Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach showing a beach and tropical scenes
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Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Carmel Beach is a long stretch of soft, white sand in Carmel, a picture-perfecttown just 15 minutes’ drive south from Monterey. Steady swells make this a popular destination with surfers, swimmers and kayakers. Rent a kayak and paddle out across the kelp beds. Bring a wetsuit, as the water is often cold except in the heat of summer.

Pack some binoculars as this is a great place to spot Monterey County’s diverse birdlife. Native birds such as herons, hawks and finches circle the beach and often perch in the trees near Scenic Road. Download a bird list from the California State Parks website.

The town’s easy-going attitude toward dogs makes the beach perfect for strolling with man’s best friend. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in some areas.

Sit by the water or in the dunes under one of the many windswept cypress trees. Bring a picnic blanket, some local cheese, a bottle of wine, and watch the sun set over the ocean. Alcohol is permitted, and small fires are allowed on the beach before 10 p.m.

Carmel Beach shares the coastline with some illustrious neighbors. Just to the north, and clearly visible from the beach, are the greens of the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and Resort. To the South, harmoniously tucked into the rocky outcrop at the end of the beach, is the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Walker Residence.

Extremely popular with families on the weekends, Carmel Beach is quietest on weekdays. There’s a parking lot on Ocean Avenue and some free street parking on Scenic Road. There are no showers or bathrooms on the beach, but you’ll find amenities nearby at the Ocean Avenue parking lot. Once the midday sun gets too hot, follow Ocean Avenue for cafés, bars, restaurants and people-watching.

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Top Hotel Deals

Carmel Wayfarer Inn
Carmel Wayfarer Inn
3 out of 5
4th Ave And Mission Ave, Carmel, CA
Carmel Wayfarer Inn
Carmel Bay View Inn
Carmel Bay View Inn
2.5 out of 5
Junipero Street Between 5th And 6th St, Carmel, CA
Carmel Bay View Inn
La Playa Hotel
La Playa Hotel
4 out of 5
Camino Real at Eighth Ave., Carmel, CA
La Playa Hotel
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
Carmel Mission Inn
Pine Inn
Pine Inn
3.5 out of 5
Ocean Ave At Monte Verde, Carmel, CA
Pine Inn
Normandy Inn
Normandy Inn
2.5 out of 5
Ocean Ave., btwn Monte Verde St. & Casanova St., Carmel, CA
Normandy Inn
Hotel Carmel
Hotel Carmel
3.5 out of 5
Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street, Carmel, CA
Hotel Carmel
Hofsas House Hotel
Hofsas House Hotel
2.5 out of 5
San Carlos Street, Between 3rd & 4th Ave, Carmel, CA
Hofsas House Hotel
L Auberge Carmel
L Auberge Carmel
4.5 out of 5
Monte Verde at Seventh, Carmel, CA
L Auberge Carmel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.