Pacchetti Dog Park in Seaside gives dogs a chance to run around and socialize off-leash in a dedicated space near the Monterey Peninsula. The park has separate areas designed for larger dogs and smaller dogs (30 pounds and under), which means you’re not stuck watching a tiny dog get trampled by an enthusiastic Lab or managing an anxious small dog in a pen full of bigger personalities. The smaller dog area also welcomes older dogs or those that are just less energetic—a thoughtful touch if you’ve got a senior who wants to be around other dogs without the chaos.

The park operates from dawn to dusk, which works well if you’re an early riser or prefer evening playtime. The setup is straightforward: dogs need to be under voice control at all times since they’re off-leash, and you need to keep your leash in hand and be ready to grab your dog if needed. The park enforces a three-dog limit per handler, which keeps things manageable. As with any off-leash area, aggressive dogs aren’t permitted, and cleanup is expected—bring bags.

The rules are fairly standard for California dog parks, and you’ll want to check pacchettidogpark.org before your first visit to see the complete list of regulations. It’s worth knowing these details upfront, especially the rules about voice control and keeping your leash accessible, since enforcement does vary at different parks. The separate areas mean you can choose the right space for your dog’s size and temperament, which makes a real difference in whether your dog actually has fun or spends the whole time stressed.