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Whether you are traveling to visit a local dog park or exploring Monterey County, from Cannery Row to Big Sur, plan your trip on DogTrekker.com and take along the DogTrekker mobile app to locate over 9,000 things to do with your pup in the Golden State. Following is our latest newsletter ( Subscribe | Archives ).
Who doesn’t look forward to a trip to Monterey? The bracing sea air, the coastal scenery, the seafood…If your dog’s been there before, she’s sure to beat you into the car as you start loading up. And whether it’s your first trip or your 50th to the Central Coast with a four-legged companion, well, we’ve got some tips and surprises to set tails a’wagging.
Cannery Row Brewing Company - Photo Credit: @rogan_thecocker
“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” So wrote John Steinbeck in his famous 1945 novel. “The Row” gets its name from a string of long-defunct sardine-canning factories, some of which have been converted into dog-friendly restaurants and hotels. Today, it’s Monterey’s main waterfront tourist draw, the gateway to dog-friendly Monterey County and a destination in itself when it comes to dog-friendly things to do. more »
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Photo Credit: Håkan Dahlström (CC)
by Dave Kendrick, Co-founder DogTrekker.com
A reader recently mentioned that as part of our in-depth coverage of destinations around the state, we should provide tips that locals use to have fun with their dogs in their home towns or regions. Since Cannery Row and Monterey County are DogTrekker.com’s backyard playground, we thought this would be a good time to begin sniffing out how to navigate the local scene.
Tip 1: The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row is a top attraction for many visitors. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing your pup on a visit to the area. Here are some ways to do that:
• Short-term boarding: a seven-minute walk from the aquarium is Casa de Amigos Animal Hotel, where you can leave you pup (as long as she’s up to date on her vaccines) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a flat fee of $25. Other sitting services are listed here.
• Maya, DogTrekker.com’s Director of Barketing, loves to be pampered while her parents are checking out the latest aquarium exhibits. Close by is a full-service Petco groomer. Others can be found on DogTrekker.com and on the DogTrekker mobile app. more »
Lovers Point, Pacific Grove - Photo Credit: @desiferguson
The most abiding joy to be had on the Monterey Peninsula is simply enjoying the rugged coastal scenery, and there’s no better way to soak it up than on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This paved, multi-use path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. To get started, we suggest strolling the segment between Cannery Row and Asilomar State Beach, which will take about an hour at a moderate walking pace. more »
Carmel City Beach - Photo Credit: @roux.the.blue
For many visitors with dogs, the primary reason to visit the Monterey Peninsula is to share your dog’s joy in running free on Carmel City Beach, a powdery, mile-long strand that is perhaps the best known leash-free beach in the country. It’s a short drive from Cannery Row and walking distance from stylish Carmel-by-the-Sea with its wealth of dog-friendly lodging and places to eat. Come in early morning to meet the locals, at dusk to enjoy the sunset. more »
My bottle, don't touch - Photo Credit: @travels_with_dafydd
Monterey wines rely on warm sun, cool fog and nurturing soils resulting in intense varietal flavor. Chardonnay, pinot blanc and riesling are notable varietals grown near the coast, while reds are more common in the warmer southern areas. You can sample them all while your dog waits patiently (we hope!) by your side at dozens of pet-friendly tasting rooms from Cannery Row to Carmel to the Santa Lucia Highlands. Best bet: Pick a region and check out our recommended itineraries. more »
Photo: Cinnamon - Peace of Mind Dog Rescue
Cinnamon here is the poster girl for graceful aging. At 14, she's not only kept her looks and sweet disposition, her joie de vivre is also just fine. She loves to explore, hang out with other dogs, hang out with people, and snuggle with them whenever possible. Technically, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not lap dogs, but Cinnamon probably wouldn't mind your making an exception for her. She's an easygoing, happy girl who wants to bring some sunshine to her own family. more »