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

This was the first beach that my dog went to and she had a blast. She had no issue running into the water and most of the dogs we encountered were perfectly friendly. People were more than willing to throw her ball for her and no one really minded if she started random following them as she often does. I love that this beach is off leash too. It makes it so much more fun for my dog and she’s able to cover a wider expanse of the beach than she would if she were walking next to me.

Something that I appreciated was that the people who had reactive dogs were sitting with their dogs higher up the beach which made it easier for me to spot them and call my dog back so that I could make sure we didn’t cause an issue. That way both my dog and theirs could enjoy the beach without issue.

I also love that Carmel is super dog friendly. My dog and I went to a restaurant called Forge in the Forest that was delicious. I loved that they had a doggy menu. It was only some hamburger meat, but it was nice to give my dog a special treat after her fun beach run.

The only problem that I had was a man started screaming and pointing in the direction of me and my dog when we were walking back in order to leave. Funnily enough, both me and my dog turned around to see what he was screaming at since she had only been calmly walking next to me at that point. I was extra confused because there were other groups of people and dogs walking past him with no issue. Me and my dog were the only ones he was screaming at. I put her on her long leash and kept walking but the man had packed up his stuff and left by the time I neared the spot where...

Wonderful place to have vacation, Wood burning beach fires are only allowed in City-supplied wood burning fires pits which are located south of 10th avenue, Wood burning fires are allowed from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Burn clean dry wood to minimize smoke, Do not burn driftwood, Do not burn trash and Use a small amount of water to cool the fire after use Do not put sand into fire pits City fire pits are available on a first-come-first-served basis; Fire pits cannot be reserved Use of self-supplied propane fire devices is allowed south of 10th Avenue Use of self-supplied propane fire devices are allowed from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Propane fire devices must be 25 feet from the base of the bluff or dunes Charcoal grills are not allowed

No fuel based lanterns such as Tiki torches. No temporary structures such as tents, canopies or similar enclosures. No smoking on the beach or scenic pathway. No littering. Use trash carts at top of the staircases along the pathway or the Del Mar parking lot No alcohol on the scenic pathway. Consumption of alcohol is allowed on the beach. No accessing the beach via the protected beach bluffs. Use stairways and designated pathways.

Dogs must be on a leash or under voice command control on the beach and must be on a leash on the scenic pathway but I saw many unleashed!

Restroom are not a lot there is only 2 locations, one in the south and the other in north side...

Carmel is beautiful and therefore is a popular destination. The streets are crowded with tourists who always seem to be going somewhere but never quite arrive. I wouldn't recommend Carmel-by-the-sea as an ideal weekend “get away," but I would absolutely recommend visiting Carmel Beach City Park!

Amidst the shoreline is a long stretch of picturesque houses, architecturally and aesthetically inspiring. Scenic road, an apropos name for the one-way route, travels along the coast offering beach-side parking and plentiful stair access.

Although often crowded with families the atmosphere feels less claustrophobic than the shop-lined streets. Dogs are more than welcome on this beach and seem to adore its soft, white sand as much as the children playing tag and the romantic types sharing wine by the fire.

The mile long stretch provides ample space for couples seeking a secluded spot. To escape the louder group's bonfire parties and football games you need only head north of Tenth Ave where fewer people linger and bonfires are not permitted.

After notoriously beautiful Carmel sunsets there remains something breathtaking still; an abundance of small bonfires illuminate the shore like flickering candles. Crashing waves, ocean wind, and the warmth of a steady fire make for an almost...