Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches

on the Monterey Peninsula

If you and your dog are dreaming of salty air and sandy paws, the beaches of the Monterey Peninsula are the perfect destination! Spanning the charming Californian cities and towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Monterey, this scenic stretch of California coastline is home to some of the most dog-friendly beaches in the golden state.

Whether you’re a local searching for a new dog-friendly beach to explore with your companion, or a visitor looking for the best hidden gems, this guide covers every dog-friendly beach on the Monterey Peninsula. From wide-open off-leash stretches to scenic on-leash paths perfect for sunset strolls, the Monterey Peninsula offers something for every kind of dog and their human. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect dog-friendly beach day, including leash rules, best times to visit, where to park, and what makes each beach the perfect match for you and your dog.

Looking for a complete list of dog-friendly beaches on the Monterey Peninsula? Check out one of these great resources:

  • Top 5 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Monterey Peninsula (Updated for 2025)

  • Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches in Monterey, California

  • Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carmel, California)

Carmel Beach

The Monterey Peninsula’s most famous off-leash, dog-friendly beach

If there's one beach that truly lives up to the title of best dog beach on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s Carmel Beach. Nestled at the base of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this iconic stretch of soft white sand is not only one of the most scenic beaches in California, but also one of the few beaches where dogs are welcome to be off-leash!

Carmel Beach isn’t just scenic, it’s a local and visitor favorite thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking sunsets, and dog-friendly vibe. The beach is famously dog-friendly, relaxed, and social, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach. You’ll see dogs of all shapes and sizes splashing in the surf during low tide, chasing tennis balls across the white sand, and socializing while their humans soak up the sun. The views of Pebble Beach and the Pacific Ocean are spectacular, especially as the sun begins to set, casting mesmerizing sunsets over the water and dunes. You’ll also find publicly-accessible water stations with dog bowls located at most entrances to the beach, which makes it easy to keep your dog hydrated during their beach day. 

That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind before heading out. Carmel Beach gets very crowded on weekends and during the summer months, so early mornings are usually more peaceful and less crowded. Also, access to the beach is via narrow stone stairways, which might be tricky for anyone with mobility issues or older dogs. For easier access, the north end of the beach near Ocean Avenue offers a gentler approach down to the beach.

You'll find a free parking lot at the west end of Ocean Avenue or along Scenic Road that borders Carmel Beach, with several public access points leading down to the beach.

Pros:

  • The Monterey Peninsula’s only fully off-leash beach

  • Water taps with dog bowls at most stairway entrances to the beach

Cons:

  • Often gets very busy in the summer months

  • The beach is only accessible by narrow stone steps (unless accessing from the North end)

Carmel River State Beach

Dog-friendly beach for nature-loving people and their companions

For those in search of a less-crowded, dog-friendly beach with a bit of local flair, Carmel River State Beach delivers a peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded beaches. Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this scenic beach divides the land between the Carmel River Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, creating a stunning natural environment that attracts not only dogs and their owners, but also an abundance of wildlife and migratory birds.

Unlike its neighboring beach to the north, the bustling Carmel Beach, this lesser-known gem is calmer, quieter, and more connected to nature. The soft white sand and ocean breeze make it a peaceful place to stroll, sniff, and relax, perfect for dogs who enjoy long walks along the water’s edge. It’s also a favorite among birdwatchers, so it’s best suited for dogs who won’t be too tempted to chase birds during migration seasons.

Looking to add a walk to your beach adventure? Carmel River State Beach connects to the Carmel Meadows Trail, which extends south along the cliffs toward Monastery Beach. This trail provides an incredible walking experience with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Point Lobos State Park, making it a great add-on if your dog has energy to burn.

Parking is limited, especially on weekends. There is a small, free public parking lot located near where Scenic Road turns into Carmelo Street (approximately at 26495 Scenic Road, Carmel, CA). For visitors staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's a bit of a walk to reach the beach, but some many find the walk among the town well worth the effort.

While dogs must remain on leash, the peaceful, uncrowded vibe and the opportunity to explore both beach and bluff make Carmel River State Beach a hidden paradise for dogs who enjoy the quieter side of coastal life.

Pros:

·         Less busy than Carmel Beach

·         Connects to the Carmel Meadows Trail

Cons:

·         For walk to the beach if you are staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea and limited parking options

·         Lots of birds during migration season (if you dog is reactive)

Spanish Bay (Moss Beach)

A local hidden gem perfect for off-leash fun

If you and your dog prefer quiet beaches and natural surroundings over crowds and chaos, Spanish Bay (also referred to as Moss Beach) offers one of the most serene dog-friendly getaways on the Monterey Peninsula with the bonus of a designated off-leash area! Nestled between the south end of Asilomar State Beach and the scenic 17-Mile Drive, this stretch of coastline in Pebble Beach, California is known for its stunning white sand, rolling dunes, and quiet, natural atmosphere.

The beach is backed by the iconic Links at Spanish Bay golf course, and its spacious layout makes it ideal for dogs who love to roam freely. To the south of the steam that cuts across the beach, dogs are welcome off-leash (north of the steam is Asilomar State Beach which is an on-leash area). For those who prefer a walk along the beach, the Spanish Bay boardwalk cuts between the beach and the golf course, offering sweeping ocean views and fresh sea air. It’s a perfect route for sunrise or sunset strolls with your dog!

Because it’s less trafficked than other nearby beaches like Carmel Beach, Spanish Bay is especially appreciated by locals and savvy visitors looking to enjoy the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula without the crowds and is often considered to be a hidden gem. However, it’s important to note that the some southern parts of the beach are inaccessible during high tide, and access from the south side requires a Pebble Beach entrance pass ($12) if you’re a guest.

To visit without a pass, free parking is available along Sunset Drive on the north end of the beach in Pacific Grove. For those entering via Pebble Beach, public parking is available at the Moss Beach Lot, which is free for pass holders.

Pros:

·         One of the few off-leash beaches on the Monterey Peninsula

·         One of the quieter and lesser-known beaches on the Monterey Peninsula

Cons:

·         South parts of the beach disappear during high tide

·         Access from the South end requires a Pebble Beach pass

Del Monte Beach

Explore a dog-friendly beach in the heart of Monterey, California

If you and your dog find yourselves in Monterey, Del Monte Beach is the best place to make the perfect beach day! Located a short walk from Old Monterey and the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, this on-leash beach offers a long, walkable shoreline, a laid-back local vibe, and easy access to some of Monterey’s most popular restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

The beach itself is wide and sandy, even during high tide, making it ideal for dogs who love to trot along the surf, sniff all the smells of the nearby Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, or watch the occasional sea lion bobbing offshore. While dogs must remain on leash, there's still plenty of space to roam, and it's not uncommon to meet fellow dog lovers enjoying the sunshine.

For a sand-free option, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail runs parallel to the beach and is a fantastic choice for those dogs wanting to avoid sandy paws. The trail offers the same stunning coastal views, but with the bonus of being stroller and bike friendly as well.

Del Monte Beach blends seamlessly into Monterey State Beach, stretching north toward Seaside and Marina, but it's important to note that dogs are only allowed South of the Monterey Tides Hotel. Beyond that, the beach becomes off-limits for dogs, so be mindful of signage as you walk.

While the central location is incredibly convenient, it does come with a few trade-offs. The beach is bordered by a main road and lies under a flight path, which can make it noisier than most other spots on the list. It can also get very busy during the summer months with fellow beachgoers.  Also, even though the beach is officially on-leash, you will commonly encounter off-leash dogs, which can be a challenge if your dog is shy or reactive.

Given its downtown location in the heart of Old Monterey, nearly all parking options are paid parking, with the nearest parking available at the Fisherman’s Wharf parking lots. 

Pros:

·         Walking distance to Monterey hotels and restaurants

·         Wide beach with lots of room for walking

Cons:

·         While the beach is on-leash there are many off-leash dogs that can cause issues if you dog is easily reactive

·         The beach borders the main road in Monterey and is under an airport flight path, so it can get loud

San Carlos Beach

This Cannery Row beach is made for the wildlife lover and their dog

Located at southern edge of Cannery Row in Monterey, San Carlos Beach is a dog-friendly, on-leash beach that offers a scenic, accessible slice of coastline just steps from Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Popular with both locals and visitors, this beach is a great choice for dog owners looking for a quick seaside escape in the heart of one of Monterey’s most bustling neighborhoods.

San Carlos Beach is especially appealing for those who want to combine a coastal walk with local sightseeing. The beach sits right along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a paved, dog-friendly path that stretches for miles in both directions. This makes it a perfect stop on a walk with your dog, complete with ocean breezes, harbor views, and the occasional otter spotting!

While the beach itself is small compared to others on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s a peaceful place to relax, watch scuba divers enter the water near the jetty, and enjoy the sounds of the surf. For dogs who love to sniff and explore, the surrounding grassy park offers additional space to explore. 

Being right next to Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is easy to reach but can get busy on weekends, particularly with tourists and dive groups. The proximity to the Coast Guard Pier also means there’s frequent wildlife activity, including seabirds, sea lions, and otters -  something to keep in mind if your dog is prone to excitement or reactivity.

Being near to Cannery Row, there is no free parking available. You’ll find paid parking at the adjacent San Carlos Beach Park lot, but for the adventurous ones, this beach is best accessed via a walk along the Coastal Recreation Trail. 

If you're looking for a dog-friendly beach near Cannery Row that offers great views, easy access, and a fun atmosphere, San Carlos Beach is a great choice, especially for a midday break between sightseeing stops.

Pros:

·         Walking distance to Cannery Row

·         A large grassy area next to the beach

Cons:

·         Lots of active wildlife that could trigger reactive dogs

·         Busy during the summer months

McAbee Beach & Booth’s Cannery Beach

Small, Dog-Friendly Stops Along the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail

While they may not be full-fledged beach day destinations, McAbee Beach and Booth’s Cannery Beach are two small, dog-friendly shoreline spots that offer scenic, sandy rest stops for dogs and their humans exploring Monterey’s Coastal Recreation Trail. Both beaches are located in Monterey, less than a 30-Minute walk apart, and are the perfect spot for a quick sniff, splash, or photo op as you take a walk from the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf to Cannery Row.

Located near the base of the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, Booth’s Cannery Beach is a pocket-sized beach. While there’s not as much room to run around as other beaches in Monterey, such as Del Monte Beach, there’s enough space for a peaceful moment by the bay or a brief break for your dog during a walk. Its close proximity to the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing.

Tucked into a tiny cove right off Cannery Row, MacAbee Beach is a narrow, sandy stretch nestled between historic cannery buildings and oceanfront restaurants. Though small, it’s an ideal spot to let your dog stretch their legs, wade into the gentle surf, and maybe even spot an otter!. With tide pools nearby and scuba divers often entering the water from the shore, it’s a surprisingly lively little beach that many visitors overlook.

These two tiny beaches are best enjoyed as part of a longer walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, rather than standalone visits. But for travelers with dogs in tow, they provide charming, dog-friendly opportunities to dip paws in the Pacific Ocean without straying far from Monterey’s main attractions.

Asilomar State Beach

A local hidden gem perfect for dog-friendly sunset strolls

For nature-loving dog owners seeking a quieter, more relaxed coastal experience, Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove is a truly special destination. This scenic, dog-friendly beach on the Monterey Peninsula is known for its rugged shoreline, dramatic coastal views, and some of the most beautiful sunsets on California’s Central Coast.

Dogs are welcome here as long as they’re kept on leash, making it an ideal spot for peaceful, on-leash walks along the sand or adjacent trails. The beach itself is a narrow stretch of white sand framed by rocky outcrops, tidepools, and natural dunes. At low tide, it offers a patchwork of tiny coves and inlets to explore, giving your dog plenty of new smells and sights to investigate.

One of the highlights of visiting Asilomar with your dog is the accessible boardwalk and parallel dirt path that run through the protected dunes. These trails offer sweeping views of the ocean, easy walking for even the oldest of dogs, and excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset when the entire sky lights up in shades of orange and pink. Whether you’re walking off brunch in Pacific Grove or capping off a day of adventure, Asilomar State Beach is perfect for a quiet, leashed stroll with your dog, especially if you catch one of its unforgettable sunsets.

Being at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar State Beach experiences more temperamental weather.  In summer, the beach is often foggy, especially in the mornings, and winter brings stronger winds, which can make the shoreline feel colder than other dog-friendly beach options on the Peninsula. Also, the beach area becomes quite narrow during high tide, and dangerous during the winter storm season that brings huge waves, so for the best experience, check the tide charts before your visit.

You'll find free parking along Sunset Drive, with several well-marked beach access points and turnouts to park your vehicle. Or leave the car at home and take a walk along the Coastal Recreation Trail than spans from Monterey all the way to Asilomar State Beach. 

Looking for an off-leash option? Head to the south end of Asilomar State Beach until you cross the stream that runs into the Pacific Ocean. You are now in Pebble Beach an in an off-leash area to run free with your dog!

 

Pros:

·         One of the most scenic sunset beaches on the Monterey Peninsula

·         Lots of tiny beaches to explore amidst the rugged shorelines

Cons:

·         Often foggy in the summer months and windy in the winter months

·         The beach gets very small during high tide