When your dog is begging for an escape, what better place to have a good time than Carmel by the Sea, California, hailed as the most dog-friendly city in America.
Located just a few hours south of San Francisco, the city of Carmel offers visitors many fun pet activities and lodging for four-legged friends and their owners.
Here are eight dog activities to enjoy with Fido and Fluffy…
ME. Carmel Beach is where all the dogs roam off leash… It’s located right at the foot of Ocean Avenue, and it’s officially called Carmel Town Beach. There are dogs galore splashing, swimming, running, and chasing each other here. At certain times, there are also kennel clubs, with a pack of daschunds, or other breeds of dogs having fun in the arena.
2. Carmel is where the art is… Many of the art galleries in Carmel are pet friendly.
The Blue Dog Gallery has paintings of blue dogs by artist George Rodrigue…
3. Pet stores where dogs rule and drool.
Diggidy Dog, a dog and cat boutique, is a super fun specialty pet store offering baked goods, clothing, costumes, toys, treats and so much more your dog will be wagging his tail and wanting to come back for more. Located at Mission and Ocean Avenues, across from Carmel Plaza.
The Raw Connection at 26549 Carmel Rancho Blvd. (near the Barnyard Mall) is the place to go for raw pet food. They have freezers full of delicious organic and healthy treats and aisles full of freeze-dried, canned, dried and dehydrated foods and supplements. Call 831-626-7555 for more information on classes, training and events.
Chateau le Paws at 244 Crossroads Blvd. takes pet care to a whole new level. This is an exclusive dog boutique offering art, bakery, beds, books, bowls, clothing, collars, and pillows for cats and dogs. They also offer hairdressing services.
4. Only in Carmel is Carmel Canines, a mobile salon and health spa for dogs that offers doggie manicures and pedicures for furry, four-legged creatures.
5. Eat together
The Cypress Inn, owned by Doris Day, welcomes well-behaved dogs into the lobby for breakfast with their owners. They also offer Doggie Cocktail Hour daily in the Library bar. The Cypress Inn displays a “Dog Dictionary” near the fireplace in case you want to read up on the breed of your pampered pooches.
Cypress Inn (800/443-7443)
And there are a variety of dining options where Fido can sit next to you outside and Forge in the Forest even has a menu for your four-legged companions.
La Fragua Restaurant in the Forest (831/624-2233)
6. Some places to rest you and your pup’s paws
The Tramp’s House Inn offers dog services that include a portable dog bed, a take-home toy, treats, a bowl, and a scarf. Breakfast is delivered to your door in the morning, plus there’s an afternoon wine and cheese tasting in the lobby. Stay in a two room suite with a queen bed, sofa, desk and fireplace. Also, a refrigerator, a coffee maker and a dining table. The luxurious bathroom has a full shower and separate tub, and Elemis toiletries. Some rooms are at street level, making it easy for your dog to get in and out.
http://www.vagabondshouseinn.com
Hostel Svensgaard offers a European feel, 35 rooms and suites, half of them are pet friendly, some rooms have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and kitchens. There is parking on site which is very important in Carmel. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies are available in the lobby in the afternoon and a nice cold breakfast delivered to your room at 8am. There is a sparkling pool as well as a grassy courtyard and many pet friendly amenities including the bark treat jar in the lobby.
http://www.innsbythesea.com/svendsgaard
Hofsa House it’s a bavarian style, four story House built on a hill overlooking the sea. It is a family owned, operated and oriented inn with artistic murals in tune with the Carmel community. There are 38 rooms, 19 are pet friendly. Dogs are allowed by the pool with their owner. There is a meeting room available for 25-30 people for business retreats, women’s groups, knitting groups, sewing groups, quilting groups and the meeting room has a fireplace and full kitchen. An inn with a sense of what Bavarians call Gemutlichkeit. Carrie is the innkeeper.
happy landing inn is an adorable and quaint pet-friendly inn just steps from Carmel Beach. Two businesswomen, Dawn and Diane, are the innkeepers. There are seven rooms and all are pet friendly. Breakfast is served at your door around 8:30.
7. Don’t forget to visit the famous Woof’s Fountain in Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue, where your dog can slurp. Call 831-624-1385 for more information.
8. And if your dog wants to become a star, be sure to audition for the next Official Carmel Dog Calendar. Call 800-550-4333 for more information.