Carmel Beach Carmel-by-the-Sea
A fairytale coastal village with a stunning dog-friendly beach, charming cottages, and breathtaking ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Carmel Beach Carmel-by-the-Sea
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale coastal village with a stunning dog-friendly beach, charming cottages, and breathtaking ocean views.
"Carmel Beach is the best beach in Haifa. It has very nice white and soft sand."
๐พ Dog-Friendly Paradise
Carmel Beach and many businesses are dog-friendly! Perfect for furry friends to enjoy the coast .
๐ Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset at Carmel Beach or along Scenic Road is a must-do experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Expansive white sand beach with clear waters, ideal for sunsets and dog-friendly strolls.
Ocean Avenue & Village Charm
Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
Wander through charming streets lined with fairytale cottages, art galleries, and unique boutiques.
17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach
Iconic scenic drive with dramatic coastal views, famous golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Near Carmel-by-the-Sea
Breathtaking coastal trails, coves, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Fairytale Charm
Beach Access & Activities
+1 While the beach is free, consider the 17-Mile Drive for scenic views, which has an entrance fee.+1 Many visitors enjoy sunset picnics on the beach.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐พ Dog-Friendly Paradise
Carmel Beach and many businesses are dog-friendly! Perfect for furry friends to enjoy the coast.
๐ Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset at Carmel Beach or along Scenic Road is a must-do experience.
๐ Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Consider walking or using ride-shares if possible.
๐๏ธ Explore Hidden Passages
Don't miss the charming courtyards and passageways off Ocean Avenue for unique shops and cafes.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐พ Dog-Friendly Paradise
Carmel Beach and many businesses are dog-friendly! Perfect for furry friends to enjoy the coast.
๐ Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset at Carmel Beach or along Scenic Road is a must-do experience.
๐ Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Consider walking or using ride-shares if possible.
๐๏ธ Explore Hidden Passages
Don't miss the charming courtyards and passageways off Ocean Avenue for unique shops and cafes.
๐ฐ 17-Mile Drive Fee
Be aware of the entrance fee for the scenic 17-Mile Drive, but the views are worth it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Carmel Beach's soft sand, clear waters, and magical sunsets, calling it a wonderful place for families and a safe haven for dogs. The charming village with its fairytale cottages and unique shops also receives high praise, though some find the constant announcements from lifeguards on the beach to be a bit much.
"A clear mind, beautiful nature, a large and beautiful sea with a magical sunset, it's a wonderful place. The place of experience for both children and adults to spend time together and enjoy close to the sea especially recommends for children who do not have to play on the roads. Long and beautiful promenade alongside the seashore."
CB Ben
"Carmel beach is the best beach in Haifa. It has very nice white and soft sand. Water is very clear here. On weekends you will find lots of people on the beach. You also found lots of children there. The slope of the beach is very less, so it is a very safe beach to enjoy for children. Police and divers are always present on the beach. They are watching the people and announce the required information using the mike. There are some changing room, washroom and freshwater shower available on the beach, which is very good for the females. The view is amazing here, especially sunrise โ and sunset โ. The seawater is warm. The bay is awesome. There is good connectivity for buses and trains. The hof-hacarmel central station is just 2 minutes walk away. It a time-worthy place to visit, at least once. I hope everyone enjoys this beach, especially during sunset โ. One can also spend his or her leisure time well here. There are many food stalls available for a burger, pizza, juices and many more. It is a good place to spend the holiday with family and children, they will find a great fun time. There is also a wooden bed available on rent for spending your time or taking sun-bath. there is no dress restriction for anyone. if you like less crowd, then I just you to go there on weekdays. You must be amazed by the beauty of this beach."
Dr. Subhrajit Mukherjee
"It is a great place to hangout and bath. Volleyball court, children activities, bathroom, nice restaurants. An overall great destination."
Aneek Kuila
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Carmel Beach is easily accessible from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, with parking available along Scenic Road. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from their hotels in Carmel by the Sea.
Yes, there is parking available along Scenic Road adjacent to Carmel Beach. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Yes, Carmel-by-the-Sea is accessible by car via Highway 1. It's a popular destination for road trips along the California coast.
Many visitors enjoy walking through the charming village and along the beach. Renting a car is recommended for exploring nearby attractions like the 17-Mile Drive or Point Lobos.
While direct public transport into Carmel-by-the-Sea can be limited, you can reach the Monterey Peninsula via bus or train and then use local shuttles or ride-shares.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Yes, Carmel Beach is a public beach and is free to access for everyone.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle to drive the 17-Mile Drive. This fee covers access to the scenic route and its attractions.
Yes, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has an entrance fee per vehicle. It's a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended.
Carmel Beach is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific opening hours for the beach itself.
It is highly recommended to book hotels in Carmel by the Sea in advance, especially beachfront hotels in Carmel by the Sea, as they are very popular and tend to book up quickly.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Carmel Beach at sunset, the fairytale cottages in the village, and the scenic viewpoints along the 17-Mile Drive are all incredibly photogenic.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical light for photography at Carmel Beach.
China Cove and Gibson Beach within Point Lobos offer stunning coastal vistas and are popular for photography.
Yes, exploring the streets and photographing the unique, storybook cottages is a highlight for many visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting at Point Lobos.
๐ ๐ถ Pet-Friendly Travel
Yes, Carmel Beach is famously dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed off-leash, making it a paradise for pet owners.
Many hotels in Carmel by the Sea welcome pets, and some even offer special amenities for dogs. It's always best to confirm with your chosen hotel.
Some restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea have dog-friendly patios. Look for signs or ask staff about their pet policies.
Besides Carmel Beach, many of the village's outdoor areas and some shops are welcoming to dogs. Always keep them leashed unless in designated off-leash areas.
Dogs must be leashed in all public areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea except for Carmel Beach, where they are allowed off-leash.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Kids
The lack of strong currents and the presence of lifeguards add to the peace of mind for parents. Beyond the beach, the village itself is like a storybook come to life, with charming cottages and hidden passageways that spark imagination.Consider a picnic on the beach or exploring the unique shops in town. While the 17-Mile Drive has a fee, the scenic stops can be engaging for kids, and Point Lobos offers easy trails for little legs to explore nature. Many hotels in Carmel by the Sea are welcoming to families, making it a comfortable base for your adventures.
๐พ Pet-Friendly Travelers
+1 Many businesses in the village, including shops and restaurants with patios, also welcome canine companions. Several hotels in Carmel by the Sea are pet-friendly, ensuring your furry friend has a comfortable stay.When exploring, always be mindful of leash laws outside of Carmel Beach. The charming streets and coastal paths provide plenty of opportunities for enjoyable walks with your dog. It's a place where your four-legged family member can truly be part of the vacation experience.
๐ Road Trippers
or a drive further south towards Big Sur.+1Consider staying at one of the many hotels in Carmel by the Sea, especially those offering ocean views or beach access, to fully immerse yourself in the coastal atmosphere. The town's charm and natural beauty make it an unforgettable stop on your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Carmel Beach: A Coastal Gem
+1 It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a serene escape with stunning ocean views. The beach is particularly famous for its dog-friendly atmosphere, allowing pets to roam off-leash, which is a significant draw for travelers with canine companions.+1The gentle slope of the beach makes it safe for families with children, and lifeguards are typically on duty during peak seasons. Visitors often enjoy picnicking, sunbathing, and simply strolling along the shore. The sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky with vibrant colors and creating a magical ambiance.
+1While the beach itself is free, amenities like restrooms and showers are available. Parking can be found along Scenic Road, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it tends to fill up quickly. The promenade alongside the beach offers a pleasant walk away from the sand, with benches and scenic overlooks.
Exploring the Fairytale Village
+1 Wandering through the village streets, particularly Ocean Avenue, reveals a delightful array of art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafes, and hidden courtyards.Many of these passageways are tucked away and offer a sense of discovery, leading to unexpected treasures. The village has a strict no-chain-store policy, preserving its distinctive character and independent spirit. This commitment to local businesses and unique aesthetics contributes to its reputation as one of California's most picturesque towns.
For those interested in history and architecture, taking the time to explore the various neighborhoods and admire the diverse cottage styles is highly recommended. Itโs a place where getting lost is part of the charm, and every corner turned reveals a new, delightful vista.
Scenic Drives: 17-Mile Drive & Beyond
+1 This private road winds through the exclusive Pebble Beach community, showcasing dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, world-renowned golf courses, and famous landmarks like the Lone Cypress. It offers numerous pull-offs for photo opportunities and to soak in the stunning ocean vistas.Beyond the 17-Mile Drive, the scenic beauty extends further. Driving south along Highway 1 towards Big Sur offers even more dramatic coastal landscapes, including Garrapata State Park and Bixby Creek Bridge. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of Carmel, is another gem, offering incredible hiking trails with ocean views and opportunities to spot marine wildlife like sea otters and seals.
These drives are best enjoyed with a full tank of gas and plenty of time to stop and explore. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic overlooks. The coastal beauty of this region is truly unparalleled, making these drives a highlight of any trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit