According to the Carmel website, there’s an entire social order of dogs and their owners that show up on the leash-free beach at designated times to chat and cavort.  The town caters to canines in every way possible.  Numerous hotels welcome dogs, including Cypress Inn, partially owned by animal-lover Doris Day. You can also stay at Happy Landing Inn, a quaint spot with antique-filled rooms; The Tradewinds at Carmel, a luxury boutique hotel; or one of several other dog-friendly inns.

Many shopkeepers welcome your dog into their stores, offering smiles and biscuits. The Carmel Plaza shopping center even has a “Fountain of Woof”—a dogs-only drinking fountain.  After taking your leashed dog on a two-hour walking tour through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, and lush gardens, you’ll probably work up an appetite. Carmel boasts more than a dozen outdoor restaurants that welcome dogs.

If you visit in July, you’ll enjoy the Carmel Bach Festival, a 60-year-old tradition of classical music and festivity. The event runs for three weeks, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to join in the fun. Carmel also has a couple theaters and a symphony—for humans only, unfortunately.

Carmel-by-the-sea is a beautiful location, perfect for some R&R with your furry friend.