Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Trails in Pacific Grove, California

Pacific Grove may be known for its charming seaside cottages and butterfly groves, but it’s also home to some of the most rewarding dog-friendly trails on the Monterey Peninsula. From breezy oceanfront walks to wooded hideaways tucked between neighborhoods, this little corner of the coast offers an impressive variety of places to explore with your pup.

In this guide, you’ll discover every official dog-friendly trail in Pacific Grove, whether it’s a peaceful boardwalk overlooking tide pools, a pine-shaded path that feels like a forest escape, or a quiet open space where dogs can roam. Many of these routes remain local favorites rather than tourist hotspots, giving you and your dog a chance to enjoy the Peninsula’s beauty at a slower, more personal pace.

So whether you’re a Pacific Grove local in search of a new walking spot or visiting the Monterey Peninsula and hoping to see the town’s trails through your dog’s eyes, this guide has you covered. Grab a leash, pack some water, and set out, Pacific Grove’s natural beauty is best enjoyed with your four-legged companion by your side.

Looking for a more dog-friendly areas on the Monterey Peninsula? Check out one of these great resources:

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

  • Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Monterey Peninsula

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

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

S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve

A hidden forest walk in the storied Del Monte Forest

Tucked away in the Del Monte Forest, the S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve is one of the Monterey Peninsula’s true hidden gems for leashed dog walks. Named for Samuel Finley Brown Morse, the visionary behind Pebble Beach’s development and its early conservation efforts, this reserve protects some of the last stands of native Monterey pine and showcases a side of the Peninsula that feels worlds away from the coast.

The trails here are unpaved and natural, winding through shaded groves and pockets of rare, protected plants that make the reserve special to both botanists and nature lovers. For dogs, the soft pine needle–covered ground offers a gentle surface for paws, while the quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal walk for pups who prefer calm exploration over crowded paths. Don’t be surprised if your dog pauses often—this is a place meant for sniffing and meandering more than speed or distance.

Because the trails aren’t well marked and amenities are nonexistent, preparation is key. Bring water, waste bags, and a map or GPS app to help you navigate. Parking can be found off Highway 68 or Congress Road, but it’s limited, adding to the reserve’s tucked-away charm.

What the S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve lacks in convenience, it makes up for in solitude and natural beauty. For Pacific Grove dog walkers seeking a trail that feels like a retreat into another world, this is a serene, pine-scented escape that rewards you and your pup with peace and stillness.

Pros:

  • A quiet alternative to busy coastal trails

  • A variety of trails from wide pathways to narrow forest paths

Cons:

  • No water stations, restrooms, or waste bins

  • Aging trail signage can make navigation tricky

Lynn “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space

A local favorite for off-leash trail adventures

For dog owners in Pacific Grove, “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space is a go-to spot when you want a trail experience that feels natural, open, and just a little wild. Unlike paved coastal paths, this 40-acre preserve is a mix of dirt trails, grassy meadows, and shaded groves—perfect for pups who love variety under their paws. Best of all, it’s one of the rare places on the Peninsula where dogs are welcome to run off leash.

The network of trails ranges from short, casual loops to longer rambles that let dogs burn off plenty of energy. You’ll weave through oak and pine woodlands, crest gentle hills, and find open stretches where a good game of fetch is always on the menu. The off-leash policy makes it especially popular for social dogs, though the park is spacious enough to find quieter corners if your pup prefers more personal space.

While it doesn’t have amenities like water fountains or restrooms, the natural setting is exactly what makes Rip Van Winkle so special—it feels unspoiled and relaxed, even though it’s right in town. Bring water, waste bags, and a good pair of walking shoes, and you’ll be ready for an outing that’s equal parts peaceful and playful.

For Pacific Grove locals and visitors alike, Rip Van Winkle is more than just a dog park—it’s a true trail experience where dogs can enjoy the freedom of nature close to home.

Pros:

  • The only official off-leash area in the Monterey Peninsula that is not along the water

  • Loads of trails for all types of adventures

Cons:

  • No fencing and nearby 17-Mile Drive can pose a danger to off-leash dogs

  • No dog waste dispensers, water stations, or public restrooms

Coastal Recreation Trail

The Monterey Peninsula’s signature seaside path that follows the coast of Pacific Grove

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly walk that captures the essence of the Monterey Peninsula, the Coastal Recreation Trail should be at the top of your list. Stretching for more than 18 miles, this paved pathway follows the shoreline from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, but many of its most scenic stretches lie right in Pacific Grove. With sweeping ocean views, tide pools, rocky bluffs, and access to charming parks, it’s no wonder locals and visitors alike flock here with their dogs.

Dogs must stay leashed, but there’s endless stimulation along the way—your pup can sniff out sandy coves, grassy overlooks, and piers while you enjoy views of harbor seals, sea otters, and seabirds. The portion from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf to Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove is by far the most popular, with benches, picnic tables, and easy access to cafés and dog-friendly patios. Push a little farther into Pacific Grove and you’ll find quieter stretches, where the trail winds past dramatic coastline and eventually connects with Asilomar State Beach.

One of the biggest perks of this trail is accessibility. Multiple entry points, plenty of parking along Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, and dog-friendly amenities like water fountains and waste bag stations make it easy to hop on for a quick stroll or plan a full-day adventure.

That said, the trail can get crowded, especially near Cannery Row and Lover’s Point during weekends and summer months. You’ll be sharing the path with cyclists, joggers, and tour groups, so keep your dog close at your side for safety.

Whether you’re looking for a brisk workout, a slow sunset walk, or a scenic way to explore Pacific Grove with your pup, the Coastal Recreation Trail delivers. It’s easily the most iconic dog-walking route on the Peninsula—and one you’ll want to return to again and again.

Pros:

  • Beautiful Pacific Grove stretch with ocean views and wildlife sightings

  • Long, well-maintained path with dog amenities along the way

Cons:

  • Very crowded, especially as the trail narrows on the Pacific Grove stretch

  • Fast-moving bikes can be stressful for some dogs

Asilomar State Beach Boardwalk

An easy oceanside trail with sweeping views

If your pup enjoys the sights and smells of the ocean without the hassle of sandy paws, the Asilomar State Beach Boardwalk offers one of the most relaxing coastal walks near Carmel. This elevated wooden pathway stretches just under a mile along the bluff, giving you and your dog uninterrupted views of crashing waves, tide pools, and rugged shoreline. It’s a favorite for leashed walks at sunrise or sunset, when the light spills golden across the horizon.

The boardwalk begins near the north end of Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove and meanders south, weaving through patches of coastal plants and dunes before blending into the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Because it’s level, smooth, and well-maintained, the path is especially friendly for older dogs, small pups, or anyone who prefers an easy stroll over a strenuous hike. Benches along the way provide perfect stopping points to rest, breathe in the ocean air, and let your dog take in the scenery.

You won’t find water fountains or dog-specific amenities here, so plan to bring your own supplies. There are a few waste bag stations, but it’s always best to come prepared. Free parking is available in roadside pullouts along Sunset Drive, with multiple access points that make hopping on the boardwalk simple and stress-free.

Though the trail itself is short, it’s easy to extend your outing by connecting with nearby beaches and paths. And while it can be breezy—the boardwalk is fairly exposed to the elements—the ocean views more than make up for it.

For a walk that’s gentle, beautiful, and endlessly photogenic, Asilomar’s boardwalk is one of the top dog-friendly gems on the Monterey Peninsula.

Pros:

  • Smooth, level path that’s easy for dogs of all ages

  • Stunning ocean views and sunset vantage points

Cons:

  • Limited amenities for dogs (bring your own water)

  • Can be windy and crowded in peak hours