Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is just 4-miles south of Monterey in the storybook village of Carmel. 

Carmel’s curved beach is flanked by sand-dunes, and has gorgeous, white sand. 

It’s perfect for strolling, but swimming and wading are too dangerous due to rip currents, and there is no lifeguard service.

Dogs are allowed off-leash at Carmel Beach, but must be under the voice control of their owner.

5 best things about Carmel Beach

1.  Carmel Beach is easily accessed from Carmel's main shopping street, at the end of Ocean Street.

Ocean Street has plenty of restaurants, art galleries and wine tasting rooms to explore.

2. Take the Scenic Bluff Path above Carmel Beach, with eight stairways down to the beach. 

The Scenic Bluff Path starts at 8th Avenue and Scenic Road, and runs 0.7 miles south before ending at the prominent Frank Lloyd House (Clinton Walker House, 1948). The mid-century house is perfectly integrated into the rocky, coastal outcrop, and is privately owned but visible from the street. 

3. Beautiful Monterey Pines, and native succulents, grace the foreshore of the beach.

4. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Carmel Beach.

5. Gather together some friends, and watch the sunset.

Know before you go 

• Parking:  Small parking lot at Carmel Beach, at the end of Ocean Avenue.
• Restroom:  Not at the beach.  Go to the corner of 6th Avenue and Lincoln Street, just off Ocean Street.
• Dogs: Off-leash.
• Swimming: Not recommended due to rip currents.