Ultimate Dog-Friendly Nature Adventure in Big Sur, California

Day 1: Monterey Exploration

Monterey, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tidal Coffee

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Tidal Coffee, known for their locally sourced pastries and artisanal coffee.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Cannery Row

Take a leisurely stroll along Cannery Row, a historic waterfront street lined with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the ocean.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Wharf Marketplace

Enjoy a pet-friendly lunch at The Wharf Marketplace, offering a variety of fresh, local food options.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a scenic hike with your dog amidst stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife.
$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Alvarado Street Brewery

End your day with dinner at Alvarado Street Brewery, a pet-friendly brewery with a wide selection of craft beers and delicious food.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 2: Monterey Bay Adventure

Monterey, California

9:00AM

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Spend the morning at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can explore marine life exhibits with your furry companion.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Lover's Point Park

Have a picnic lunch at Lover's Point Park, a dog-friendly park overlooking the bay, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking in Monterey Bay

Embark on a dog-friendly kayaking adventure in Monterey Bay, where you can paddle alongside sea otters and seals.
$$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Schooners Coastal Kitchen

Indulge in a seafood dinner at Schooners Coastal Kitchen, offering dog-friendly outdoor seating with stunning views of the bay.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Carmel-by-the-Sea Charm

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katy's Place

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Katy's Place, a dog-friendly cafe known for its delicious omelets and cozy atmosphere.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Carmel Beach

Take a morning stroll along dog-friendly Carmel Beach, where your furry friend can run off-leash and play in the surf.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Forge in the Forest

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Forge in the Forest, a pet-friendly restaurant with a lush outdoor patio and a diverse menu.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Wine Tasting at Caraccioli Cellars

Sip on exquisite wines at Caraccioli Cellars, a dog-friendly winery in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its Pinot Noirs and sparkling wines.
$$$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dametra Cafe

End your day with a Mediterranean dinner at Dametra Cafe, offering dog-friendly outdoor seating and live music for a relaxing evening.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 4: Breathtaking Big Sur

Big Sur, California

9:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Big Sur Bakery, a pet-friendly cafe known for its freshly baked goods and organic coffee.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Embark on a dog-friendly hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where you can explore redwood forests, waterfalls, and scenic trails.
$, 3 hours

2:00PM

Picnic at McWay Falls

Enjoy a picnic lunch at McWay Falls overlook, a stunning spot with a picturesque waterfall cascading onto the beach below.
$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Bixby Creek Bridge

Stop by Bixby Creek Bridge for iconic photos of this architectural marvel spanning the rugged coastline of Big Sur.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nepenthe

Dine at Nepenthe, a dog-friendly restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, known for its spectacular views and gourmet cuisine.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxing Day in Big Sur

Big Sur, California

9:00AM

Yoga at Esalen Institute

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Esalen Institute, offering outdoor classes with breathtaking views of the coastline.
$$$, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with your dog, home to the famous McWay Falls and scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Big Sur River Inn

Enjoy a riverside lunch at Big Sur River Inn, a dog-friendly restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Pfeiffer Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and stunning rock formations along the coast.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn

Indulge in a cozy dinner at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, a historic inn with dog-friendly outdoor seating and a rustic ambiance.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Drive to Cambria

Cambria, California

9:00AM

Scenic Drive along Highway 1

Embark on a scenic coastal drive along Highway 1 from Big Sur to Cambria, enjoying panoramic ocean views and rugged cliffs along the way.
Gas, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Linn's Restaurant

Stop for lunch at Linn's Restaurant in Cambria, a dog-friendly eatery known for its fresh pies and farm-to-table cuisine.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Moonstone Beach

Explore Moonstone Beach, a pet-friendly shoreline in Cambria known for its shimmering stones and picturesque coastal views.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Robin's Restaurant

Savor a farm-to-table dinner at Robin's Restaurant, offering a dog-friendly garden patio and a diverse menu inspired by global flavors.
$$, 2 hours
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Day 7: Historic San Simeon

San Simeon, California

9:00AM

Tour Hearst Castle

Embark on a guided tour of Hearst Castle, a historic landmark with lavish architecture, art collections, and sprawling gardens (note: pets are not allowed inside the castle but can enjoy the gardens).
$$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sebastian's General Store

Grab a casual lunch at Sebastian's General Store, a dog-friendly spot serving deli sandwiches and local treats in a rustic setting.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Elephant Seal Rookery

Witness the fascinating elephant seals at the Piedras Blancas Rookery, where you can observe these marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sea Chest Restaurant

Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at Sea Chest Restaurant, a cozy seafood eatery in Cambria with a dog-friendly patio and fresh catch of the day.
$$$, 2 hours
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