Complete Guide to Off-Leash Areas on the Monterey Peninsula
If you and your dog love the freedom of an off-leash adventure, the Monterey Peninsula offers some truly unforgettable places to explore, from sandy shores to forest-shaded trails. While California isn’t known for being particularly off-leash friendly, this corner of the Central Coast is a delightful exception, with several beaches and open spaces where well-behaved dogs can roam free.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or lucky enough to live nearby, this guide covers the best off-leash dog areas on the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel Beach’s iconic white sands, the hidden calm of Spanish Bay, and the lesser-known gem of “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space. These spots offer more than just exercise, they provide enrichment, natural beauty, and plenty of tail-wagging joy.
We’ve included everything you need to know including local rules, leash zones, tips for parking, and what to expect at each location, so you and your dog can make the most of your off-leash outings, safely and responsibly. So let’s discover where your dog can run, play, and explore off-leash on the Monterey Peninsula.
Looking for a more dog-friendly areas on the Monterey Peninsula? Check out one of these great resources:
Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Monterey Peninsula
A quick note on off-leash etiquette and legality
The following list includes all official, legally designated off-leash areas on the Monterey Peninsula. These spots have been confirmed as compliant with local ordinances, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind, knowing you and your dog are in the clear for off-leash adventures.
That said, if you’ve spent any time in the area, you’ve probably noticed that plenty of dogs venture off-leash in places that technically require leashes, especially on quieter trails or less-patrolled beaches. While it’s common to see this, it’s important to know that off-leash freedom in those areas isn’t legally protected and could result in a fine or enforcement action, especially during busy times or in sensitive wildlife zones. For this reason, you won’t find these areas on this list.
At Monterey Dog, we believe that responsible dog ownership means knowing your dog, understanding the environment, and respecting others. While we do not recommend going off-leash outside of a legal zone, those that choose to should only do so with excellent voice control, strong recall, and consideration for other visitors, dogs, and wildlife. And when in doubt, keep the leash on until you reach a spot where it’s officially safe and legal to let it go.
Now, let’s explore the best places on the Peninsula where you and your pup can enjoy true off-leash adventures, worry-free.
Lynn “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space
An off-leash forest paradise away from the beach
Tucked on the edge of Pacific Grove, “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space is one of the Monterey Peninsula’s best-kept secrets for off-leash dog adventures. This peaceful, pine-filled preserve is a local favorite for those looking to escape the crowds and let their dogs roam freely in a natural woodland setting, without straying far from the coast.
Unlike the region’s popular beaches and paved trails, “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space offers a distinctly different off-leash experience. Here dogs can sniff and explore winding dirt paths under a canopy of Monterey pines and cypress trees. The atmosphere is quiet and rustic, with soft pine needles underfoot, filtered light through the trees, and the scent of the forest filling the air. It’s an ideal setting for off-leash dogs who love to wander, investigate, and stretch their legs in a safe, low-traffic area.
There are a few unmarked but well-worn trails throughout the open space, making it easy to customize your walk based on how much time or energy you and your dog have. While it’s not a large park, the looping paths and shaded terrain make it perfect for a relaxing stroll or a quick off-leash break during a day of exploring the Peninsula.
Leashes are not required, but your dog should have excellent recall, as the area isn’t fenced and borders Pebble Beach residential roads on one side. The terrain is mostly flat, though some sections may be uneven or muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear and keep an eye out for tree roots or low branches.
Accessing “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space is easy with the main parking area accessible via Congress Avenue, across from the Pacific Grove High School athletic fields. Street parking is usually available nearby as well, with the main entrance marked by a wooden sign and a small clearing by the parking on Congress Avenue. There are no restrooms, water fountains, or waste bag dispensers, so come prepared and be sure to clean up after your dog to keep the area welcoming for everyone.
If your dog enjoys sniffy walks through the woods and a break from the buzz of the coastline, “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space is a quiet, off-leash gem worth adding to your dog-friendly itinerary. It’s the perfect blend of shade, solitude, and space to explore, especially for dogs who love a little forest magic.
Pros:
A hidden gem that rarely gets busy
Forest canopy provides a unique feel compared to off-leash beaches
Cons:
No amenities such as waste bags or water stations
Not fenced and nearby to roads
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s stunning off-leash destination for dogs
If there’s one place on the Monterey Peninsula that perfectly captures the spirit of off-leash joy, it’s Carmel Beach. Tucked at the western edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this stunning, off-leash-friendly stretch of coastline is a favorite among both locals and visitors, and for good reason. It’s one of the only two beaches in the region where dogs are legally allowed off-leash, making it a standout destination for pet parents looking to let their dogs run free.
Here dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re celebrated. From sunrise to sunset, you’ll see dogs of all shapes and sizes bounding through the surf, chasing tennis balls, and making fast friends in the sand. The beach itself is a dream with powdery white sand, panoramic ocean views, and a relaxed, dog-friendly vibe that feels distinctly Carmel. Whether you're walking barefoot along the shoreline or sitting back to watch the waves with your dog curled at your feet, it's easy to see why this place holds a special place in so many hearts.
Dog-friendly amenities add to the experience. Several access points along Scenic Road are equipped with water stations, dog bowls, and waste bags, making it easy to stay hydrated and clean up after your dog. Locals take pride in keeping the beach beautiful, so it stays welcoming and well-maintained for everyone to enjoy.
Keep in mind that nearly all access points involve stairs, mostly narrow, stone staircases descending from Scenic Road. If your dog is older or you’re concerned about mobility, the northernmost access point near Ocean Avenue offers the gentlest slope without stairs and is typically the easiest route down. Parking is free but limited. The parking lot on Ocean Avenue and street parking along Scenic Road fills up quickly, especially on warmer days and weekends, so it’s best to visit early or later in the day.
If you’re visiting the Monterey Peninsula with your dog, Carmel Beach is an absolute must, not just for its rare off-leash status, but for the sense of freedom, community, and natural beauty that make it feel like a little slice of coastal paradise.
Pros:
The largest off-leash beach on the Monterey Peninsula
Well-maintained with plenty of dog-friendly amenities
Cons:
Access can be challenging for older dogs and people with mobility issues
Can get very busy in the summer months and on weekends
Spanish Bay (Moss Beach)
The Monterey Peninsula’s lesser-known off-leash beach
Just a short from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove, Spanish Bay (also known as Moss Beach) offers one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most peaceful off-leash beach experiences. Tucked between Asilomar and the iconic Pebble Beach golf courses along 17-Mile Drive, this serene stretch of coast is perfect for dog lovers looking for a more relaxed alternative to busy hotspots like Carmel Beach.
Spanish Bay features soft sand, coastal dunes, and panoramic views of the Pacific, all framed by windswept cypress trees and a soundtrack of rolling waves. While the beach lies within the private Pebble Beach community, dogs are allowed off-leash south of the small creek that cuts through the sand, giving pups room to romp, chase waves, and socialize freely. To the north of the creek, Asilomar State Beach requires leashes, so keep an eye out for signs.
This area is especially popular with local dog owners who appreciate its calm vibe and open space, making it ideal for both energetic off-leash play and more peaceful strolls. If your dog enjoys a quieter pace, the boardwalk above Spanish Bay provides a more established route with spectacular ocean views. Running parallel to the beach and the famous Links at Spanish Bay golf course, this trail is perfect for catching a sunset or simply enjoying the sea breeze, with benches along the way for rest and reflection.
Tide timing is key at Spanish Bay. The off-leash section of the beach narrows significantly during high tide, which can limit space for play. It’s a good idea to check tide charts before your visit so you can make the most of the sand while it’s exposed.
Getting there can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with the area. If you enter via 17-Mile Drive through the Pebble Beach gate, you’ll need to pay the $12 entrance fee, which is refundable with a purchase at select restaurants or shops. However, many locals avoid the fee by parking for free along Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove and walking in through the north end of the beach, making for a scenic approach.
Whether your dog is splashing in the surf or trotting beside you on the boardwalk, Spanish Bay is a true gem among off-leash beaches on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s low-key, picturesque, and full of space to roam, a perfect choice for anyone seeking off-leash freedom in a more tranquil setting.
Pros:
Less busy than Carmel Beach
Just a short drive from Carmel and Pacific Grove
Cons:
Beach disappears during high tides
Requires a Pebble Beach gate pass unless accessing the beach from the north side