf Way, Monterey, CA 93940 (enter via Ocean View Blvd → Surf Way → Tide Ave)
🅿️ Parking: Free street parking along Tide Ave; small lot near the beach boardwalk
Carmel Beach – Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea
Ok, I have got to be honest, I wanted to love this beach and although this beach is beautiful and it’s a lot of fun if your dog likes other dogs (2 of mine do and 2 of them don’t), it’s down towards the bottom of my list of “favorite dog friendly beaches in Monterey county”. Parking is tough to come by, unless you happen upon someone who is leaving. Expect to see A LOT of dogs, most of them off leash. One thing I saw that really turned me off about this beach, is that there was a family next to us with their pup off leash and they weren’t even paying attention to him. They did for a minute to get some videos and then pretty much ignored him the rest of the time; including when he defecated (pooped) in the sand and they didn’t even clean it up. Perhaps there are certain times of the day that there are fewer crowds but that still won’t take away the hidden land mines from careless owners. One perk is that you do get a front row seat to all of the beautiful and historical homes in carmel-by-the-sea!
Dogs allowed off‑leash within recall and voice control. It’s the only beach in the region permitting off-leash play .
Soft sugar sand, scenic views. Can be crowded—locals recommend visiting in the early morning for quieter experiences .
Pets must have current rabies and license; off-leash only if obedient and under control .
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Dogs allowed off-leash under voice control
📍 Address: Foot of Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
🅿️ Parking: Free along Ocean Ave or Scenic Rd (very walkable)
Carmel River State Beach – Carmel
A beautiful beach with views of Point Lobos State Reserve. Parking is very limited here because of the small parking lot but it is much less crowded than Carmel beach. I’ve driven past and biked by many times and the weather has been mostly nice. Another thing that I love about this beach is that it is literally around the corner from Point Lobos State Reserve, an absolutely stunning area BUT it is NOT pet friendly. This is just a tip for those who aren’t bringing fur babies or if you leave your fur baby with your loved ones for a bit, while you head out alone for a little adventure.
Leashed dogs allowed. Scenic lagoon, bird sanctuary, but currents can be very dangerous for swimming.
Peaceful walk area rather than a swimming beach.
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Leashed dogs only
📍 Address: 26478 Carmelo St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
🅿️ Parking: Small pullout/lot at the end of Carmelo Street
Asilomar State Beach – Pacific Grove
Hands down my favorite beach in the entire Monterey Bay Area! This beach is not only beautiful but it is large and has a lifeguard on duty, many resident deer, surfers to watch catch the waves, a dune boardwalk across the street and well maintained trails to the beach/water with plenty of street parking. The sunsets are absolutely epic here and the sand is so white and beautiful! There are quite a few people and pups visiting this beach BUT it’s so large that it’s still easy to find a private place for yourself and your pup. I will say it again, I absolutely LOVE this beach! Weather can be overcast here quite a bit but it’s worth a visit no matter the weather, it’s THAT good! I have also never had trouble finding parking here, which is a huge plus.
Leashed dogs allowed on beach, dune boardwalk, and adjacent coast trail—but off‑leash is not officially permitted (though some visitors let their dogs off-leash and there’s lenient enforcement) .
Narrow sandy-to-rocky coastline with scenic coastal trail and dunes. No beaches for swimming; strong surf common .
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Leashed dogs allowed on beach and boardwalk
📍 Address: Sunset Dr & Asilomar Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
🅿️ Parking: Free roadside parking along Sunset Drive
Garrapata State Park / Beach – Big Sur region - 15 mins south of Carmel
I feel like the beauty of Big Sur really speaks for itself but I’ll share a few words anyway. This beach is absolutely stunning and the walk to it is also equally as stunning. Beware that certain times of year (late January thru April), the trail is absolutely covered in Calla lilies, it’s a sight to behold BUT lilies are toxic to dogs. I think that as long as you keep your dog on the trail, you might be able to avoid them on your way down to the beach. Of course, venturing to this beach during bloom is at your own risk. I personally would not take my dog here during the bloom, unless it was my tiny dog and she was in my puppy pack until we got to the beach. Another thing to note here is that all 4 times I have been here, the weather has been overcast. One of the 3 times it was “warm-ish” and the other 3 times is was pretty chilly. The drive here is absolutely breathtaking and otherworldly though and there are a few other pet friendly lookouts you can stop at on the way that are worth the drive and effort. Overall, I do really like this beach.
Dogs on leash (≤6 ft) permitted in park & beach areas but not off-leash .
Rugged coastal trails and soft sand—great for hiking with ocean views.
Dogs ON LEASH are ONLY allowed on the beach at Gate 19 (south end of park) and on the trails leading to it. Dogs are NOT allowed in all other areas, including across Hwy 1 in the Soberanes Canyon Trail area.
Parking + Map Info
🐶 Leashed dogs allowed on beach side only (not trails)
📍 Address: Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel (look for turnout at Gate 19 or 20)
🅿️ Parking: Free pullouts along Hwy 1—look for small dirt lots
✅ Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
Always keep dogs on leash unless in designated off-leash zones (like Carmel Beach).
Bring rabies tags and current license—often required for entry .
Be cautious around wildlife habitat areas, especially snowy plover nesting zones—some beaches prohibit dogs entirely in those sections .
Watch for rip currents, especially at Carmel River and Seaside portions of Monterey State Beach.
Bring water, poop bags, shade, and know beach hours—typically dawn to sunset.
Check the current harmful algae blooms conditions before letting your pup play in the water. You can read my whole blog post about that —-> HERE. Including links on where to go to check water conditions.
🧭 ✅ Best Picks Based on Your Needs
If your dog is trained and trustworthy, Carmel Beach offers the most freedom.
For a more relaxed, leash‑friendly stroll, go with Del Monte Beach or Monterey State Beach South.
Want to combine dog‑friendly hiking and nature? Try Asilomar or Garrapata State Park.
🐶 Planning Tips & Things to Know
Always keep proof of current license and rabies vaccination—required in nearly all parks and beaches
Use a <=6 ft leash in leash zones as required by local rules
Stay alert to wildlife or sensitive habitat areas—some areas prohibit dogs entirely
Bring water, poop bags and shade—especially during longer outings
Call ahead or book online when using pet services—many have minimum stays or require advance notice
