If you live in or are visiting Monterey, California, you definitely want to get out in the sunshine. Luckily, there are tons of spaces to see and explore in this beautiful area. If you want your dog to partake, a few dog-friendly beaches are available for your canine to burn off some steam, splash in the waves, and make new friends. Here are 4 of the best dog beaches we could find in the area, all having their own unique perks and potential downfalls. So, make sure to do your research and always follow beach rules. Letโ€™s dig in.

The Top 4 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Monterey, California

  1. Del Monte Beach

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A post shared by City Of Monterey, California (@cityofmonterey)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ 132 Tide Ave, Monterey, CA 93940

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes but limited

Very secluded beach, considered a hidden gem by locals

Within walking distance of other beaches you can check out

Boardwalk trail through sand dunes

Picnic tables and benches available for relaxation

Dog and family friendly

  1. San Carlos Beach Park

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A post shared by Elizabeth Johnson (@lizmjphoto)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ Reeside Ave and Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to Dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Only in designated dog areas

Dogs are allowed in the area, but not on the beach itself

Small beach located next to Coast Guard Pier

Grass lawns, benches, and picnic tables available

Trails for riding bikes, walking, and running nearby

Metered parking available

  1. Monterey State Beach

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A post shared by Murphy ๐Ÿพ (@murphythebeachdood)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“Seaside Exit off Highway 218, Monterey, CA

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to Dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes

Picnic areas, parking, and bathrooms available on site

Excellent activities for the whole familyโ€“like sports, swimming, fishing, and hiking with your dog

Beautiful oceanfront views on state-protected land

Beach is pure for excellent beachcombing potential

Must bring all supplies for your dog

  1. Asilomar State Beach

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A post shared by Asilomar State Beach (@asilomarstatebeach)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950

๐Ÿ• Open Times 6:30 amโ€“9:00 pm

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes

Dogs are allowed on beaches, trails, and conference grounds

Coastal trails along with beautiful stretches of beach to explore

Overnight lodging available for families

No dogs off leash in the park area

No public restrooms on beach, must visit Phoebe Hearst Social Hall

Conclusion Even though there are only a few dog-friendly beaches around Monterey, California, they are lovely spots with lots to do. Just read individual beach rules and ensure you bring any necessary supplies along, as needed. You and your dog can certainly enjoy ocean views, fresh air, and new friends! Some beaches do not allow dogs directly on the sandy parts, but your buddy can still accompany you on other adventures or out on the water.

Featured Image Credit: Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash

If you live in or are visiting Monterey, California, you definitely want to get out in the sunshine. Luckily, there are tons of spaces to see and explore in this beautiful area. If you want your dog to partake, a few dog-friendly beaches are available for your canine to burn off some steam, splash in the waves, and make new friends.

Here are 4 of the best dog beaches we could find in the area, all having their own unique perks and potential downfalls. So, make sure to do your research and always follow beach rules. Letโ€™s dig in.

The Top 4 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Monterey, California

1. Del Monte Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City Of Monterey, California (@cityofmonterey)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ 132 Tide Ave, Monterey, CA 93940

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes but limited

Very secluded beach, considered a hidden gem by locals

Within walking distance of other beaches you can check out

Boardwalk trail through sand dunes

Picnic tables and benches available for relaxation

Dog and family friendly

2. San Carlos Beach Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elizabeth Johnson (@lizmjphoto)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ Reeside Ave and Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to Dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Only in designated dog areas

Dogs are allowed in the area, but not on the beach itself

Small beach located next to Coast Guard Pier

Grass lawns, benches, and picnic tables available

Trails for riding bikes, walking, and running nearby

Metered parking available

3. Monterey State Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Murphy ๐Ÿพ (@murphythebeachdood)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“Seaside Exit off Highway 218, Monterey, CA

๐Ÿ• Open Times Dawn to Dusk

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes

Picnic areas, parking, and bathrooms available on site

Excellent activities for the whole familyโ€“like sports, swimming, fishing, and hiking with your dog

Beautiful oceanfront views on state-protected land

Beach is pure for excellent beachcombing potential

Must bring all supplies for your dog

4. Asilomar State Beach

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Asilomar State Beach (@asilomarstatebeach)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address ๐Ÿ“ Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950

๐Ÿ• Open Times 6:30 amโ€“9:00 pm

๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free Free

๐Ÿ• Off-Leash: Yes

Dogs are allowed on beaches, trails, and conference grounds

Coastal trails along with beautiful stretches of beach to explore

Overnight lodging available for families

No dogs off leash in the park area

No public restrooms on beach, must visit Phoebe Hearst Social Hall

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City Of Monterey, California (@cityofmonterey)

A post shared by City Of Monterey, California (@cityofmonterey)

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Very secluded beach, considered a hidden gem by locals

Within walking distance of other beaches you can check out

Boardwalk trail through sand dunes

Picnic tables and benches available for relaxation

Dog and family friendly

  • Very secluded beach, considered a hidden gem by locals
  • Within walking distance of other beaches you can check out
  • Boardwalk trail through sand dunes
  • Picnic tables and benches available for relaxation
  • Dog and family friendly

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elizabeth Johnson (@lizmjphoto)

A post shared by Elizabeth Johnson (@lizmjphoto)

Dogs are allowed in the area, but not on the beach itself

Small beach located next to Coast Guard Pier

Grass lawns, benches, and picnic tables available

Trails for riding bikes, walking, and running nearby

Metered parking available

  • Dogs are allowed in the area, but not on the beach itself
  • Small beach located next to Coast Guard Pier
  • Grass lawns, benches, and picnic tables available
  • Trails for riding bikes, walking, and running nearby
  • Metered parking available

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Murphy ๐Ÿพ (@murphythebeachdood)

A post shared by Murphy ๐Ÿพ (@murphythebeachdood)

Picnic areas, parking, and bathrooms available on site

Excellent activities for the whole familyโ€“like sports, swimming, fishing, and hiking with your dog

Beautiful oceanfront views on state-protected land

Beach is pure for excellent beachcombing potential

Must bring all supplies for your dog

  • Picnic areas, parking, and bathrooms available on site
  • Excellent activities for the whole familyโ€“like sports, swimming, fishing, and hiking with your dog
  • Beautiful oceanfront views on state-protected land
  • Beach is pure for excellent beachcombing potential
  • Must bring all supplies for your dog

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Asilomar State Beach (@asilomarstatebeach)

A post shared by Asilomar State Beach (@asilomarstatebeach)

Dogs are allowed on beaches, trails, and conference grounds

Coastal trails along with beautiful stretches of beach to explore

Overnight lodging available for families

No dogs off leash in the park area

No public restrooms on beach, must visit Phoebe Hearst Social Hall

  • Dogs are allowed on beaches, trails, and conference grounds
  • Coastal trails along with beautiful stretches of beach to explore
  • Overnight lodging available for families
  • No dogs off leash in the park area
  • No public restrooms on beach, must visit Phoebe Hearst Social Hall

Conclusion

Even though there are only a few dog-friendly beaches around Monterey, California, they are lovely spots with lots to do. Just read individual beach rules and ensure you bring any necessary supplies along, as needed.

You and your dog can certainly enjoy ocean views, fresh air, and new friends! Some beaches do not allow dogs directly on the sandy parts, but your buddy can still accompany you on other adventures or out on the water.

Featured Image Credit: Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash