Bliss and Seven's Adventure in Dog Friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea!

Carmel, Dog Heaven On Earth Carmel-by-the-Sea lives up to its reputation as the #1 Dog-Friendly Town in America. Hotels, shops, and restaurants roll out the red carpet for dogs and their guardians and the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea offers many places — beaches, trails, and tourist attractions — where dogs can frolic. Water bowls, dog treats, and biodegradable bags are the typical amenities you'll find around town, plus high-end services like massages, doggy turn downs, surf lessons and yappy hour.

Dog-Friendly Hotels, B&Bs, and Inns

Bliss and Seven's adventure in the Northern California town couldn't have been better. Carmel has 25 pet-friendly hotels, B&Bs, and inns. You'll find no neon, national chains or conventioneers here—just folks who are similarly experiencing the unique rejuvenation Carmel provides. Sitting amidst oceans of flowers and Cypress, and bathed in Pacific breezes, the village's hotels and inns provide an unparalleled sense of discovery.

We stayed at the Carmel Country Inn known as Carmel's most pet-friendly Bed & Breakfast. Situated on the edge of the quiet village, Bliss appreciated the cozy yet spacious accommodations, especially the fireplace because it gets chilly at night. Seven liked the easy access to fun!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Many restaurants in Carmel will seat canine companions with their guardians on outside patios as well as a few indoor locations. "Yappy Hour" and a doggie room service menu are offered at co-owner Doris Day's Cypress Inn. We ate at the Village Corner Bistro, a Carmel landmark and dining favorite of locals for more than 60 years. Let me tell you, the bread alone is to die for! We also enjoyed a gourmet meal at Grasings Coastal Cuisine and got to meet Chef Kurt who has worked in some of the finest restaurants in the world (and his food tastes like it!). At Porta Bella Carmel, we dined on the picturesque flagstone patio while a waiter entertained us with his beautiful tenor voice.

Scenic Path & Carmel Beach
Scenic Road meanders along the curve of Carmel beach and offers a packed dirt path alongside for joggers, on-leash dog walkers, and sightseers. Spanning from Carmel Beach to Carmel River Beach, the Scenic Road path offers some of the area's most incredible views of Carmel Point, Point Lobos State Reserve, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and Carmel's famous Cypress trees and white-sand beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Carmel beach, however, they must be under the voice control of their owners. Canine visitors at Carmel beach can romp along the surf and frolic with one another on the sand which is a highlight of most doggie trips to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Mission Trails Park Mission Trail Park encompasses 37 acres of California Coastal native vegetation, with meadows, dense Monterey Pine forest and a grove of Oak trees. There are two entrances to the park: one east of downtown on Mountainview Avenue and the other on Rio Road across the street from the Carmel Mission. Dogs can be off-leash but must be under voice control and follow all of the rules.

Carmel Business District

Some shops in the Carmel Business District have miniature hitching posts outside while others invite well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners inside. Bliss and Seven love to shop!

The Carmel Plaza has a drinking fountain just for dogs, called the Fountain of Woof. Don't miss Diggidy Dog, an enormous pet boutique that offers nearly anything you would ever think of buying for your dog or cat. They have an entire room full of pet beds of all shapes and sizes, and an almost ridiculous selection of collars, leashes and pet clothing. There's even a small grassy spot just outside the front doors where dogs can relieve themselves. Seven got a beautiful new collar there, Bliss got a special dog treat.

Doggie Services
While in town, Bliss and Seven got the royal treatment at Suds & Sizzors, the area's most elegant grooming retreat. Both Bliss and Seven never looked, or smelled so good!

We also had a session with dog therapist A. Herman, an intuitive healer and animal communicator. She's known for balancing dogs (and other four-leggeds) physically, emotionally, and energetically. She recommended we try some Well Scents custom and specialty aromatherapy blends. Well Scents products are made from the highest quality available natural aromatherapy ingredients. They are specifically formulated for safe daily use on horses, dogs, cats, and people.

We also did a doggie photo shoot at the beach with Liz from Lovedog & Company. She took the fantastic shot on the top of this blog of Bliss and Seven on the rock in Carmel. Liz's photographic style is soulful and uncluttered with a modern aesthetic. Her photographs reveal the nuances of her subjects; tell big stories through small details, in short, Liz's pictures still or moving, speak louder than words. She's available for private commissions, but also concentrates her efforts on projects for animal rescue.

For the safety of all dogs and visitors, please note that dogs must have a current license, up-to-date vaccinations, respond to voice command and be in visual control. Dogs under four months of age are not permitted as their shots and vaccines are not effectual yet. Owners are responsible for pets at all times. Dogs may be off-leash on Carmel Beach and Mission Trails Park.

Bliss and Seven can't wait to get back to Carmel. I can't either! Woof!!!