Pet-Friendly Mommy/Dogter Getaway to Carmel, Monterey & Pacific GrovE
Reba and I just returned from the ultimate mommy dogter road trip along the California coast, and let me tell you, it was everything we needed! From coastal hikes to boutique shopping, vegan eats to doggie menus, this adventure was packed with heartwarming memories, lots of booty wags, and plenty of good eats (for both of us). Here’s a peek at our itinerary — with space for you to join us virtually, and maybe even physically this fall (details at the bottom)!
Stop 1: Window Shopping in Charming Carmel-by-the-Sea
We kicked off our trip with a slow, scenic stroll down the elegant and boogie streets of Carmel. It’s the kind of place where dogs are not only allowed but celebrated. Reba soaked up the attention from shopkeepers and passersby while we explored a local gem:
Diggidy Dog – A darling pet boutique focused on stylish apparel, quirky toys, and a small but curated treat selection.
Address: N.E. Corner of Ocean Ave. and Monte Verde St, Carmel-By-The_sea, CA 93921
Website: www.diggidydog.com
Phone: (831) 625 - 1585
Stop 2: A Cozy, Vegan, Pet-Welcoming Dinner at Julia’s in Pacific Grove
We headed to Julia’s, a rare gem that welcomes dogs indoors (yes, indoors!). The staff treated Reba like a VIP and even steamed some pumpkin and squash just for her while I feasted on a flavorful vegan spread. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Address: 1180 Forest Ave. F, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Website: www.juliasveg.com
Phone: (831) 656 - 9533
Stop 3: Overnight at Hotel Pacific, Monterey
Hotel Pacific offered a cozy fireplace and private patio—perfect for relaxing post-dinner. However, a heads up: the in-room refrigerators don’t keep things cold enough for perishable pet food. They replaced ours, but it didn’t help much. If you’re traveling with gently cooked or raw food, bring a cooler and ice.
Address: 300 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940
Website: www.hotelpacific.com
Phone: (831) 373 - 5700
Stop 4: Lazy Breakfast In-Bed from Terra Superfoods
We opted for a lazy morning and ordered in from Terra Superfoods via DoorDash. I sampled the avocado toast, hummus toast, and a smoothie bowl. Smoothie bowl = 10/10. Toasts = 6.5/10. Still a solid start to our day.
Address: 570 Munras Ave., Suite 50, Monterey, CA 93940
Website: www.terrasuperfoods.com
Phone: (831) 324 - 4178
Stop 5: Treats Galore at Pacific Pet Treats, Monterey
Next stop: Pacific Pet Treats—a must for any coastal pup. They offer a huge variety of products and even their own seafood-based pet line! Reba got to sample different items to help me pick her favorites. Spoiled? Always.
Address: 601 Wave St #200, Monterey, CA 93940
Website: www.pacificpettreats.com
Phone: (831) 717 - 3843
Stop 6: Our Big Adventure—Carmel River State Beach Trail
This coastal trail was absolutely breathtaking! Carmel River State Beach Trail is an out-and-back hike hugging the ocean with plenty of places to rest, explore tide pools, and chase wildflowers. Reba, being a brachycephalic queen, tapped out halfway, so I carried her the rest. Worth every step.
Coordinates: 36.52586, -121.92318 or 36.5380 N, 121.9200 W
Trail Length: 1.7 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back
Rating: 10/10
Stop 7: Post-Hike Lunch at Treehouse Café, Carmel
We wrapped up the trip with lunch at Treehouse Café, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining. We sat on the patio where Reba enjoyed her own doggie menu item (chicken), while I tried the falafel, soup, and garlic fries. Soup and garlic fries were out of this world. The falafel? Not so much.
One scary moment to note: I noticed Reba trying to eat something off the ground—and it turned out to be raw red onion! Thankfully I caught it in time and made her spit it out, but as you probably know, onions are toxic to dogs. It was dropped by a table nearby, and no one from the restaurant had cleaned it up. Just a heads-up to be extra mindful of the floor when dining on the patio here—they don’t seem to monitor it as closely as they should in a pet-friendly setting.
Address: San Carlos Street (at 7th and 8th), Carmel, CA 93921
Website: www.treehousecafecarmel.com
Phone: (831) 626 - 1111
This mommy-dogter getaway was everything I hoped for and more. Reba had the best time being doted on, and I loved finding places where pets aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated.
And guess what?! I’m planning a full-blown group trip to this very area in early September—and YOU’RE INVITED!
Just imagine this itinerary—but elevated—with new stops, more delicious eats, and beautiful bonding moments with your fur baby. I’ll even be snapping professional photos along the way to capture your memories.
Want in? Click —-> HERE to learn more and save your spot before it fills up!