Top 5 Best Dog-Friendly Trails on the Monterey Peninsula
Looking for the best dog-friendly trails on the Monterey Peninsula? Whether you're a seasoned local or visiting the beautiful Monterey Peninsula with your dog for the first time, you'll fall in love with all the trails that the Peninsula has to offer.
This stretch of California’s Central Coast is not only breathtaking but it’s also one of the most dog-friendly regions in the state especially when it comes to the dog-friendly hikes and trails! From leisurely pathways like the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail to off-leash paradises “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space, there’s a perfect coastal spot for every kind of dog (and their human). As your dog’s adventure guide, Monterey Dog has rounded up the top five must-visit dog-friendly trails, including what makes each one special, what to know before you go, and why your companion will love them. So grab the leash, pack some treats, and get ready to explore the top five dog-friendly trails 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
S.F.B Morse Botanical Reserve
Explore the storied Del Monte Forest with your companion
Tucked deep within the Del Monte Forest, the S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve is a quiet retreat for dog owners who love nature walks away from the crowds. Named after Samuel F.B. Morse, the visionary behind Pebble Beach and a champion of conservation, this secluded preserve is a haven for native plants, wildlife, and anyone seeking a slower pace.
The trail system winds through a classic Monterey pine forest, where your dog can stroll beneath towering trees, crunch across pine needles, and soak in the sights and smells of a truly local ecosystem. You’ll pass patches of rare and endangered flora, making this spot as much a living museum as it is a walking trail. It’s perfect for dogs who thrive in peaceful environments and prefer sniffing and exploring over sprinting.
Because the reserve isn’t widely publicized, it rarely gets busy, making it an ideal choice for dogs that get overstimulated in high-traffic areas. You won’t find sweeping coastal vistas here, but the cool shade, birdsong, and quiet beauty more than make up for it.
There are no facilities on-site, so be sure to bring your own water, waste bags, and any essentials you and your pup may need. The trails can be a little tricky to navigate due to minimal signage, so using a GPS hiking app or printed map is a good idea. Trailheads can be accessed from Highway 68 near Pacific Grove or via Congress Road inside the Pebble Beach community.
For those seeking a meditative walk with their four-legged companion, S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve is a hidden gem on the Monterey Peninsula and a perfect reminder that dog-friendly adventures don’t always have to come with waves and sand.
Pros:
Plenty of trails to keep you and your dog entertained
Quiet and rarely busy
Cons:
All trails are not clearly marked
Limited parking and access points
“Rip” Van Winkle Open Space
The only off-leash trail network on the Monterey Peninsula
Tucked between the forested neighborhoods of Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, “Rip” Van Winkle Open Space is one of the most underrated network of dog-friendly trails on the Peninsula. This 40-acre preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature, with a mix of shady oak woodlands, open fields, and gently rolling hills that are perfect for both on- and off-leash adventures.
Unlike the busier coastal routes, “Rip” Van Winkle is serene and uncrowded, making it a great option for dogs who prefer a calmer trail experience. With the whole park a designated off-leash area, feel free to give your dog the freedom to sniff, run, and explore while following the meandering dirt trails that offer plenty of options for exploration, ideal for a daily walk or relaxed weekend hike.
This spot is especially popular with local dog owners for its mellow atmosphere and natural beauty. You might not get sweeping ocean views here, but the peaceful forest setting and birdsong make up for it. Plus, it’s a solid pick year-round, thanks to its wind-protected trails and consistent shade, perfect for older dogs or hot summer days.
There are no restrooms or formal trailheads here, so plan accordingly. Street parking is available along Congress Avenue, and it’s an easy walk-in from there. Whether your dog is off-leash and sprinting through the meadow or leashed and trotting beside you on a wooded trail, “Rip” Van Winkle delivers one of the best under-the-radar dog-friendly hikes the Monterey Peninsula has to offer
Pros:
Off-leash friendly
Plenty of trails to keep you and your dog entertained
Cons:
Not fenced
No amenities
Jacks Peak County Park
Go for a high-energy hike just minutes away from Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
If your dog is more of a trail dog than a beach bum, Jacks Peak County Park offers one of the most scenic inland adventures on the Monterey Peninsula. Sitting high above Monterey, this 525-acre park features the Peninsula’s highest elevation point and a peaceful network of dog-friendly trails surrounded by native pine forest and panoramic vistas.
All dogs are welcome on leash, and the trail system offers a great mix of easy loops and more challenging routes. The Skyline Trail is a favorite for casual walks, gently hugging the ridge with stunning overlooks of Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley, and, on clear days, even Point Lobos. For something a bit more invigorating, try adding the Ridge Trail or Coffeeberry Trail, both of which offer more elevation gain and a satisfying workout without being overly strenuous.
What makes Jacks Peak special, besides its sweeping views, is the sense of solitude. It’s rarely crowded, making it ideal for dogs who do better in calm, low-traffic environments. The setting is serene and shady, with forested trails winding beneath Monterey pines, coast live oaks, and aromatic chaparral. It’s a refreshing change from the often-sandy coastal routes.
There are no water stations on the trails, so pack plenty of water for both you and your dog, especially on warmer days when sun exposure can be strong along the ridge. Picnic tables and restrooms near the main parking lot make it easy to extend your outing with a snack break or rest before heading home.
Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll or a rewarding climb with your dog, Jacks Peak County Park is one of the most underrated places to hike on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s the perfect blend of forest calm and coastal scenery, ideal for dogs who love to sniff the earth, feel the breeze, and earn their views one step at a time.
Pros:
Nearest hiking area to Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Plenty of trail options for all paces
Cons:
Park gates close before sunset
Expect hotter weather than coastal trails due to its inland location
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
The longest, and most famous, dog-friendly pathway on the Peninsula
If there’s one trail that perfectly blends coastal scenery, convenience, and dog-friendly vibes, it’s the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Spanning more than 18 miles from Monterey to Pacific Grove, this beloved paved path is the most iconic walking route on the Monterey Peninsula, and a go-to for dog owners looking to stretch their legs with a view.
Dogs must remain leashed, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. The trail hugs the shoreline and winds past tide pools, fishing piers, windswept beaches, sea-splashed rocks, and charming seaside parks, basically, it’s a dog’s dream walk! Along the way, you might spot sea otters floating in kelp beds or harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks, especially near Lover’s Point and Cannery Row.
The stretch between Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Point is the most popular for good reason, it’s flat, scenic, and peppered with benches, picnic areas, and plenty of dog-friendly patio cafés where you and your dog can take a break. For longer outings, continue west toward Asilomar State beach or head north past Del Monte Beach where the trail continues far past the Peninsula. Both extensions offer more space, fewer crowds, and a quieter pace for dogs that thrive outside the hustle.
There are numerous access points and public parking areas along the trail, including easy stops near Cannery Row, the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pacific Grove. Water fountains (including dog-level spouts), restrooms, and waste stations are well-placed along the route, making it easy to plan a smooth walk or longer excursion.
A quick heads-up: this trail gets busy, especially on weekends and sunny afternoons. Cyclists, joggers, tourists, and families with strollers all share the space, so it’s essential to keep your dog close and confident on leash, particularly in the more congested sections.
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick morning walk, enjoying a leisurely weekend loop, or treating your dog to a full day of coastal exploration, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail delivers beauty, accessibility, and all the sniff-worthy stops a dog could ask for.
Pros:
Well-maintained, paved trail
Dog-friendly water stations and waste bag dispensers along the trail
Cons:
Can get very busy, especially around Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row
Multi-use trail that includes many cyclists and runners who can pose a danger to dogs
17 Mile Drive
Take a walk alongside one of California’s most scenic coastal drive
The legendary 17-Mile Drive is known worldwide for its jaw-dropping coastline, windswept cypress trees, and dramatic ocean vistas, but tucked alongside this famous roadway is a lesser-known gem; a dog-friendly walking trail perfect for dogs and their humans who crave fresh sea air and unfiltered views of the Pacific Ocean.
Starting near Moss Beach and stretching south toward Bird Rock, this scenic pathway runs roughly parallel to the main 17-Mile Drive roadway. While not a continuous trail in the traditional sense, it’s a connected network of coastal bluffs and walking segments accessible from roadside turnouts and parking pull-offs, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Leashed dogs are welcome the entire way, and the environment is tailor-made for dogs who enjoy peaceful walks with plenty to sniff, see, and hear. Expect a mix of dramatic rocky coastline, crashing surf, and iconic vistas like Bird Rock, where sea lions lounge in the sun and seabirds swoop overhead. The walk is mellow and mostly flat, but what makes this route shine is the serenity. It’s rarely crowded, and you’ll often have wide-open stretches to yourself. Benches and scenic viewpoints pop up along the way, making it easy to pause, take in the salty breeze, and let your dog enjoy a quiet moment by your side.
To access the trail, you’ll need to enter the Pebble Beach community via one of the 17-Mile Drive gates, which requires a $12 vehicle fee (refundable with a qualifying purchase at select establishments). While that may sound steep for a walk, most visitors agree it’s well worth the cost for the unparalleled views and peaceful setting. Alternatively, seasoned locals sometimes start their walk from the Asilomar area and enter on foot, though this adds some serious mileage.
For a laid-back, oceanside stroll away from the more touristy trailheads, the 17-Mile Drive trail from Moss Beach to Bird Rock offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s a quiet, elegant way to experience one of California’s most famous drives on foot, with your dog right by your side.
Pros:
Trail parallel to one of California’s most scenic roadways
World-class scenery and wildlife viewing
Cons:
Requires payment of the Pebble Beach fee to access
Out-and-back style trail with no possibility of creating a loop