Big Sur is one of the most iconic places to visit on California’s central coast, a stretch of Highway 1 known for its dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views. From rugged beaches to quiet forested moments along the Big Sur River, the scenery shifts constantly and never stops being breathtaking.
On a recent trip to Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, I set out to explore this stunning coastline with my dog, Pepper. What I found is that Big Sur can absolutely be enjoyed with a dog, you just need to know where dogs are allowed and where the best roadside stops and photo spots are. This day trip from Carmel highlights exactly that: the dog‑friendly places worth stopping, the views you can enjoy together, and a few helpful tips from my own experience.
Outline
- Map of Dog Friendly Stops in Big Sur
- Where to Stay to Visit Big Sur
- Things to Be Prepared For
- Itinerary – Dog Friendly Day Trip to Big Sur
- Morning Walk – Carmel Beach allows off leash dogs.
- Garapata Beach walk with Calla Lily Valley
- Bixby Bridge (pullout before the bridge)
- Hurricane Point Vista Point (look back at Bixby Bridge)
- Lunch along the Big Sur River
- Big Sur River Inn General Store, there is also a restaurant next door
- River Path Trailhead
- Pfeiffer Beach
- McWay Falls
Map of Dog Friendly Stops in Big Sur
Make sure to download offline maps and save the stops on your own map. There is no service along most of this stretch of Highway 1.
Where to Stay to Visit Big Sur
I recommend staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I wrote another post on how to spend three nights in Carmel with a dog, and it includes a day trip that you can use for this drive down to Big Sur.
Outside of Carmel, there are some hotels and glamping options in Big Sur that allow dogs. It is a dream of mine to stay at Alia Ventana, and they allow dogs! Riverside Campground & Cabins also has some cabins that allow dogs.
Things to Be Prepared For
What to prepare for to make the most of your time in Big Sur with a dog
Dog Restrictions
Being surrounded by nature may seem like a perfect place to bring your dog, but there are a lot of restrictions in the area. There are several state parks along the route, and they tend to be quite restrictive for dogs. In some cases, dogs are allowed on-leash only, and in some areas, dogs are not allowed at all to help protect native wildlife in state parks. However, there are still plenty of places where dogs are allowed, so I definitely recommend bringing your dog. You just need to be prepared where your dog is and isn’t welcome.
Time
I did this itinerary in 6 hours after leaving Carmel (skipping the Pfeiffer Beach stop), but you could easily take longer if you wanted.
Gas
There are not many gas stations along this stretch of Highway 1 so make sure you fill up before taking off.
Food and Water
There are some small stores and a few places to eat along the way, but not many. Prepare to bring some snacks and water in the car. This is my favorite travel water bottle.
Phone Service
There is no cell signal for a significant part of the drive. Make sure to download maps and save any location pins directly into your maps. The link to the map will not work with no signal.
Winding Roads and Cliffs
The road follows the coast or a river and is windy. It is well maintained and pleasant to drive. If someone in your car is prone to car sickness you may want to pack some Dramamine. Some of the stops on the map have dirt and gravel surfaces on the edge of cliffs. Be careful with your dog and keep them on a leash. Mine dog was nervous around some of the steeper cliffs.
Pullouts
There are many pullouts along the way making it easy to let cars pass if you need to or just stop and enjoy the scenery with less people. It is worth stopping at some random pullouts along the way. The views are gorgeous even at places that aren’t the “famous” spots. Most of the pullouts for scenic views are easier to pull into when you are heading south.
Crowds
Despite being relatively remote, this stretch of Highway 1 is very popular. After being closed just south of McWay Falls for three years, Highway 1 is now fully open again. This makes Big Sur easier to reach from the south. Your best bet to avoid crowds is to visit on a weekday.
Restrooms
There are public restrooms at Garapata Beach near the parking pullout and at State Parks. There are not many services along the road in general.
Itinerary For a Dog Friendly Day Trip to Big Sur
Here is a description of the stops you can make in Big Sur with a dog.
Morning Walk at Carmel Beach
My dog Pepper is much better behaved on a long car ride if she gets to run first, so we started our day at Carmel Beach, which allows off leash dogs. All of the stops along Highway 1 on this itinerary require dogs to be leashed. Your dog will be on a leash or in the car for this day trip.
Once you are all set with breakfast and coffee, head south on Highway 1
Garrapata Beach and Calla Lily Valley
If you are heading south, watch for signs for the gate numbers once you start to see signs for Garrapata State Park. Dogs are allowed in at Gates 17- 19 and are allowed on the trail and beach on leash. There is a pullout in front of the trail and a public restroom.
There is a stair down to the beach, or continue on the path until you reach Calla Lily Valley. This is a small valley with Doud Creek emptying into the Pacific Ocean. This little valley is filled with wild calla lilies that bloom in late January to April. Be prepared for it to be muddy.
Bixby Bridge
The most iconic bridge view on Highway 1 is of the Bixby Bridge. There is a pullout just before you reach the bridge when you are heading south. You can walk a short distance to see the view of Bixby Bridge.
Hurricane Point Vista
Pull out at Hurricane Point Vista to check out the view back towards the Bixby Bridge and gorgeous coastal views.
Lunch Along the Big Sur River
If you need to pick up food, there is a small Big Sur River Inn General Store that has some groceries and makes sandwiches. There is also a restaurant next door. Take your picnic down by the river and enjoy lunch by the water.
Note, nearby River Path Trailhead inside Pfeiffer State Park allows dogs on the river trail. It is an easy ¾ mile trail and there are picnic tables and bathrooms. There is a $10 day use fee. Pine Ridge trail in the same park also allows dogs on that trail.
If you need to chose between stops, I had lunch along the River Path on my last trip and would do lunch near the Big Sur River Inn and go to Pfeiffer Beach instead of this trail next time.
Pfeiffer Beach
If you have time to venture out to Pfeiffer Beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach on leash. There is a $15 parking fee.
McWay Falls
Very few waterfalls empty into the Pacific Ocean like McWay Falls. Luckily, there is an incredible view of the waterfall from the side of Highway 1. The viewpoint is a little tricky to find. The pullout is on the side heading south, before you reach the turn into the McWay Falls trailhead. Be prepared for it to come up, I marked the location on the map.
You can walk along a path at the edge to see the view. My dog was not comfortable on the cliff at this viewpoint so she spent most of this stop in the car.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail to McWay Falls. As of January 2026, the trail was still closed for construction.
Head Back to Carmel
Next, you can head further south if you want, or turn back north and head back to Carmel. It is only about an hour drive back to Carmel from McWay Falls. Feel free to stop at more pullouts on your way back, or check out anything you missed.
Your Dog Friendly Big Sur Adventure Awaits!
I hope this guide helps you plan a beautiful day exploring Highway 1 and Big Sur with your dog. With the right planning, this stretch of coastline is incredibly rewarding. It is full of scenic pullouts, dog‑friendly beaches, and unforgettable views you can enjoy together. Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or use it as inspiration to build your own route, you’ll find that Big Sur is every bit as magical with a dog by your side. If you’ve explored Big Sur with your pup or have additional dog‑friendly stops to recommend, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Related Post: Dog Friendly Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea
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