One thing the central California coastline of Big Sur provides is stunning ocean views, and sandy beaches without the crowds. But what about man’s best friend? Is your four-legged best friend allowed to join you at Julia Pfeiffer State Beach?
Hell no! Dogs are treated like second-class citizens at the state parks across America. Honestly, no surprise when most two-legged companion animals don’t even have the decency to clean up after their Champs and Buddy’s. Every day of my life, other dog owners piss me off. That’s why I need to find some zen on the Central Coast. So, is it possible to enjoy a dog-friendly Big Sur?
The bliss of the Central Coast
I tend to get a little frustrated with other dog owners, as yes, I am that outdoor lover who picks up all those discarded green or blue shit-filled doggy bags littering our trails here in California. Just this morning, as we were taking a break from packing our thirty-four-foot motorhome for our upcoming dog-friendly Big Sur vaca, I picked up a discarded bag of dog do-do half a mile from my driveway. I was
trying to just do a nice thing, help keep our lovely neighborhood clean when the bag began leaking on my leg. This was not how I wanted to end my walk on an eighty-five-degree morning! I needed to escape to dog-friendly Big Sur ASAP!
Early September, off to Big Sur we went! Nothing says beachside delight like the rugged Central Coast in the off-season! Thinking about visiting the Central Coast? Please plan a trip! Sections of Highway 1 are closed due to multiple mudslides, so the tourism in this scenic area is just dead! Pismo Beach to San Simeon to Big Sur, their economy needs you to keep them afloat! Areas like Sedona are gorgeous in November but so crowded. Why not take a trip to the secluded beach cities of the Central Coast?
The VIP Room near dog-friendly Big Sur
So, where should you 
camp with your motorhome on the Central Coast? We have a 34-foot motorhome, so a larger rig. Our options were few between Big Sur and Carmel. I also was not too keen on staying inside the state beaches because the things you can do with your pup are just so limited in California state parks. I found Carmel-By-The-River RV Park in Carmel by the Sea. When I checked in I decided to upgrade us to the VIP lounge as it was my boyfriend’s birthday trip. OMG, was this a good (Yet expensive) idea! Our VIP room campsite had patio furniture, a fire pit and a great gas barbecue. Do you know how excited our vacation dog was to sit on furniture? I mean this is her vacation, too…
Booking the more expensive fancy campsite for our four-night stay made setting up camp so easy! We didn’t have to bring out our outdoor table, chairs, or any of our outdoor camp kitchens. After almost a month of being on the road, it was very nice to have comfortable outdoor furnishings to enjoy for a few days. And did I mention our pup was thrilled to sit on a couch? She is not allowed on furniture at home when we are not on vacation. For a dog-friendly Big Sur vacation, I’m sure she was just thrilled with this setup.
What to do in dog-friendly Big Sur?
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is named for the lifelong rancher, pioneer woman and Big Sur resident. As a ranching woman, I’m sure she had dogs. Yes like most state parks, this gorgeous oak-filled park along the river is not exactly dog-friendly. However, Pfeiffer Beach is dog-friendly. All dogs must be on a leash, though. This is basically your only choice when it comes to dog beaches around Big Sur. It is just a gorgeous beach. I wouldn’t drive down the winding one-lane road on a weekend or during the busy season, though.
Nearby to Big Sur is just gorgeous Carmel by the Sea, Dog Beach. Your pup can run off leash here and live her best life! This was a beautiful, clean beach and not very crowded whatsoever. We walked here, so I’m not sure how easy parking is in the area.
Avila Dog Beach is a bit of a drive from Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea, but this is my favorite dog beach in all of California! I have never been to a dog beach with friendlier dogs ever in my life! If you have a motorhome, you can park on all day on the main road heading to the pier and just enjoy the serenity of the dog beach all day long! A walk along the pier to the fish market is really nice too. Plus , your pup can check out the seals. (From a safe distance, of course)
Jake’s Peak Park is a great place for a dog-friendly Big Sur hike near Monterey. Dogs must be on leash here, but honestly, with all the poison oak in the Central Coast area, I feel like, unless you are at a dog beach, your pup should be on leash all the time.
Looking for a good place to sip on some vino? Check out Taste Morgan Winery in the Carmel-by-the-Sea area. This winery is dog-friendly and a scenic place to sip on wine in the early fall sunshine.
Mission Trail Park offers 35 acres of trails in southeast Carmel. If you enter the trail system via Mountain View Avenue (where it turns into Forest Road), you can take a nice little walk down to the Carmel Mission Basilica. The mission was very walkable for us and a nice historical site on a cool fall morning.
I’ll be honest, Big Sur and Carmel are not the most dog-friendly areas, but if you do a little research, you can find a few hidden gems for you and your favorite pup to enjoy.
Dog-Friendly Big Sur & Central Coast FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Julia Pfeiffer State Beach in Big Sur?
Yes! While California State Parks generally treat pups like second-class citizens and ban them from trails, Pfeiffer Beach stands out as a glorious, dog-friendly exception. Your four-legged best friend is fully welcome to explore this stunning stretch of coastline with you, provided they remain on a leash. Local tip: The access road down to the beach is a tight, winding, one-lane corridor, so try to avoid hitting it on crowded holiday weekends.
What are the rules for dogs at Carmel-by-the-Sea Dog Beach?
If you want your pup to live their absolute best life, head straight to the iconic Carmel Dog Beach. Unlike most restrictive coastal spots, well-behaved dogs are allowed to sprint, splash, and play completely off-leash here. It is an exceptionally clean, wide, and welcoming paradise for social dogs, offering breathtaking ocean views without the standard heavy crowds during the off-season.
Where is the best place to park a large RV or motorhome near Avila Dog Beach?
Avila Dog Beach is a top-tier off-leash coastal destination, and it is surprisingly accommodating for road-trippers. If you are piloting a large 34-foot rig or motorhome, you can take advantage of the ample all-day parking spots situated along the main road heading toward the public pier. This gives you effortless, flat access to set up camp for the day, visit the local fish market, and let your dog watch the harbor seals from a safe distance.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in the Big Sur and Carmel regions?
While the dense, oak-filled trails inside the actual state parks don’t permit pets, you can find fantastic local alternatives. Jack’s Peak Park near Monterey features gorgeous canopy views, and the 35-acre Mission Trail Park in southeast Carmel offers a beautiful walk that links up directly to the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. Dogs must be kept on a leash at both parks—which is highly recommended anyway to prevent your pet from accidentally plunging into the thick local poison oak lines.
Where can I find dog-friendly wine tasting near Carmel-by-the-Sea?
You don’t have to leave your furry companion behind in the motorhome to experience the region’s famous wine scene. Take a stroll over to Taste Morgan Winery in the Carmel area. They feature an outdoor, highly welcoming, dog-friendly space where you can lounge, unwind, and sip premium local Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the early autumn sunshine.
Comments
Ugh yes, all those colorful bags of dog poop on the side of trails drives me nuts! BUT we do have lots of friends that are great dog owners and I absolutely would not mind sharing state park sites with them.