Central Coast
Head out on The Original Road Trip and explore California's Central Coast—350 miles of the world's most dramatic coastline. This incomparable region stretches from Santa Cruz County, south of the San Francisco Bay Area, to Ventura County just north of Los Angeles. Along the way, you'll pass through Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
With more than 800 dog-friendly listings, the Central Coast is a paradise for pups and their people. Let your dog run free on the iconic off-leash Carmel Beach, explore the tide pools at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, or stroll along the sand at Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara. Further south, Pismo State Beach and Cayucos State Beach welcome four-legged beachgoers, while Morro Bay State Park offers stunning coastal trails with views of the iconic rock.
Wine lovers will find more than 150 dog-friendly wineries scattered across Paso Robles, the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains—perfect for a dog-friendly tasting tour. Charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Solvang and Cayucos roll out the welcome mat for dogs with pet-friendly patios, boutique hotels and scenic walking trails around every corner.
Whether you're camping beneath the redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, watching the sunset from Cannery Row in Monterey, or relaxing at a dog-friendly hotel in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast delivers unforgettable adventures for the whole pack.
Explore
Stories about Central Coast
8 dog-friendly cabins in Monterey and Big Sur
Spring in Paso Robles with your dog
Central Coast nesting season: a dog owner’s calendar
Heatstroke and hot pavement: California dog summer safety
An easy California dog trip for seniors
Santa Barbara with your dog: what locals keep quiet
California’s best dog-friendly resorts
Dog-friendly Bay Area spring getaways under 2 hours
Dog-friendly Father’s Day: 5 California trips dads will want
Dog-friendly Memorial Day weekend in California: 6 escapes
Dog-friendly breweries in California: your spring patio season guide