Eolian Dunes Preserve spans 28 acres in the Sand City section of the Coastal Trail and sits on land that used to be a landfill. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District acquired and restored it in the mid-1990s, turning it into a habitat where you’ll actually see coastal plants thriving and hear waves nearby as you walk. The sandy trails are straightforward to navigate, and there’s plenty of open space for your dog to move around without feeling cramped.

What makes this place work well for a dog visit is the combination of easy terrain and real coastal scenery. You’re walking on sand with ocean views, and the trails don’t require scrambling over rocks or navigating technical sections. The preserve’s openness means your dog can get genuine exercise, which matters more than just walking in circles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need—the coastal sun reflects off the sand and dries things out fast, especially from late spring through early fall.

The location on the Coastal Trail puts you within reach of other spots in the area if you want to string together a longer outing. Sand City itself is pretty low-key, so you won’t deal with major crowds here the way you might at some other Monterey County destinations. That said, the sandy terrain can be tough on paws if your dog isn’t used to it, so consider what shape your dog’s feet are in before tackling a long walk.

Dogs need to stay leashed to protect the restored habitat and local wildlife. Grab a spot on a patch of sand if you brought a blanket—the open terrain gives you plenty of options for settling in. Keep an eye on the weather; fog rolls in regularly even when it’s sunny elsewhere, so what looks warm from your car might be chilly once you’re out on the exposed dunes.