Carmel Beach — Attraction in Carmel-by-the-Sea

I go to the beach whenever I feel depressed and it works every time. Carmel is no exception. Staring at the ocean gave me a new perspective about life. I added two activities this time, ball throwing and light jogging, both equally fun. Just watch out your ankles in sand.

The so-called white sand beach is still mostly white. Everything looks the same as if it can stand the test of time eternally.

Water is cold, even on a warm summer day. It's perfect as the absent sun won't suck up your energy, or burn you and make you tired at the end.

Boutiques, restaurants and various shops are scattered along the streets with plenty tourists walking by or browsing. Some new restaurants embrace modern presence, amalgamating with old established ones, most of which they serve European cuisines. It's understandable considering its demographics of 92% white with median age of 64. Everything is expensive including food, but you've got one life to live so enjoy. There is an alley leading to some shops and a cafe, that sells local artists' art work. The little exploration led me to buy a gift for my loved one which was the highlight of my trip.

Free parking on Junipero Street, or other side streets, it's a bit walk uphill from downtown. Try your luck on side streets if you want to park free.

Carmel you offer me peace and relaxation in nature, for that I give you...

⭐️ One of the Cleanest and Most Beautiful Beaches in California!

Carmel Beach completely blew me away. I had searched it up beforehand and saw it was highly rated, but being there in person was even better than expected. The beach is located just a short walk from downtown Carmel, which makes it super convenient if you want to grab food, coffee, or explore shops before or after.

The sand was soft and bright white — it looked like something off a postcard. The water was definitely cold (as expected on the California coast), but it didn’t take away from how peaceful and beautiful the whole place felt.

What really stood out to me was how clean the beach was. As I was walking in, I saw Carmel Care workers out there actively cleaning up trash and plastic left behind. That level of care and maintenance made a big impression — you could tell the community values keeping this place beautiful.

We set up for a full beach day: brought towels, chairs, an umbrella, and made a little picnic. It was the perfect way to spend time with friends or family. The vibes were calm and relaxing — not too crowded or loud, just the sound of waves and people enjoying the sun.

I’d 100% go back and recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic beach day. Carmel Beach...

STAY AWAY FROM CARMEL BY THE SEA. ONE STAR IS EVEN TOO MUCH. Every year, for the last 4 years, I have had a terrible experience visiting Carmel by the Sea. Dogs run all over the beaches and dog doo Doo is all over. I stepped on dog door Doo 4 times, smells terrible, no fun to step in, believe me. I travel all over California in the summer. Carmel is the worst place I visit. I keep asking myself " why go back"? I figure maybe Carmel will change. However.... It never has....in 4 years. The people in Carmel are akways the rudest, most disrespectful people in California. I keep seeing people spit on sidewalk.... shameful to look at. When I visit LA, LA is a madhouse but Carmel is always worse than LA. Every year, I visit Carmel by the Sea in great spirits and leave depressed..... from rubbing elbows with extremely inconsiderate people who could care less about common courtesy. Every year, visiting Carmel by the Sea always dampens my mood for days as well as my vacation. NEXT YEAR I WILL....... STAY AWAY FROM...