Carmel-by-the-Sea with Pets

by Carol Martin
(Sit 'n Stay Global)

I admit, I have a rather unique perspective on travel... I always travel with pets. It's my job, actually, you know someone has to do it as the saying goes!

I was looking forward to a trip to the Monterey Peninsula for its legendary beauty and charm and was completely taken by surprise and delighted to find one of the most dog-friendly towns I had ever visited outside of Europe!

A little homework ahead of time told me to book at the Cypress Inn in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This amazing Inn was created by Doris Day and is warm and welcoming and elegant and pet friendly. It's not just pet friendly, it is pet embracing!

They have a wonderful sitting room where they serve afternoon tea (dogs invited) and Terry's Lounge hosts wonderful Yappy Hours serving human and canine libations. You'll see happy pets and humans relaxing everywhere and dog bowls and treats abound.

There is a great dog menu and the rooms are just this side of fabulous with personal pet welcome amenities. This Inn far exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend it for a wonderful, relaxing experience with your furry travel companion!

A few short blocks from the hotel you will end up at the Carmel Beach where dogs are free to romp off leash. This is no dog beach that is overrun with mutts only. This is a city beach where families and dogs and humans alike all enjoy a spectacular, beautiful beach with gorgeous views of Pebble Beach.

The most amazing thing? Everyone gets along! I just knew it could happen, I just did!!! The dogs are racing along the shore and into the water after sticks and balls and kids are playing and people are sitting enjoying the beauty. This is the enjoyment of nature as it should be. Don't miss this with your furry friend. Let them loose and let them "be the dog!"

After a stop at the beach we were thinking lunch might be in order so we wandered back up into town where we found we could stroll in and out of almost every shop with our 75 pound Golden Retriever. It was a no-brainer that we stopped in the Diggidy Dog and picked up some organic treats and a new toy or two, but we even stopped in a wine shop and gallery or two.

This is no pocket puppy folks, but you can take your dog in almost everywhere in this town. Many shops have biscuit jars and water bowls out to welcome the 4-legged guests too.

Almost every restaurant courtyard had dogs relaxing under the tables, much like the scene walking along the streets of France or Italy. We finally decided on Italian food, and chose Little Napoli and enjoyed a lunch that made us feel like we were in Italy with our dog!

Of course you should not miss the chance to take the 25-mile drive down the coast to Big Sur and enjoy the Big Scenery with your furry friend.

I do recommend you pack a wonderful picnic to enjoy along the way, though, as most of the restaurants down in the Big Sur area are not as pet friendly as the ones up in Carmel. The scenery is well worth the time out on a beautiful cliff just enjoying nature with your best friend though...

Finally, you might want to end the day with a true golfer’s tradition to get a taste of the heritage of Pebble Beach. Stop by The Inn at Spanish Bay for the Closing of The Links at sunset.

Your canine companion is welcome to walk right through the lobby to the back patio where there are wonderful seating groups arranged with fire pits for warmth to enjoy the fabulous view out over the Links to the ocean.

As the sun sets, a lone bagpiper emerges from the Links and strolls by, playing the pipes to signal the end of another day. There really is no finer way to end your day and be reminded that you are indeed visiting a very special place.

These are just a few stops; I know you'll find more. This is an area that is so well known for its beauty and glamor, but few realize that it is truly one of the most dog-friendly towns on earth. Next trip, take your best friend along and as always, enjoy the ride!