Carmel-by-the-Sea is a tiny one square mile town with a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly places in the country. Located on the coast off Highway 1 just south of Monterey, it makes a great weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area, especially for those who want to bring their pooches along.
We drove down to Carmel for a birthday weekend for Ryan. One of his “wishes” was to spend time with the pup, so he got to spend time with her AND enjoy time away from home.
Where To Sleep
We stayed at the dog-friendly Hofsas House Hotel during our trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more than six decades, the Theis family has treated guests to their Bavarian-inspired rooms and hospitality. Each room is spacious and uniquely decorated. The Hofsas House is so conveniently located - just steps from the main drag of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Outside of the Hofsas House office
Fresca also appreciated the warm welcome. For those interested in bringing their pups with them to Hofsas House, there is a small pet fee.
Doggie welcome package!
Where To Eat
Upon check-in, we were provided with a few maps of the area. On both, dog-friendly spots are marked, so you know where you’re welcome. While we didn’t invite Fresca along for every meal over the weekend, she got to tag along when we had dinner at Tarpy’s in Monterey. They have a dog menu (printed, laminated, the works!), so we ordered Fresca her very own dinner - a grilled “Doggie Delight Burger.”
Where’s my food?
She was pretty excited about that and beat us in the dinner gobbling race.
Ready to gobble!
Where To Drink
Carmel’s tasting rooms are all within a few blocks of each other and are all dog-friendly. Some are right on the street while others are tucked away in hidden courtyards. Many participate in the Carmel Wine Walk-by-the-Sea Wine Tasting Passport program, which is a self-paced, self-guided stroll to the tasting rooms. By purchasing the passport, you gain access to nine tastings at the fourteen participating wineries.
During our weekend, we shared tastings and stopped by Alexander-Smith, Dawn’s Dream, De Tierra Vineyards, Galante Vineyards, and Scheid Wines. Chardonnay and Pinot is the specialty of the area since the grapes are grown in nearby Santa Lucia Highlands, Carmel Valley, and the Monterey and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Fresca made herself at home at each of the tasting rooms we visited
Passports can either be purchased online, at the Carmel Visitor Center, or even through some of the accommodations in the area. Since the passport does not expire, we have a few more tastings to enjoy the next time we are in the area.
Where To Explore
Fresca intrigued by the sights and sounds of Mission Trail Park
Mission Trail Nature Preserve and Park is a fantastic spot for an easy hike. It is Carmel’s largest park spanning 35 acres with five miles of trails for exploring. We parked at the Mountain View Avenue entrance and walked all the way to the Carmel Mission on the other side of the park. Fresca enjoyed taking a peek at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo from the outside.
Outside of the Carmel Mission
And as always, Carmel Beach City Park is a favorite.
Fresca exploring the tidepools
Disclosure: Thanks to Hofsas House Hotel for hosting our weekend in dog-friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea. All opinions expressed here are my own.
