DOG FRIENDLY TOWN
Written by Morgan Eastwood
While Carmel holds many distinctions, one of the most well-known is "Most Dog Friendly City in America." In Carmel-by-the-Sea, bringing your furry family member along for the trip isn't just accepted—it's encouraged! It's easy to find accommodations, restaurants, and curated experiences that will welcome fur-babies and their humans with open arms.
Paradise for Pups
One of California's most beloved dog-friendly beaches, Carmel Beach is the perfect place for pups to run off leash, chase the waves, make new furry friends, and soak up the salty sea breeze.
RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING
The Cypress Inn on Lincoln Street and Seventh Avenue is one of the iconic establishments that doesn't discriminate towards fur, breed, or size. Their on-site restaurant, Terry's Restaurant + Lounge, has long been famous for catering to dogs just as carefully as they do their humans. Shade is provided if needed, as are fresh bowls of water and a "canine delights" menu that includes a Nathan's Hotdog.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen is Carmel's newest, literally dog-forward café. The dog-themed coffee shop, located on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Mission Street (with its already established bike rental shop) uses the charming English Bulldog on their emblem. You can grab your pooch a "pup cup" of whipped cream before loading him or her into your bike's sidecar that's made especially for dogs. They'll enjoy the wind in their fur as you cruise along the quaint streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or on a longer journey around Pebble Beach's 17 Mile Drive. For a glass of wine later in the day (or any time of day!) De Tierra Vineyards on Mission Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues is extremely dog friendly, allowing canine companions both outside on the patio or inside their spacious tasting room.
Several restaurants welcome dining dogs. Grabbing a Mediterranean-inspired meal or refreshment at Treehouse Café on San Carlos Street actually feels like you're sitting amongst birds and branches. It's also one of the best places to dine with your dog; a perfect place for them to sit with their humans and enjoy the sunshine and ocean breeze. Carmel's Hidden Gem Restaurant is truly just that—an unassuming spot tucked away on Mission Street and Fifth Avenue, serving an exceptional breakfast and also, your pups. As you eat your Swedish Pancakes on the patio, your pal will be as cozy as can be in one of the restaurant-provided dog beds.
No dog-centered visit to Carmel would be complete without popping in to Diggidy Dog—A Dog & Cat Boutique. A landmark in town for two decades, Diggidy Dog, on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Monte Verde Street, is filled to the brim with everything you want or need to treat your animals. The well-supplied store has a wide selection of natural snacks like biscuits, jerky, freeze-dried meats, and even cupcakes made with canine-friendly ingredients. They also have basic goods you may have forgotten at home like kibble or soft food. What really differentiates Diggidy Dog from being just another pet store is their selection of luxury clothing, bedazzled accessories, cloud-like bedding and unique toys sourced from women, minority and veteran owned small businesses.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Being such a dog-friendly location has led to many dog fanatics basing their breed-specific meetups right here on the white sands of Carmel Beach and on the quaint streets of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Poodle Parade, otherwise known as Poodle Day, is a once-a-year event in early October that celebrates the brilliant breed and their unique physical traits—showcasing Poodles of all sizes—and hairstyles. The parade features a bagpiper who plays as the dogs march together through the Crossroads Carmel shopping center. Afterward, poodle parents can gather together for afternoon activities and evening parties at various cafés and wine bars. Proceeds from the festivities benefit the NorCal Poodle Rescue.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Beach Party is another annual pup meetup in mid-April celebrating one of the most lovable types of dogs. "They love to meet people and they're fabulous with children and old people," says local and Carmel Realty Agent Vicki Mitchell, who currently has three. "You can't just have one Cavalier. Once you've had one Cavalier, you have to get another one!" This reunion, held at Carmel Beach, started as a small, casual meetup but quickly grew into a crowd-pulling function. Hundreds of King Charles Spaniels and their humans now assemble to frolic in each other's company.
BassetCon is another convention held on a yearly basis in honor of the beloved floppy-eared, low-slung breed, the Basset Hound. Basset owners come from far and wide half-way through July to bring their funny fur babies to Carmel, a place where they'll undoubtedly receive plenty of pets and the special attention they deserve.
And if you find yourself on Carmel Beach surrounded by dozens of smushed-faced beauties on the last Sunday of the month, there's a good chance you're in the middle of The Carmel Pug Meetup. The pug meetup is put on monthly by Bay Area-based Tiny Paws Pug Rescue and held at the beach where one of the most charismatic breeds can run freely in their curly-tailed glory.
Having dog-friendly businesses and events so readily at our fingertips is a huge part of the charm on which our little town is built. We've got the commerce, the architecture, and the location, but it's the community of people—and their four-legged family members that participate in these activities—that really give Carmel its heart.
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