The Red Lion Hotel in Monterey sits in a useful spot—halfway between Historic Downtown Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, which means you’re well-positioned to explore the whole area without being stuck in town. Pebble Beach, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Fisherman’s Wharf are all easily reachable, so you can plan days around whatever interests you most.

What matters if you’re traveling with a dog is that the hotel welcomes them. Your dog gets to come along instead of spending the day in a crate while you’re out. The rooms have enough space that you won’t feel cramped after being out all day, and there’s a comfortable outdoor area where you can sit with your dog and decompress.

Monterey and the surrounding areas give you real options for dog activities. Carmel Beach allows dogs and it’s worth the short drive—the sand is wide, the water’s right there, and your dog can actually move around instead of being glued to your side. The coastal paths around the area are scenic and usually quiet enough that you can walk without feeling rushed or crowded. If you want something less strenuous, even a stroll through downtown Monterey with stops at the shops along the waterfront works fine for most dogs.

The hotel includes complimentary breakfast, which is convenient when you’re trying to get an early start on a day of exploring. That outdoor area I mentioned—it’s genuinely useful if your dog needs to stretch out, and you want a quiet place to have your coffee before heading out.

The setup here works well if you’re planning to use Monterey as a home base for a few days of exploring the Peninsula. You’re not locked into a specific neighborhood, and you have flexibility to drive to different spots without feeling like you’re staying too far from everything.