🐾 A Carmel Dog’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Carmel Valley
Trade the coastal fog for sunshine and head up Carmel Valley Road. ☀️🌿🐕
Just a few miles inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley has a dog-friendly personality all its own. Think sunny patios, local wine, rolling hills and plenty of room to explore.
Whether you’re heading up the Valley for a hike, a leisurely lunch or a weekend away, here are some of our favorite dog-friendly Carmel Valley spots to enjoy with your pup.
🥾 PLAY: Garland Ranch Regional Park
For an adventure-loving Carmel Dog, Garland Ranch Regional Park is a must.
Explore trails winding along the Carmel River and through oak woodlands, canyons and sunny hillsides. Dogs are welcome on the trails, making Garland one of our favorite places to experience Carmel Valley together.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: Trails, sunshine and plenty of new smells to investigate.
🍷 SIP: I. Brand & Family
A Carmel Valley afternoon calls for a little wine tasting. 🍷
I. Brand & Family has an intimate tasting room right in Carmel Valley Village, featuring small-production wines inspired by Monterey County and the Central Coast.
Check with the tasting room about dog-friendly seating when you make your reservation.
🐾 Why we love it: Great local wine and an easy stop during a sunny afternoon in the Village.
🥐 EAT: Lafayette Bakery & Café
Start your trip up Carmel Valley Road with a croissant. 🇫🇷🥐
Located at The Barnyard, Lafayette Bakery & Café is a family-run French bakery serving croissants, artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
The Barnyard welcomes leashed dogs throughout its outdoor spaces, making this an easy breakfast stop when your pup is along for the day.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: Breakfast for their human followed by a stroll through The Barnyard.
🍣 EAT: C.U. Sushi Rolls & Bowls
For something fresh and casual, C.U. Sushi at The Crossroads is an easy stop on your way into or out of Carmel Valley.
Grab sushi, poke or a rice bowl and enjoy the outdoor seating before continuing your adventure.
🐾 Why we love it: Casual, convenient and perfect for lunch after a morning out with your dog.
🍺 EAT & HANG OUT: Trailside Café & Beer Garden
Hike first. Beer garden second. 🥾🍺
Located in Carmel Valley Village, Trailside Café & Beer Garden serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but we especially love its dog-friendly outdoor beer garden.
It's an ideal place to relax after exploring Garland Ranch—or simply spend a sunny afternoon with your pup by your side.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: A dog-friendly beer garden after a day on the trails. Enough said.
🦴 SHOP: Stone’s Pet Shop
Every dog-friendly destination needs a great local pet shop.
Stone’s Pet Shop in Carmel Valley Village is the place to stock up on food, treats, toys and other essentials—or pick up a little something for the dog who has patiently accompanied you to all that wine tasting. 😉
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: Because humans shouldn't be the only ones who get to shop.
✂️ GET PAMPERED: The Dawg House
Even Carmel Dogs need a spa day. 🛁🐕
The Dawg House in Carmel Valley Village offers grooming services including baths, haircuts, de-shedding and nail trims.
Conveniently, it's also right next to Stone's Pet Shop.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: A little post-adventure pampering.
🏨 STAY: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
For a Carmel Valley getaway with your dog, it's hard to beat Bernardus Lodge & Spa. 🌿🍷
Set among vineyards, gardens and rolling hills, the resort welcomes four-legged guests with thoughtful touches like dog beds, bowls and treats.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: Wine-country luxury where dogs get the VIP treatment, too.
🌳 STAY: The Quail
The Quail is another beautiful dog-friendly place to stay while exploring Carmel Valley.
With its peaceful setting and easy access to both Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea, it's a great home base when you want a little bit of everything.
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: Plenty of space, beautiful surroundings and adventures in every direction.
🏨 STAY: Carmel Mission Inn
For a dog-friendly stay near the gateway to Carmel Valley, Carmel Mission Inn is a great option. 🐾
The relaxed, modern hotel welcomes dogs and puts you within easy reach of Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and plenty of nearby adventures. Even better, the hotel hosts a weekly Yappy Hour, giving pups and their humans a chance to socialize together. 🐕🍹
🐾 Why Carmel Dogs love it: A convenient home base with its very own happy hour for dogs.
☀️ Make a Carmel Valley Dog Day of It
Start with coffee and a croissant from Lafayette Bakery. 🥐☕ Then head up Carmel Valley Road for a morning hike at Garland Ranch. 🥾🐕
Spend the afternoon exploring Carmel Valley Village, stop into Stone's for a treat and enjoy a wine tasting at I. Brand. 🍷
Then finish your day with dinner and a cold drink in Trailside's dog-friendly beer garden. 🍺🐾
That's what we love about Carmel Valley: sunshine, trails, wine, good food and plenty of ways for your dog to be part of the adventure.
A Carmel Dog isn't a breed. It's a lifestyle. ☀️🌿🐾
Dog policies, hours and offerings can change, so we always recommend checking directly with individual businesses before your visit.
