Natividad Creek Park

Dogs must be on a leash. There are numerous miles of excellent hiking paths ranging in difficulty from low to quite steep. Simas Peak offers a spectacular perspective of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay after a 2200 foot ascent. Toro Park is the premier horseback riding, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities destination in Salinas. Over 4756 acres, there are more than 20 kilometers of paths. Toro Park has over 100 geocache locations. It is also a station on the Central Coast Birding Trail and a great site for birding. Parking is available for free immediately outside the main gate or for a charge per vehicle inside.

Marina (Schoonover) Dog Park is an off-leash dog park in Marina, California, divided into two sections by a chain link fence: one for tiny dogs and the other for all canines. At the park, there are garbage cans and pooper-scoopers for your convenience. There are also water bowls available (bring water to share).

Pacchetti Dog Park is a volunteer-run community dog park. Our park is 1.7 acres long and ends at Noche Buena St., where dogs may get "up to speed" and get it "out of their system." With a separate section for little dogs and a walkway swept daily by volunteers, our park features trees, sun, pleasant breezes, and a glimpse of the beach.

At Fort Ord Dunes State Park, dogs are welcome. This state park covers over 4 miles of beachfront along Monterey Bay, built around the ruins of Fort Ord.

A large dog park with a watering station. Non-residents must pay $30 per year per pet, while residents must pay $20 per year per pet. There are also day passes available. For more information, call (831) 394-8511.

Your dog will be ecstatic to be able to play at this dog-friendly beach. Although dogs are required to be leashed, many regulars allow their dogs to run free. On Monterey State Beach north of the Monterey Beach Hotel complex, dogs are not allowed at all.