Also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel, California, is a small town on the Monterey Peninsula. It is known for its stunning ocean views, gorgeous beaches, and water sports like scuba diving, boating, swimming, and surfing. With only about 3,200 residents, the beautiful city is only really crowded during the summer when tourists visit from colder climates looking for warmth and sunshine. Carmel has an average high of 70 year-round and a low of about 50, so it is never too hot or too cold.
The city has approximately 700 canine companions in 2,100 households, giving the average number of dogs in households about 33%. Because of the spectacular weather, Carmel has over 20 parks, which is a lot considering how small the town is at 1.06 square miles. With so few parks though, finding a dog-friendly park to take your fur baby to play can be difficult. We found 15 for you to check out.
Pacchetti Dog Park
- Address: Kimball Ave & Noche Buena St, Seaside, CA 93955
- Open Hours: 7am – 8pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
About seven miles northeast of Carmel in Seaside, Pacchetti Dog Park was named for William C. Pacchetti, who was the first fire chief in Seaside, served 28 years, and loved dogs. The park is almost two acres in size and runs along Kimball and Noche Buena Streets. There are two sections, one for large and one for small dogs under 30 pounds. The most popular feature here for pet parents is the Memory Garden, where there are memorial plaques for pups who were lost.
But the pups find the most popular things here are the tunnels, tires, and other fun items to climb on, run through, or jump over. There always seems to be at least one dog here, so your pooch will have someone to play with. If not, there are plenty of balls and doggie discs to keep him busy. They provide dog poop baggies, seating, and water for your convenience, but there is no restroom, and dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and have a rabies tag.
El Estero Dog Park
- Address: 852 Pearl St, Monterey, CA 93940
- Open Hours: 6am – 10pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Three miles west of Pacchetti Dog Park in Monterey, El Estero Dog Park can be found in the northwestern corner of El Estero Park. The pooch playground is not huge, but it does have a separate area for small dogs with big-dog anxiety. The breeze from the lake and bountiful shade trees give you a pleasant place to relax, no matter how hot it is. Doggie bags and water are available, but it is still a good idea to bring your own.
After playing at the park, take your fur baby over to the lake, where he is welcome to sniff around as long as he is on a leash at all times. He can even get in the water and cool off if he is hot. Or get some exercise on the El Estero Exercise Course. It has 18 exercise stations on a 1.2-mile path around the lake. There is also a snack bar if you get hungry.
Rip Van Winkle Open Space
- Address: 1072 Congress Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
- Open Hours: 7am – 8pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Head northwest another few miles, and you will find Rip Van Winkle Open Space in the Pacific Grove neighborhood. With 20 acres of off-leash space, this is the perfect park to let your pooch get rid of those zoomies. You will both enjoy the rugged forested trail around the park, which is just over one mile long. The forested area has hundreds of oak, pine, and cypress trees for plentiful shade and lots of sniffing.
It is a good idea to keep your dog’s leash handy just in case because, with 20 acres, he could get excited and run off if he does not have an exceptional recall. There are a lot of squirrels and other creatures that may entice even the most well-behaved poochies, and there are no fences. Besides the trails, there are picnic tables, waste stations with cleanup bags, and tons of room to play fetch or frisbee.
Sylvan Dog Park
- Address: 1340 Spruance Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
- Open Hours: 6am – 10pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Sylvan Dog Park can be found right next to Sylvan Tennis Court in Le Mesa Village, about two miles southeast of El Estero Dog Park. This is a large open park with lots of shade and ample seating for pup parents. Also, small dog owners do not have to worry because the big dogs have their own space to romp around. The grass is almost always green, and there are logs and other natural items to climb on.
What’s more, the park has a large supply of tennis balls because of the tennis court next door. There are a few waste stations with poop scoopers, bags, and trash bins, but you may want to bring your own bags just in case. And you will need to bring your own water because there is no water fountain. All dogs must be vaccinated, licensed, and over four months of age, and you can only have two dogs per adult.
Marshall Park Dog Park
- Address: Parker Flats Cutoff Rd and Gigling Rd, Seaside, CA
- Open Hours: 7am – 10pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Full of fun agility equipment, Marshall Dog Park in Seaside is just 10 miles northeast of Carmel City. Your cuddly canine companion can run through tunnels, speed up and over the ramps, and scutter under logs. Or you can play a game of fetch or frisbee with your fur puppy. If there are other pups there, your pooch may just spend the day chasing other pups around. The terrain is mostly grass and dirt with some mulch and gravel, so it does get muddy when it rains.
It is right across the street from the California Medical Detachment Center on Parker Flats in the middle of a rural area that is mostly military from Fort Ord. In fact, many of the locals call it Fort Ord Dog Park. There are a few doggie bag dispensers, but they seem to run out a lot, so bring your own. You also need to bring your own water for you and your pupster.
Del Rey Oaks Dog Park
- Address: 999 Angelus Way, Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Located just a few minutes south of Pacchetti Dog Park across Highway 218 in Del Rey Oaks, this quaint community park features a variety of activities for everyone, including a fenced pup park for your fur baby to play off the leash. Between the baseball fields and the softball field, there is a fenced area where fur babies are welcome to lose the leash and run amok. There is a lot of room to run as well as shaded seating for the pup parents.
The rest of the park is pup popular too but you will have to put your cuddle buddy’s leash back on and be sure to bring enough doggie bags. If you have any little humans with you, they will love the two playgrounds and older kids can play basketball, volleyball, or baseball. There are several picnic tables with barbecue pits so you and your pooch can enjoy a meal as well.
Schoonover Dog Park
- Address: Schoonover Drive, Marina, California 93933
- Open Hours: 8am – 7pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Also known as Marina Dog Park, Schoonover Dog Park is about 15 miles northeast of downtown Carmel in the Marina neighborhood near California State University Monterey Bay. This puppy park has two large sections. The small dog park for dogs 25 pounds and under is full of fun with hoops to jump through, a couple of hurdles to jump over, a fire hydrant to pee on, and a tunnel to run through. There are also some benches and chairs in the shade for pet parents.
The other space is about twice the size of the small dog park, and it is for all dogs, no matter the size or breed. What it has is mostly just open space for running, chasing, playing ball, or tossing around a doggie disc. Pup parents are happy to see the pooper scoopers and bags that make picking up after their pups easy as can be.
East Garrison Dog Park
- Address: 21415 Ord Ave, East Garrison, CA 93933
- Open Hours: Sunrise – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
In the East Garrison Community Park, the East Garrison Dog Park is about 16 miles northeast of Carmel and just three miles from Schoonover Dog Park. The small dog park section makes it easy for dogs 35 pounds and under to play without being overwhelmed by the big doggies. Also, children under 12 must be with an adult 18 or older. Puppies under four months are not allowed, and your fur buddy has to have all the required shots and licenses.
With gravel and mulch terrain, you will not have to worry about mud at all, no matter how much it rains. However, it can be rough on delicate paws, so keep that in mind. There is a water spigot to fill bowls for your pup to get a drink, but you need to bring your own. The park also has several waste stations with poop bags and trash receptacles for easier cleanup.
Franich Dog Park
- Address: The address of the park goes here
- Open Hours: 7am – 8pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Approximately 25 miles northeast of downtown Carmel, Franich Dog Park can be found at Franich Community Park in Watsonville. Just across the street from Ann Soldo Elementary School, this pup playground is a fun, sandy, open space for your cuddle buddy to run around and play with the other pups. Little fur pups do not have to worry because there is a special section for dogs under 25 pounds, and there are poop bag dispensers in each section for your convenience.
The park also has a water fountain with running water with a dog bowl at the bottom. However, it is best to bring your own dish to avoid spreading germs. Outside the dog park, put your canine companion’s leash back on, and you can explore the rest of the 14 acres. There are ball fields, basketball, volleyball, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and a children’s playground with water play and a tot lot.
Aromas Dog Park
- Address: 300 Aromas Rd, Aromas, CA 95004
- Open Hours: 8am – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
You will find Aromas Dog Park about eight miles southeast of the Franich Dog Park across the street from the Aromas School. This is a fantastic park for dogs that love to climb and use agility equipment. The city has provided lots of space, and other volunteers have donated numerous playstations including weave poles, tunnels, adjustable jump poles, hoops, and ramps. There is also a book-sharing box for kids and adults books and a bucket with tennis balls.
The community really does a lot at this park to make it fun for everyone, donating chairs, picnic tables, books, and balls. They are constantly updating the agility equipment to keep it interesting for the regulars, and the Boy Scouts often paint and repurpose the fencing and signs. Like most of the other parks, there is a big section for the larger pups and a small section for the littles. They have water and doggie bags, but bring your own, just in case.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
- Address: 700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
- Open Hours: 6am – 6pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
Over in Carmel Valley, about 10 miles to the southeast, Garland Ranch Regional Park is the perfect place to spend the day if you enjoy hiking. And your pooch is allowed off the leash in most parts of the park, including the trails that goes to the river. There are several, including the Lupine Loop, Rancho Loop, and La Mesa Pond. If you take the Garza Canyon or Redwood Canyon Trail, you can find the Las Garzas Creek, too.
You can also see a nice waterfall during the wet season. It is just off the La Mesa Pond Trail in the southeastern section of the park. During the summer, this is a great place to come for a swim and a picnic with your cuddly canine companion. With over 3,400 acres and 60 acres, there is a lot to see, including the Native Rumsen sites, historic hunting cabins, and what is left of the homestead.
Mission Trail Park and Nature Preserve
- Address: Mountain View and Crespi Roads, Carmel, CA 93924
- Open Hours: 5am – 10pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: No
Mission Trail Park and Nature Preserve has almost 34 acres with more than five miles of wooded trails to explore and enjoy with your cuddle buddy. As long as you keep your fur baby on a leash, he is welcome to join you on your expedition through the oak and pine forests, wetlands, and coastal prairie. There is also a wetland you can check out, but do not let your pooch swim in it or drink it.
If you start at Hatton Road, you can take the Flanders Spur Trail to see the arboretum, Flanders Mansion, and Toyon Grove. You can also start at Martin Road and take the Mesa Trail to see some incredible views at the scenic vista. Take that trail to the Doolittle Trail, which will take you to the Sierra Trail to see the wildflowers. Then, take the Willow Trail through the tunnel to see the Mission Vista and wild poppy field. Bring water and doggie bags with you.
Carmel Beach
- Address: San Antonio Avenue, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
- Open Hours: 8am – 830pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Less than half of a mile from downtown Carmel, you can bring your fur baby to play on the beach at Carmel Beach. With gorgeous white sand and lush cypress trees, this is a well-liked spot for the locals as well as tourists. It is especially popular with the surfers. Pooches are welcome to play off the leash as long as they have excellent recall. They even have Mutt Mitt dispensers at the top of each staircase heading to the beach.
It is good to note that it can be chilly at the beach no matter what time of year you come because of the wind off the water. They have a water spigot for cleaning off your feet and your pup before heading back to the car as well. But you should bring your own water for you and your canine companion. You do not want him drinking saltwater.
Carmel River State Beach
- Address: 26478 Carmelo St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
- Open Hours: 8am – 9pm
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
This mile-long state beach is also pup popular because of its off-leash option for dogs with good recall. If your pooch does not listen when you call him, this is a dangerous place to let him off the leash. However, he can still have fun if he stays on the leash. If you keep walking down the beach to the south, you will find Monastery Beach with a beautiful cove. Swimming and wading here is dangerous because of the waves.
If you want to swim, stay at the northern end of the beach where the water is clean and warm and the sand is white and soft. You can enjoy the river as well as the ocean here, and there is even a lagoon where you can see a variety of wildlife. The crowds do not really pack the beach here since they are all on Carmel Beach, so you can have a quiet picnic with your pup in the sand.
Monterey State Beach
- Address: Figueroa and Del Monte Ave., Monterey, CA 93940
- Open Hours: 8am – sunset
- Price: Free
- Off-Leash: Yes
Across the peninsula, about six miles, you will find another pooch-friendly beach on Monterey Bay. The Monterey State Beach allows pups to play on the beach from Roberts Lake to the south. Stay out of the area north of the Seaside parking lot, or you could end up with a ticket for over a hundred dollars. This gives you about half of a mile of seaside all the way to Del Monte Beach.
You will see a lot of wildlife here, so if your pooch likes to chase birds, you should keep him on a short leash. There are lots of pelicans, seagulls, and cranes on the beach. And in the water, you can see dolphins swimming out in the deep areas. During the weekend, it can get crowded in the summer, so find yourself a spot during the week if you want solitude. Do not forget to bring extra water and doggie bags.
The Final Woof
In Carmel, with its 15 dog parks and beaches, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friend. While exploring the town, don’t miss the chance to visit the Fountain of Woof, an exclusive doggy fountain located in Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue. The area is also home to numerous dog-friendly eateries and shops, though it’s always a good idea to check in advance. For a unique experience, bring your dog along to Escape Room 831 to help solve puzzles and escape the room. And for a relaxing end to your day, visit the Galante Vineyards Tasting Room with your canine companion and enjoy some local wines. For more detailed information on dog-friendly activities and locations in Carmel, make sure to check out our dog-friendly Carmel travel guide, where you’ll find a wealth of options to make your stay enjoyable for both you and your dog.
