Big Sur is one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline on Earth. It also happens to be one of the trickiest places in California to travel with your dog. Most of the iconic trails in the state parks here are off-limits to dogs. But that does not mean your dog has to sit this one out. We have done the legwork so you know exactly where to go and where to skip.
The hard truth about Big Sur trails
State parks dominate the landscape in Big Sur, and California State Parks ban dogs from nearly all trails. That means no dogs on the trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and no dogs on most paths at Andrew Molera State Park or Limekiln State Park. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on paved roads in these parks, but not on dirt trails. It is a strict rule, and rangers enforce it.
The one real hiking option: Salmon Creek Trail, located on national forest land in the southern stretch of Big Sur. It is a gorgeous waterfall hike and one of the few spots where leashed dogs can hit the trail.
Beaches where dogs can run
Big Sur’s beaches are the real win for dog owners. Several are located on Los Padres National Forest land, which means dogs are welcome on leash.
Pfeiffer Beach is the showstopper — purple sand, sea arches, massive surf. Dogs must be leashed. Sand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in the southern end offers a long crescent of sand with room to roam. Farther south, Willow Creek Beach and Alder Creek Beach are smaller and more secluded. Mill Creek Picnic Area gives you beach access with picnic tables — a solid lunch stop with the dog.
Where to stay with your dog
Big Sur is not loaded with dog-friendly lodging, but we have good options across a range of budgets. Browse dog-friendly hotels in Big Sur for the full list.
Alila Ventana Big Sur is the luxury pick — a resort set in the redwoods with glamping options. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn is a Big Sur original, a rustic hand-built inn that has been welcoming travelers since the 1930s. Big Sur Lodge puts you inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park itself.
For camping, Big Sur Campground & Cabins sits along the Big Sur River and also rents cabins. Riverside Campground & Cabins is another river-adjacent option. Fernwood Resort has campsites and motel rooms. Ventana Campground is a redwood-shaded campground. Down south, Plaskett Creek Campground is close to Sand Dollar Beach. And Gorda Springs Resort sits at the far southern end of Big Sur.
Grab a bite
Ventana Big Sur has dining on-site. Most Big Sur restaurants have outdoor seating where well-behaved dogs are tolerated, but options are limited. Plan accordingly — pack food and water for both you and the dog.
The bottom line
Big Sur with a dog means beaches and campgrounds, not trail-heavy backcountry trips. Accept that, and you will have an incredible time. The coastline is world-class, the campgrounds are shaded by redwoods, and your dog gets to be right there with you for all of it. Check all our dog-friendly parks in Big Sur and campgrounds in Big Sur to plan your trip.
