Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Visitors enjoy picnicking on the sand, strolling along the shore, and playing in the surf. It's one of the few beaches in the area that permits dogs to romp freely and allows beach-goers to build fires in provided beach fire pits up until 10:00 PM.

The beach is located in Carmel Cove, protected from the north by the Monterey Peninsula and the south by Point Lobos. The beach slopes off more gradually than neighboring beaches, making it a good place for enjoying the water, but beach-goers should be alert for rip currents and sudden drop-offs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is immediately east of the beach, making it easy for visitors to stroll into the business district to buy a meal or pick up beach supplies. Parking in much of Carmel is free, but there are hourly limits in some areas. Parking along Scenic Drive, a one-way road going south and paralleling the beach, is free until midnight.

Carmel Beach Campfire Regulations

Beach fires, in City-supplied wood burning fire pits or self-supplied propane fire devices, are allowed 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily and must be south of 10th Avenue in the Beach Fire Zone. City-supplied wood burning fire pits are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and are generally available during the months of May through October. Self-supplied propane fire devices must be 25 feet from the base of the bluff or dunes year-round.

Dogs on the Beach

Dogs are allowed off-leash on Carmel Beach, a rarity around the Monterey Peninsula. Even though off-leash, dogs must be under the voice control of their owners. Bags for collecting dog poop are strategically located near the beach and owners, for the most part, are good about picking up after their pets. Even for non-dog-owners, the canine visitors at Carmel Beach provide joyful entertainment as they frolic along the surf line and romp with one another on the sand.