Dog walking in Carmel Highlands

South Carmel Highlands

Garrapata State Park sits right on the southern edge of Carmel Highlands, so you and your pooch would be barking mad not to check it out! Though there are some hiking trails that wind their way through this 3,000-acre preserve, they’re off-limits to doggos due to poison oak and wildlife concerns. Not to worry though -- you and your pup are still welcome to take a stroll on the sand of Garrapata Beach! The way down to the beach is lined with colorful wildflowers, too, and the beach is a popular spot for whale watching in the winter. Don’t forget to bring bags and water!

Rancho Los Laureles

Make no bones about it, if your doggo likes to hike, they’ll go wild for a trip to Garland Ranch Regional Park! Located a couple of miles inland in scenic Carmel Valley, this furrific park allows pups to sniff and explore selected trails off-leash. You and your pooch can wander the cottonwood and sycamore waterside paths, and your buddy can even splash about in the river! Most of the routes are quite easily walkable, but fitter furry friends in search of a challenge are sure to find one on the Sky Trail, an eight-mile trek that features some steep inclines and rewards the stamina of those who complete it with panoramic views over the river valley and Monterey Peninsula. Be sure to look up a map before you go!

Northwest Carmel

Carmel River State Beach might be a little closer to Carmel Highlands, but Carmel Beach itself is a real mutts-visit! Located right at the southern edge of the city’s Northwest Carmel neighborhood, this pristine and famously fur-friendly beach allows free-roaming fur-balls all day and year round. If your pooch likes to swim, they’ll have a whale of a time splashing about in the shallow surf; otherwise, you two can enjoy a spirited game of catch or tug-of-war on the sand. The sand stretches for miles, the water is beautiful and frequented by humpbacks in the winter, and waste bags are provided.

Golden Triangle

Carmel-by-the-Sea likes to refer to itself as the most dog-friendly town in America, and a visit to the pawesome Golden Triangle neighborhood proves that the city is at least in the running! If you’re looking to learn a little more about the area, consider taking a walking tour with California Legacy tours -- the guides will fill you in on the artistic history of the town, and leashed pooches are more than welcome to join. A treat from Diggidy Dog is sure to make your buddy sit up and beg -- they stock everything from everyday rewards to more occasional indulgences, as well as a range of accessories guaranteed to give your furball a new "leash" on life! Or you two can drop in for a drink at Galante Vineyards Tasting Room -- all their wine is local, and they even stock treats for visiting doggos.

Mission Fields

Carmel’s Golden Triangle area has more doggy dining than you can throw a stick at, but if you and your pooch are looking for somewhere to chow down far from the madding crowd, you’re sure to find somewhere in the southeastern neighborhood of Mission Fields. Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria does an excellent thin crust, and they welcome wagging tails inside and out, so you and Fido can dine here come rain or shine! For breakfast, consider dropping in at the un-fur-gettable From Scratch. Their corned beef hash is the stuff of legend, and they cater to canines outside. A special mention, though, has to go to Billy Quon’s Sur at the Barnyard, which does a grrreat skirt steak and even has its own doggy menu!