Carmel is consistently voted one of the top tourist destinations in the country, and once you get there you’ll see why. The one-square-mile European style village is nestled within a pine forest above a spectacular white sand beach (where dogs are allowed!) and offers an abundance of gourmet dining, shopping, and cultural events for such a small town. Some of the most popular festivals and events hosted you’ll find here are the annual Carmel Art Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, Carmel Shake-speare Festival, and Carmel Friday Night Art Walks in the summer months.
No matter when you visit, the best way to see Carmel is by foot. Hit the streets with your dog and you’ll find over 90 art studios and galleries, dozens of antique shops, and hundreds of small boutiques. If you work up an appetite along the way, there are tons of small cafes and restaurants that have outdoor dining areas where dogs are welcome. One of them, The Corkscrew Café, serves great food and local wines in a lovely outdoor seating area beneath a grape-covered awning. And not only is your dog allowed; he’ll even be served with treats and water.
When you’ve finished your meal and are ready to give your feet a rest, get in your car and explore the surrounding area. You could take the world famous 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, see the beautiful coastline at Big Sur, visit a winery in the Carmel Valley, check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or pamper yourself at a local spa.
This 4500-acre park located 8.6 miles east of Highway 1 on Carmel Valley Road offers more than five miles of trails with a variety of landscapes and elevations ranging from 200 to 2000 feet. You could hike on a trail along the banks of the Carmel River or through a beautiful maple-filled canyon, but our personal favorite is the Waterfall Trail. It's a moderately difficult 3-hour hike from the Visitor Center to the waterfall, so be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and the pooch.
The park is home to a wide variety of plants, birds, and other animals. Species lists of common plants and animals you'll see along the trails are available at the Visitor Center and there is a ranger/naturalist staff on hand to help you enjoy your visit. You'll also find restrooms and picnic tables near the visitor center if you want to make a day of it.
Dogs are welcome in the park, but officials ask that you discourage your dog from bothering wildlife, keep him on a leash or under your immediate voice control, and that you "scoop the poop" with the Mutt Mitts they've dispensed throughout the park.
