Briefly stopped by the beach after having lunch in downtown Carmel. Now clearly understanding why the beach is loved so much. Carmel Beach is recognized as having the 'whitest' sand in the United States, and number 14 globally. This color comes from quartz deposits eroded by the waves. There is a parking lot at the north end of the beach on Ocean Avenue (maybe 30 spots or so), that is usually filled, meaning people are constantly idling in the parking lot, waiting for a spot. The parking lot is elevated from the beach, requiring carefully going down a sand bank. My wife and her mom decided to admire the view by sitting on a retaining wall at the top of the bern, while I happily went down to the shoreline to admire the views. The sand here is more golden than white. The road that runs parallel to the beach and boardwalk in Carmel is Scenic Road and we took it as we headed back to our cottage. There was street unmetered parking spots available and I noticed how much brighter/whiter the sand was in this area (a lot less crowded as well). Thinking back, wish we had stopped so I could have admired this part of the beach a bit more. read more

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I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents, Barbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get. read more

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Getting there you have to be careful since there is a lot of foot traffic due to all the shopping and food places. The parking is tight and more packed when you want to go see the sunset. There are great areas to sit but a lot of people going to the lookout point to get pictures. It was clean but very busy. read more

Carmel Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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Best beach in California. It's beautiful and elegant at the same time, perfect weather. read more

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This beach is beautiful! The sand was soft and warm. It was nice and clean. The kids enjoyed the waves and playing in the sand. It was very relaxing. I'm glad I decided to come here because I wasn't too sure at first. This beach reminded me of Hawaii. There was a lot of parking, but make sure to get there early or else you're out of luck. People would wait and take forever so you'll be stuck behind a car for a while. There's a lot of shops nearby so if you park far, it's a nice walk down to the beach while you window shop. read more

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This is a great place to enjoy some fun in the sun. Good waves, tons of space to lounge, and very clean. Decent amount of parking available as well. Pet friendly beach that is great to visit on a sunny day. read more

Carmel Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

We explored the town of Carmel with visiting family and we had to take them down to Carmel Beach. Nice sandy beach with lots of beach area. Each time I've come here the beach area is always beautiful and very windy. Living in California there are many beautiful beaches to visit so while there is nothing extra special about Carmel Beach it is still a nice beach. read more

Carmel Beach - Pebble beach golf course can be seen from the beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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Was in Monterey in late Dec 2024 and decided to stop by Carmel. I decided to do a picnic lunch at the beach and I was rewarded with some nice views and large waves due to the storm in the area. Parking lots were big, but this was a very crowded place. So hard to find parking. People were enjoying the beach, the views, the large waves, playing sports, bird watching, taking photos, etc. See my attached photos for the full experience. Beach was ok but I did not see any tables, benches, or chairs, nor a bathroom. Even when shopping later on, bathrooms are sparse and it seems like the city wants you to visit for a little bit but not really to stay and linger for an extended period of time. Too bad it was so grey and stormy, could not even see the nearby coastline. If you want a nice beach with nice views, definitely worth the stop. Parking was free too. read more

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I don't even need to tell you that this beach is incredible, but I will anyways. The white sand, the bright/clearer than most ocean, the ideal weather, the aesthetic and vibes are just perfect. Whether you're looking to stop for the moment, the day, or the weekend, you have to make the trip. There is a spacious lot, but there is also street parking throughout the neighborhood up the hill, where you can also stop in shops and restaurants. read more

It was seven years since I was here last and just as I remembered it. Place is such a popular location and parking is hard to get if you get there late so make sure you get there early one thing I like to do when on the beach is look for shells for whatever reason this beach had no shells, but it is an amazing view And the sand was nice. read more

Carmel Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

many summer weekends spent on the beach just down from carmel-by-the-sea...drive straight down ocean ave until you reach the parking lot...free parking, but gets full...usually not too bad...find parking along ocean ave or the side streets...bathroom and rinsing area near the parking lot...the walk down to the waters is bit steep on soft smooth sand...carmel beach has excellent soft white sand...great for children to splash around, dig and play...many hours and weekends spent down on the beach...no stores near the beach, so pack snacks and drinks...nearest food and restaurants will be a hike back up ocean ave to the many restaurants...groceries and stores are higher up... read more

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The beach is dog friend. I had just part of the day in the city, so I couldn't enjoy the beach when it was later , with a Sun time. But, the beach is really beautiful and nice! We loved the city. read more

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This beach has a beautiful, one of my favorites. It is clean, dog friendly, has perfect sand. The bathrooms here were the cleanest beach bathrooms I have ever encountered. This is the best beach to relax on, walk along the shore & to have a picnic on. Parking can be difficult depending on the day and time. I will always return to this beach when I visit home. This beach is an absolute must if visiting the area! read more

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Beautiful beach with trail along the shore and beautiful houses. Lot of people walking their dogs here read more

Carmel Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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Our visit was a good experience. We parked super far though because we didn't want to risk not having a space down at the beach lot but it turned out there were plenty of spaces there. Anyway, scenic walk allowed us to tour the shops there. The steep walk back up to our car was challenging though so a great workout. Aside from people letting their dogs run around unleashed, it was a pleasant time. read more

Carmel Beach is such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit!! The white sands and beautiful trees make for an perfect getaway! I especially enjoyed listening to the crashing waves while I walked along the beach! read more

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It is so beautiful! Very relaxing just walk on the beach and listen to the waves, especially in a nice sunny day, what a blessed day! read more

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A nice, open beach to enjoy the ocean, soft sand, and beautiful waves, with a view of stunning beachfront houses. The sunset is absolutely spectacular! read more

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Amazingly white sand and gorgeous ocean views. Beautiful views. Great walkways down to beach from the street. read more

Carmel Beach - Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

A MUST visit especially if you have a dog. You can let your dog off leash while you walk along the beach and soak up the scenery and sounds of waves. We were visiting for the weekend and came here every morning to walk our pup. Our dog loved running with some of the other dogs and everyone is so friendly. Just make sure to clean up after your dog and that your dog can recall and listen to you. Wish we lived closer to come here all the time! read more

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Nice sunset views and soft sands beach with multiple scenic views. A romantic place for a couple or a joy for families to just chill. Weather is always in the 60s and occasionally low 70s ... so, wear wind breaker. Plenty of parking but on weekends, it can be crowded so may need to park 30 min away by walking distance. Also, lots of galleries and restaurants on or near Ocean street. read more

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This beach is so clean and beautiful. We ended up finding parking nearby and walked to the beach just for a few pictures on the shore. Great views and plenty of people with their dogs playing in the water. read more

Carmel Beach - Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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First time here. Extremely beautiful beach. A bit cloudy when I came here but that's alright. The beach is clean and the surrounding town is gorgeous! Beautiful landscaping along the walk ways with beautiful homes. Very intimate place for a romantic date with someone special. Must return! read more

Carmel Beach is absolutely beautiful. The soft white sand, the warm and relaxing vibe, and the clean water with just a hint of green make it feel like a perfect coastal escape. Parking and getting here was tough (someone mentioned it was auto show weekend, which might explain the crowds), but once you're on the beach it's totally worth it. A great local getaway spot. read more

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One of the best beaches in the bay in my opinion. The sand is better here than elsewhere.

Carmel Beach is one of those places that feels peaceful the moment you get there. The soft white sand, clear blue water, and scenic coastline make it perfect for relaxing, walking, or just watching the sunset. It's clean, beautiful, and has a calm vibe that makes it easy to unwind and enjoy nature. read more

At the foot of Ocean Avenue, coming from the center of town, Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California's Central Coast. From morning to night Carmel Beach attracts visitors and locals alike to take in the majestic scenery and fun activities. Thanks to community volunteers, the Scenic Pathway is a well-maintained decomposed granite (DG) walkway that meanders above the bluff overlooking Camel Beach through sculptured Monterey Cypress trees. One can continue to walk the spectacular coastline on Scenic Drive all the way to Carmel River Beach with panoramic views from Pebble Beach to Point Lobos. A unique feature of Carmel Beach beside the white sands and cerulean blue ocean is the ability to snuggle up next to a cozy beach fire. Please access the website for more details. At the end of Ocean Avenue, there is a small parking area at the beach as well as free parking on Ocean Avenue just west of San Antonio. Additional limited parking is available along Scenic Road which parallels Carmel Beach. Restrooms are located in the parking at the foot of Ocean Avenue and on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue. The sand is soft and ample and the views from anywhere on the beach are spectacular....a must visit when in Carmel. read more

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Awesome, dog friendly beach! There's no other beach like it. Beautiful views, laid back beachgoers, and a nice look at some of the beautiful homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea! You really can't go wrong here. As with all of the local beaches, there are no lifeguards on duty. read more

My happy place. The kids loved watching the dogs play in the water. The beach is dog friendly. read more

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What a fantastic beach! We spent every single morning taking our beagle June for walks here. Clean and soft sand, little to no kelp or washed up critters. With several access points, including stairs and hills It's super dog and family friendly. The water was chilly but we still saw plenty of dogs enjoying the waves. It's one of the few beaches you can let your dog roam off leash, and they allow alcohol between certain hours. You can even bring propane fire pits during certain times. read more

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Gorgeous setting with soft powdery sand and gentle waves along the shoreline for miles. More than enough space to accommodate plenty of families and couples (as well as pet dogs, many unleashed) with lawn chairs, beach mats, and small tents scattered throughout on a sunny day. Restrooms are conveniently located near the parking lot on Ocean Ave, with extra parking on Scenic Road, which runs parallel to Carmel Beach. And "scenic" is an understatement... the spectacular views can't be missed following this curvy road, even a chance to admire the remarkable architecture of the butterfly house at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the water. Pretty idyllic beach for relaxing on a Sunday afternoon, and I'm absolutely enamored by the ambience here. read more

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Nice and soft white sand but the flies wouldn't stop landing on me! We tried watching the sunset and I was too hungry and annoyed by the flies to stay until the end. It is super conveniently located down the hill from all the cute shops and charming corridors. read more

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This is our favorite beach to take our dog to because it's the only one I know that allows them to run around. I just hope that every single person that brings their dog here for a good time picks up after them. Keep our beaches clean so we can all enjoy them! The views are gorgeous. This beach has ample parking spaces, multiple volleyball courts, and clean toilets. Best of all, it's a good walk to coffee shops and restaurants. read more

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Carmel Beach is just a few steps away from the famous Ocean Blvd in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Parking is convenient, and the views are amazing--especially the absolutely gorgeous sunsets. read more

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Still one of my favorite beaches in the Monterey Bay Area. As usual parking can be challenging during the peak season. I recommend avoiding the big parking lot and instead finding spots along scenic road. The neighborhoods behind scenic road also have street parking, but watch out for the no parking signs. Your trip is best enjoyed with a beach umbrella if you are expecting a lot of sunlight. Be careful of dogs if you have kids, and if you bring your dog, use your best judgment about having them leash free. The water is cold all season, but can be enjoyed anyway. It's much better with a wet suit. Try to find a spot away from the crowds. Last, if you're packing heavy, be ready for a few rounds of carrying items down to the beach. read more

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This beach is the best beach on the west coast hands down! There is more than enough space for everyone, there is not a lick of trash and I love the dog beach section as it is full of life and happiness. The white sand is soft and beautiful, and the ocean feels so nice putting it in the least, even when it is cold outside. I love the breeze and listening to the ocean as well while out here.! If you are not from the area, this beach really will not disappoint and the food nearby is fantastic as well! Hope that someone from out of town finds this handy! read more

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Beautiful beach. There is a bit of a hill to get down after you park, which isn't bad until you have to get back up in the sand. Those with accessibility issues would have a tough time. Other than that, the beach was clean and has just amazing views. The parking was busy -- we lucked out and got one close. I could see it being tough over the weekend for sure. Parking was free. I brought my dog. It's dog-friendly and many had their dogs off leash. read more

Carmel Beach - Stunning views - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Nice spot to hang out. Above are plenty of benches for seating. Below is a clean dog friendly beach. read more

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If one have decided to visit Carmel-By-The-Sea. There were drastic difference between visits during the weekend on the month of August and May. Here are the break down between August and May: 1) You get to soak in warm pleasant sunray, not harsh sunburn during the month of August. However, tourist season with loads of tour buses parked and dropped of dozens of foreign tourists presumably meetup at the Bay Area. Expect exceeding long lines everywhere especially on walk-in dining, bike tour, ice-cream parlor, cafes, street parking, beach parking, beach bathroom, etc. But they are worth the wait. Okay, now mid May visit can have almost the opposite experience, no line, mostly empty restaurants yet won't seat you at the patio because you still need reservations, empty cafes, barely warm sunray at the beach, cold breeze started too soon in the afternoon. Fewer people on the beach, more personally space. Regardless, dog owners pick up after their happy canines which is a PLUS. I may suggest cat owners to potty train them to avoid treating the entire beach as a litter box, lol. Last, depends on the time of month, strong wind post sunset could give you a minor cold. So bring a jacket. read more

Carmel Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

***3.5 Stars*** There's no denying that Carmel Beach is gorgeous. But for someone like me who enjoys minimal crowds, this beach was just too packed for my liking. Not only that; parking is really tough. I don't mind making a trek if it's worth it, but to struggle to find parking just to be stuck on a beach with the rest of town just isn't my ideal way to relax. Nevertheless, it's still a nice place to catch a beautiful sunset. The sand is soft and white and the water isn't too bad. Carmel Beach is pretty large and stretches down pretty far, but on a busy weekend, that really won't matter too much. People flock to this beach like mad. There are restrooms but the lines can get ridiculously long. Despite the large crowds, this beach seems to stay really clean. You'll find people picnicking, playing ball games, and engaging in dog play. The people watching can be very entertaining if you're into that kind of thing. If crowds aren't a problem for you, then a visit to Carmel Beach is perfect. I feel like I need to come back during a weekday or during the off season to truly enjoy all that this beach really has to offer. read more

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