What Does the Perfect Pet-Friendly Weekend in Monterey Look Like?
California’s Central Coast is one of the country’s most awe-inspiring regions. It’s a place where wind-sculpted dunes meet the glassy shimmer of the Pacific. And among its crowning jewels lies Monterey Bay, home to The Sanctuary Beach Resort, where refined comfort unfolds in unobtrusive harmony with nature.
Here, at Monterey’s only pet-friendly beachfront resort, you and your beloved dog are invited to sink into serenity, savor the salt-laced breeze, and discover the rugged beauty that lies just beyond your secluded oceanfront cottage. Whether exploring sand-kissed coastal trails or luxuriating with fireside cocktails under the stars, this is the kind of escape where every moment is treasured.
Each morning, stop by our Dog Stick Library, where your pup can “check out” their perfect fetch for the day’s adventures. Then venture along the California coast, leaving sandy pawprints and collecting memories.
Day 1: Dune Walks to Wharfside Dining
- A Coastal Awakening: Begin the day in our own backyard at the Marina Dunes Preserve, just steps away from the resort’s exclusive beach. This conservation haven of south Monterey Bay is an undulating world of windswept sand dunes and reclaimed native flora, part of an ongoing effort to return the landscape to its natural state. Wander along the trail that follows the old sand-mining roadway, pausing for sniffs where sea shrubs whisper with the breeze.
- An Afternoon at the Wharf: There’s more to enjoy in Monterey than the beach. Just fifteen minutes south of The Sanctuary lies Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a venerable landmark characterized by colorful coastal architecture, artisanal shops, and pier-to-plate seafood.
- Waterfront Lunch For Two: For lunch, head to Domenico’s on the Wharf, where al fresco tables overlook the harbor and even your pup has a menu of their own.
- Whale Watching on the Bay: After lunch, embark on an ocean adventure with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. These dog-friendly whale watching tours are guided by marine biologists and captained by experienced locals. Depending on the season, you might spot gray, humpback, killer, or blue whales, along with dolphins and sea otters.
- A Fresh Catch Al Fresco: In the evening, dine at Café Fina, a 30-plus-year institution on the wharf where homemade pasta and Mediterranean-inspired seafood are served with a convivial atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on the terrace, and there’s even a special menu for pups.
- Fireside Nightcaps Under the Stars: As night falls, head back to your seaside escape to unwind by one of our communal bonfires, where your pet can cozy up at your feet as you sip a coastal wine.
Day 2: Scenic Trails and Seaside Flavors
- Adventure on Scenic Trails: Wake to the sound of gulls and the scent of sea air, then head out for the Monterey Bay Scenic Sanctuary Trail. Following the path of the former Southern Pacific Railway, this 18-mile paved trail offers sweeping vistas of the bay, passing through dunes, sugar-sand beaches, and pockets of fragrant eucalyptus forest. Descriptive signs tell the story of the region’s natural and cultural history as you walk along the path.
- Brews and Beach Time: When you’re ready for lunch, head to the Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot for local eats and a pint or two, if you’d like. This local gem near the Wharf is housed in a converted train depot. The outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and rotating food trucks keep the cuisine options interesting.
- Tails in the Tide: Across the street from the tap depot, you can access Monterey State Beach, where dogs are free to romp through the surf. You can easily spend the afternoon here, relaxing on the sand and in the water.
- A Culinary Toast to Monterey: Return to The Sanctuary for a sumptuous dinner to wrap up your weekend in Monterey. Our restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette, serves cuisine inspired by the local landscape. The menu is an ode to the Salinas Valley’s agricultural bounty and the Monterey Bay’s daily catch, with dishes prepared raw, cured, or wood-fired to showcase their natural flavor. Pair your meal with a local wine and toast to a weekend well spent with your furry best friend. And don’t miss our heated, pet-friendly patio where pets have their own PAWtio menu.
The Only Pet-Friendly Seaside Hotel in Monterey
From swimming in the Pacific Ocean to embracing dog-friendly nature experiences and dining options, Monterey Bay is the perfect place to spend a weekend with your loyal companion.
As Monterey Bay’s exclusive pet-friendly coastal haven, The Sanctuary not only allows four-legged companions but welcomes them. Our animal-loving staff is dedicated to ensuring every visitor, pampered pets included, feels at home during their stay along the sun-dappled Central Coast of California.
- Complimentary water/food bowls to use during your stay
- Direct beach access for easy morning walks
- Pet-friendly on-site dining at Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
- Complimentary doggie treats
- Natural surroundings to explore
Ready to book your stay at our pet-friendly seaside hotel in Monterey? Check out our special offers for more.