Maybe it’s something in the air, or some mysterious substance in the water. More likely, that mile-long, powder-white beach is what set Carmel-by-the-Sea on course to become the undisputed center of the dog-friendly universe in California. That and the wisdom of city officials and business owners who decided decades ago not just to tolerate dogs, but to embrace them.
If you’ve never seen a dog threaten to wag its tail right off its body from pure joy, you will when your pooch joins the many and varied canines chasing the surf at Carmel Beach, situated just below Hole 9 of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. The second-best thing about this storied leash-free strand: It’s walking distance from the charming town center, where shopkeepers set out water bowls, cashiers provide doggie treats and restaurateurs usher four-legged guests to heated patios reserved just for them and their owners.
In previous issues of DogTrekker, we’ve introduced you to some of our favorite Fido-friendy restaurants and other places to visit in Carmel, from the Fountain of Woof to that holy grail of dogdom, Doris Day’s Cypress Inn. You’ll discover your own favorites while strolling around town. And one thing’s for certain: you’ll be back.
