My favorite place for a quick vacay get-away is Carmel Beach, CA.  I love Carmel for two primary reasons:

• It’s one of the few public beaches in the area that allow dogs on the beach (leash on of course!)
• It’s one of the few public beaches in the area that allow for campfires on the beach (after 8th avenue)

Bring the dog and marshmallows to roast on the beach… don’t roast your dog…