Dog-Friendly Monterey, California
From Cannery Row strolls to pet-friendly patios and coastal parks, Monterey makes an easy Central Coast getaway with your dog.
Monterey, CA
Best for Walks
A long waterfront path that works well for leashed walks with bay views and easy access to Cannery Row and downtown.
Best Off-Leash Spot
The city’s dedicated off-leash dog park on Pearl Street with separate areas for small and large dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Dining
Known for its heated dog-friendly patio and Bark Bowls for pups.
A stylish Mediterranean patio in downtown Monterey that has long been a favorite with dog owners.
Pet-friendly terrace seating at Portola Hotel with fire pits and dog menu options.
Beach Note
Leashed dogs are allowed only on the beach from the Roberts parking lot south; dogs are not allowed from the Seaside lot north.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
A polished downtown stay near Fisherman’s Wharf with pet-friendly rooms, easy walking access, and dog amenities available through the hotel’s pet-friendly program.
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteHotel Pacific
An all-suite downtown option with a garden setting and easy access to the waterfront trail, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and pet-friendly patios.
300 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteHyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
A larger resort-style property on expansive grounds with walking paths, outdoor space, and pet-friendly room options close to downtown Monterey.
1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteHilton Garden Inn Monterey
A convenient mid-range pick near downtown with pet-friendly rooms, on-site dining, and quick access to Del Monte Beach and city attractions.
1000 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteVictorian Inn
A Cannery Row favorite with charming rooms, easy access to the recreation trail, and a location that makes morning dog walks especially easy.
487 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteCasa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
A central downtown base with a courtyard feel, spa, and direct access to Estéban’s patio dining next door.
700 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Monterey
Peter B's Brewpub
One of Monterey’s best-known dog-friendly dining stops, with a heated patio and Bark Bowls for dogs during its popular Yappy Hour.
2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteJacks Monterey
A comfortable downtown option at Portola Hotel with a pet-friendly terrace, fire pits, and Bark Bowl options for canine guests.
2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteEstéban Restaurant
A standout downtown patio for tapas, cocktails, and dinner in a landscaped Mediterranean courtyard with heaters and fire pits.
700 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteFieldwork Brewing Company Monterey
A casual beer garden stop in Old Monterey where well-behaved pets are welcomed outdoors.
520 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsitePeet's Coffee at Portola Hotel
A handy grab-and-go stop near downtown attractions with outdoor seating on a pet-friendly patio.
220 Alvarado Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks & Activities in Monterey
Monterey Dog Park
The city’s main off-leash dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs, making it the best place in Monterey for a true run-around break.
777 Pearl Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteMonterey Recreation Trail
A scenic coastal path that stretches along the bay and is ideal for leashed walks between downtown, Cannery Row, and beyond.
Coastline trail from Pacific Grove to Castroville, Monterey, CA
Visit WebsiteSan Carlos Beach Park
A convenient waterfront park near Cannery Row for leashed walks, picnics, and a quick break by the bay.
100 Reeside Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteMonterey State Beach
A classic sandy stop for leashed beach walks, but only in the permitted southern section from the Roberts parking lot south.
Monterey State Beach, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteVeterans Memorial Park
A wooded hillside park with picnic areas and open space where dogs are permitted on leash in designated posted areas.
1200 Veteran's Drive, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteMonterey Bay Aquarium exterior area and Cannery Row stroll
Pets are not allowed inside the Aquarium, but the surrounding Cannery Row area and nearby waterfront paths make for a great leashed walk before or after your visit.
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Monterey
This two-day plan balances scenic walks, patio meals, and easy dog-friendly stops around downtown and Cannery Row.
Day 1: Downtown Monterey + Waterfront
Check into a pet-friendly hotel like Portola Hotel, Hotel Pacific, or Casa Munras, then take your dog for an easy walk along Old Fisherman’s Wharf and downtown Monterey.
Head to Monterey Recreation Trail for a longer waterfront stroll, then stop for lunch on a dog-friendly patio at Jacks Monterey or Peter B's Brewpub.
Relax with dinner at Estéban Restaurant’s patio or return to Peter B's for the heated patio and dog menu options.
Day 2: Parks + Beach Time
Start with off-leash play at Monterey Dog Park on Pearl Street before the day gets busy.
Drive to the permitted dog section of Monterey State Beach for a leashed beach walk, or choose Veterans Memorial Park for a quieter shaded outing.
Wrap up with a casual beer garden stop at Fieldwork Brewing Company Monterey before one last sunset walk along Cannery Row.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Carmel-by-the-Sea
4 milesAn easy side trip known for Carmel Beach and a famously dog-friendly village atmosphere.
Pacific Grove
3 milesA quieter coastal neighbor with scenic shoreline walks and easy access to Asilomar.
Seaside
5 milesClose to Monterey with beach access, parks, and practical lodging options.
Carmel Valley
14 milesA warmer inland escape with tasting rooms, open space, and a relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Monterey beaches?
Yes, but only in certain areas. At Monterey State Beach, leashed dogs are allowed only from the Roberts parking lot south. Dogs are not allowed from the Seaside lot north.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Monterey?
Yes. Monterey Dog Park on Pearl Street is the city’s designated off-leash dog park and includes separate areas for small and large dogs.
Can dogs go inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium?
No. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed inside the Aquarium. Only trained service animals that meet ADA standards are permitted in public areas, with some exhibit and tour restrictions.
Are dogs allowed at restaurant patios in Monterey?
Usually yes, if the restaurant chooses to allow them. California law permits pet dogs in outdoor dining areas when the facility follows state requirements, so patio access is at the restaurant’s discretion.
What do Monterey hotels usually charge for pets?
Pet fees vary, but many Monterey hotels charge between about $35 and $100 depending on the property and length of stay. Some charge per night, while others charge per stay.
Ready to plan a coastal getaway with your dog?
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