Top Dog and Kid-Friendly Accommodations in Monterey, California
Planning a trip to Monterey with both kids and dogs? It can be tricky finding accommodations that welcome the whole family, but luckily, Monterey has some great dog and kid-friendly options. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hotel, a spacious vacation rental, or a beachside getaway, this guide includes our favorite dog and kid-friendly accommodations options in Monterey.
We love staying in Pacific Grove when visiting Monterey for its charming, small-town feel and scenic coastal views. Pacific Grove is filled with cozy inns and B&Bs, perfect for those getaway vibes. But that charm can cost you a pretty penny, and sometimes when we are booking last minute it is more cost effective to stay in Monterey, Seaside, or further north in Marina. Monterey has larger hotels that can be more budget-friendly. Seaside and Marina are just north of Monterey along the coast, so it’s a bit further of a drive but accommodations can be more affordable. All three towns are dog-friendly, with many pet-friendly accommodations to choose from. And since they’re just a short drive apart, you’ll have easy access to all the best spots no matter where you choose to stay!
Monterey Dog-Friendly Hotels
Portola Hotel & Spa ($$)
The Portola Hotel & Spa is our favorite dog and kid-friendly hotel in Monterey. it is just across the street from Fisherman’s Wharf, on a completely pedestrianized path that connects to the Monterey Bay Trail. This is the perfect place to stay if going on a whale watching tour. It’s also just a couple minutes drive from Dennis the Menace playground and a short walk to some amazing coffee shops. If you want to leave your car behind and explore on foot, this would be a great location. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy at this hotel. The on site restaurants are dog friendly, which is helpful when it’s too cold for outdoor seating at other restaurants. And for the kiddos, the hotel has a free “Pirate Program,” which provides seasonal pirate themed activities for kids 3-12 years old. Ours was a coloring activity book but the front desk said it changes seasonally and sometimes it is a scavenger hunt with a prize at the end. I would splurge on a room with a partial harbor view if you can find a good deal – there is nothing better than enjoying that coastal view during naptime.
There are also suite-style rooms for families that need more space.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa ($$)
Before having a kid, we stayed at pet-friendly Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. It has a great location just a short drive to Pacific Grove and the aquarium. But far enough away from the busy areas that it was a tranquil place to return to at night. The hotel is also very dog friendly. They provide complimentary dog bowls, beds, crates, clean up bags, and leashes in case you forgot to pack anything! Even with the added fees, it’s a good value in the Monterey area.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa ($$)
For more of a resort vibe, book a room at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. The hotel is located on a golf course, and has resort amenities like pools, hot tubs, pickleball courts, and tennis courts. Note that dogs are not allowed in the restaurants or pool areas. Book one of the suites for more space so you don’t have to sit in the dark or in the bathroom after the kids go to bed.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee, resort fee
Victorian Inn ($$$)
One of the most charming parts about walking around Monterey is the Victorian houses, and the Victorian Inn is a perfect example. This boutique hotel has an older feel, but its fantastic location walking distance to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium makes up for it. The nice little garden and wine and cheese hour are great for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It feels more like a bed and breakfast than a big hotel, and in keeping with that vibe they offer a complimentary continental breakfast. They’re also very pet-friendly, with a souvenir and snacks for your furry friend too! They also have a family suite for more space.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee
Monterey Beach Hotel ($$$)
The Monterey Beach Hotel is right on the beach, which means that you can wake up to some pretty amazing ocean views. There is a beach trail right around the corner from the hotel, so you don’t have to go far to start enjoying the coastal beauty of Monterey. You can even rent a complimentary e-bike to enjoy the trail! I love the modern decor in the rooms. While the standard rooms can be cozy for a family, they do have suite-style rooms that offer more space. While there is a resort fee, you do get it back as a food and beverage credit. And kids will have fun making smores around the bonfire.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee, resort fee
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Pacific Grove Dog-Friendly Cottages
Andril Fireplace Cottages ($$$)
If you are lucky enough to snag a booking, the Andril Fireplace Cottages is a perfect family friendly hotel in Pacific Grove. The location near Asilomar State Park is peaceful and secluded. The property is made up of standalone cottages with enclosed private patios that are just perfect for families traveling with dogs. Some cottages even have a kitchen. So it is the perfect combo of the amenities of a home rental with the conveniences of a hotel. This hotel is also very kid-friendly. There is a large communal open lawn with toys, perfect for kiddos to burn off some energy before bedtime. There is usually a 3 night minimum for weekend stays. This place gets booked up quickly for long weekends (which is usually when we travel) so we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but it’s at the top of my list the next time I plan a Monterey trip far enough in advance.
Extra fees: pet fee
Bide-A-Wee Inn & Cottages ($$)
Bide-A-Wee Inn & Cottages near Asilomar in Pacific Grove isn’t fancy, but it’s a good value if you want to stay in Pacific Grove and it does not have a minimum night stay requirement. It’s a good option for families since they have both suite style rooms and cottages with kitchenettes. The room decor is pretty basic, but parents know that may actually be a good thing when traveling with dogs and toddlers.
Extra fees: pet fee
Pacific Grove Dog-Friendly Rentals
After having a kiddo, we usually prefer to stay in home rentals. This is mostly because of the convenience of having a kitchen and more space to spread out. However, many of the home rentals in Pacific Grove now seem to prefer monthly rentals. There are few rentals that are available to rent by the night, and the extra fees can add up. However, when you factor in pet, parking, and resort fees at hotels in the area, renting a home can end up costing about the same but give you more space and privacy.
Pacific Grove Home Rental ($$$)
I have bookmarked this newer home rental in Pacific Grove since it is newly remodeled, pet-friendly, has a great location by Lover’s Point, and is on the ground floor of the duplex.
Seaside Dog-Friendly Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside ($$)
For families, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside is an easy option because all the rooms are suite-style with extra space, they have an indoor pool, and breakfast is included. Seaside is just a short drive from Monterey, but you don’t need to go far for some beach walks when staying at this hotel because it’s just a couple blocks from Seaside State Beach. The rooms are standard for an Embassy Suites. And since it’s part of the Hilton family, you can use your Hilton benefits if you have Hilton Honors members benefits.
Extra fees: pet fee, parking fee, resort fee
Marina Dog-Friendly Hotel
Sanctuary Beach Resort ($$$)
If you want to stay right on the beach, then Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina is the perfect place. They have cottage-style suites that are right on the beach so you can wake up to unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s a dog family’s paradise here – complete with doggie treats for your little pup! There is a kid’s pool and free bike rentals for the rest of the family. This hotel is a little further north from Monterey, but it’s worth it for the beachfront location.
Extra fees: pet fee
Bonus: Carmel Dog-Friendly Hotel
If none of these dog and kid-friendly accommodations in and near Monterey are available, consider staying in Carmel. Carmel is just south of Monterey along the coast. Carmel is a super quaint little town with pretty scenery, cute shops, and fairytale architecture, making it a great place to stay if you’re looking for more of a getaway.
The Quail Lodge ($$$)
The Quail Lodge is nestled in the hills of Carmel on a beautiful golf course. It’s a bit of a drive from the town, so definitely has that resort getaway feel to it. Besides the golf course, other resort amenities include pickleball and tennis courts, e-bike rentals, and a heated pool. The property is beautiful, and it feels like staying in a manicured garden. Each of the rooms and suites has a private patio or balcony so you can enjoy the view. Note that dogs are not allowed in the restaurants or the pool areas.
Extra fees: pet fee, resort fee
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