Carmel Beach

City sandy beach
Regional draw
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a broad sandy shoreline below the town’s residential streets.

Views along the bay and the meeting of dunes, cypress and surf make it a distinctive walking destination on the Monterey Peninsula.

Check city beach rules and current ocean conditions before arriving. The photograph shows the shore rather than guaranteeing a particular tide or sand level. Use designated access, respect neighboring property and follow current dog and fire restrictions. Strong surf and cold water require care; a scenic beach is not a promise of lifeguarded swimming.

Visitor details reviewed October 18, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.

Image credit: Mutante / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.

Nearby

More places nearby

Landmark0.8 mi awayCarmel Mission BasilicaCarmel Mission Basilica is an active church within the historic mission complex in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Landmark2.3 mi awayLone Cypress, Pebble BeachThe Lone Cypress stands on a rocky coastal headland along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.
Nature reserve2.6 mi awayPoint Lobos State Natural ReservePoint Lobos State Natural Reserve protects rocky headlands, coves and coastal habitats south of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Historic civic museum3.7 mi awayColton Hall MuseumColton Hall in Monterey connects an early civic building with the drafting of California’s first state constitution.
California art museum3.7 mi awayMonterey Museum of ArtMonterey Museum of Art presents California art within the city’s longstanding creative landscape.
Historic adobe park3.9 mi awayMonterey State Historic ParkMonterey State Historic Park brings a collection of historic buildings and gardens into the old town.