Carmel River State Beach Reviews

We came to the beach when it was cold and rainy. And even then the water was so blue! I can definitely see how it would be perfect to enjoy this beach on a warm day - the sand is soft, the scenery around the beach is spectacular.

I went for a morning walk before the kids were up and I dragged them there the second they were up. It was well worth the nagging as we were all giddy with its beauty within moments. The sun glinting off the cliffs of Pebble Beach, the dogs frolicking in the waves, the mystical trees overhanging the bluffs...pure magic!!

Called the "white sands" because the beach is really white sands. I live in Carmel and enjoy the beach throughout the year. I don't have a dog, but it is supposed to be one of the few public beaches in California that allow dogs on the beach unleashed.

It is a dog walk like no other. Pristine beaches with rolling waves and beachside cliffs. Dogs freely running with friendly owners.

This beach is so clean and it is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of day you are there. The sand is soft and the surf sounds are soothing to the soul.

Carmel by the Sea
We stopped at Carmel by the Sea and were absolutely charmed by the downtown. It had many many art galleries and stores selling attractive items like Tiffany-design lamps made of colored sea-shells, embossed leather Cowboy boots and crystal Christmas ornaments! Of course, Carmel being an upscale artists’ enclave, it also had its share of the big brands along with the local Boutiques and restaurants. Our lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant was delicious!

All the attention is at the main beach of Carmel, but this little piece of beach is a marvelous get away from the crowds. Lovely, quiet, beautiful cove, great waves and just a delightful spot.

It's a beautiful beach, we went during low tide and had a lovely time in the sun. There were very few people around and we could find parking easily. It had a small parking lot so must be getting quite busy in summer. There were changing rooms/toilets as well. The river was cut off from the sea, maybe it connects only during high tide.

Went down end of September just to wade and sit in the sand. If you have a cane (I do~) caution because dog-friendly also means jumpers! Wading was perfectly cold (as desired) and the waves were low that time of day. HC parking was fine, although I did notice jams and conflict further up the avenue, as parking was getting very tight. Restrooms were not too horrible - it's a beach! - and the smell was tolerable. More like permanent outhouse than a real restroom. Bring your own food/drink - food truck line was long and with a cane a hard wait.

Ample parking, rest rooms, dogs can run off leash and play. Our dog had a great time. Beach itself stretches as far as the eye can see, so one can walk along the ocean for hours if one so wishes.

We hit upon a beautiful sunny 70 degree morning. The first day Carmel temps were over 69. People were on the sand, walking their dogs, the water was clean...great views.

We made a special side trip on our way from San Francisco to LA and it was well worth it. The place is so cute and relaxing with a wonderful drive along the beach.

We visited this beach today to compare it with the main beach in Carmel. Quieter. Get there early to get a parking spot. Very beautiful. Afterwards we followed directions to drive the scenic drive. The water colors were striking.

Love it here, there are dogs but it’s kept clean. Soft white sand and views of the cliffs towards pebble beach. Beautiful area.

White sand and a walking beach make this a people watching spot. If you’re there in the late afternoon stay for the sunset. You see pelicans cruising low on the water looking for dinner, people dog walking, kids frolicking, and then the setting sun. Check out the cute houses too.

Beautiful place to visit when traveling down South from San Fransisco. Quiet, relaxing place to chill, unwind, go for long walks and/ or to spend a romantic time. I enjoyed to variety of Italian restaurants of excellent quality and cosy coffee shops. Will for sure visit Camel again next year!

Rainy day in March and absolutely beautiful experience again. People still about, dogs frolicking in and out of the ocean, other people still having a picnic with their raincoats on ... just like us. Sweet and wonderful and so frozen in time from the madness that we step back into once we turn our truck back onto Hwy. 101. Need to go back way more often.

Kick off your shoes and dare yourself to step into the cool water. It is a fantastic place alone, with a special someone, or family and friends. Take the time and cross this off your bucket list.

This beach is pleasantly uncrowded, but I can think of reasons why. First the positives: it's drop dead gorgeous, allows dogs, is easy to get to, has free parking, and feels safe. Drawbacks: apparently the surf is really strong/dangerous - so it's not a swimming beach and you want to keep an eye on the ocean so you don't get caught by a sneaker wave. Not sure I'd let my dog get in the surf either, given all of this. Also, the sand is a rough grain, so it's tough on your skin; plus the beach is quite wide so you have to walk across a lot of this sand to get to the river or the ocean front. All in all, it's a little too exfoliating. And tough to walk through, in the way that sand usually is. Plus it's windy, in the way that northern CA beaches can be. The plusses outweigh the minuses, but perhaps the main Carmel beach would be a better choice for most outings.

Love this place because it's not very crowded. Great if you or your pup wants to go into the river as there is easy access. It's completely exposed though so if it's windy, beware.

I love this charming little town. The beach is just stunning and the views are breathtaking. Wish the water was warmer :)

If you have a four-legged family member, you simply can't go wrong with bringing them on your vacation to Carmel. There's no shortage of dog-friendly shops, restaurants, beach, and outdoor spaces. Beach is completely off-leash and there are tons of dogs for your furry friends to make friends.

So this was right down the street from where we were staying, so that morning I grabbed a cup of coffee, walked down there and enjoyed the morning. There were lots of folks down there with their dogs, walking the beach. Some were off the leash, some not. But I didn't mind. Very pretty area.

What a beautiful beach. White sand , clean and pleasant people about with their families. Take a picnic and soak it all in. Remember though to pack your trash bags to ensure to keep this gem sparkling. It is a treasure here!!!

Coming from Australia we presumed ALL California would be warm if not hot in July being summer. Well no, Monterey and Carmel areasare cool and although they warm up a tad during the day and you may take your hoodie off...definiately not swimming weather. This beautiful beach with many people but no-one game to swim...water was freezing.

After a rubber-necking cruise past the oceanfront homes on Scenic Drive, you reach the dedicated parking lot for Carmel River Beach. This lovely state park on Carmel Bay is also just a short walk from Carmel Mission, the Barnyard, and the Crossroads shopping center. The park preserves a mile-long stretch of sandy beach with views of green ridges to the east and the dramatic cliffs of Pt. Lobos to the south. On the same easy, one-hour beach stroll, you can see divers and surfers frolicking in the cold waves, watch water birds in the marshland where Carmel River meets the ocean, and explore tide pools from rocky outcroppings. Definitely worth a stop while you are visiting Carmel.

Carmel City Beach is gorgeous! The surf is good, scenery spectacular, sand white and soft and it is within walking distance of
town and shops/restaurants.

Unexpected surprise to find such a beautiful beach in this part of California. Clean. Great walk Saw otters, dolphins and amazing waves.

Great beach to see sea life in the distance. Quite rough seas on some days though. Smaller beach than I'm used to in Florida, but great view of cliffs, homes, and beauty

My husband and I to finalized our anniversary getaway went to the beach, where we where able to unwind, relaxed and heard the nice sounds of the waves. We love to sit by the beach and just heard the waves, birds and see all the families having fun. Its a great place to meditate or go rad a book and have a peaceful time.

I had lots of fun here definitely recommend it. It does get a bit cold so bring a jacket. The sand is very fine and white. There was some kelp all over the beach. Which I believe is normal at this time of the year. They do have fire pits. Bring your own lumber to burn. Enjoy.

All white sand, clean turquoise waves, amazing scenery! Just a walk to downtown. Make sure you drive to eat further going south at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch restaurant!! Amazing. Carmel river flowing directly into the ocean.

We stayed in a borrowed house 3 blocks from this beach and could still hear the waves crashing. Spent several evenings on the beach and it was a wonderful sight to behold. Loads of dogs on the beach but folks were diligent about cleaning up after them. The bird life was abundant! There were fire kettles available as first come first serve so that was really nice.

Great views of Pebble Beach and the cypress trees are beautiful. Great place to spend the day and then watch sunset!

This beach is one of the best beaches I have ever been to. I took my dog here and she had a blast meeting other dogs. The surrounding houses and town itself make it a nice tourist attraction. I would definitely recommend others to visit this beach.

We happened to drive by and seen this beach area so we stopped by. It was a really quaint local beach area for the locals.

Beautiful beach that is walking distance from anywhere in Carmel. Went one evening to watch the sunset. Lots of people there with their dogs- all friendly.

Love this beach..usually not bad to park..you can walk the whole town..sit at Beach and gawk at fab houses in a day..we don’t usually stay in Carmel proper but we love to come and enjoy. Mission inn is very fun and low key ..the playa is more expensive but great pedestrian location..art and fun shops.. hill at Beach is fun and provide nice back support..sand is warm and Beach is pet and kid friendly w parking and bathrooms. Stunningly beautiful and clean

Beautiful beach next to Carmel Beach. Great place for relaxing & picnics. Frequently see dolphins & whales in the distance.

The beach is beautiful. Totally unspoilt white sand and an amazing views from any point. We also has an opportunity to see a pod of dolphins in the surf which was brilliant! And to the guys looking to propose on holiday... this is the place 😉 it worked for me!!!

the most beautiful place you can visit in your whole life, the view is magical, the mountains, ocean and river are all amazing

Amazing spot to watch the sunset - we saw dolphins playing in the water too, which was utterly magical. The beach is lovely to walk on barefoot, which is something I rarely do, but enjoyed here. Lovely to watch the dogs having a great time and you can see all the way to Pebble Beach too. Very laidback vibe here - feels very safe and is a quick walk from the heart of downtown.

White sands, carshing wave and Pebble Beach golf course above you on the cliffs tough toi beat. Too bad the water is so cold you can't go in :)

A great walk down Ocean Blvd to the beach, it's beautiful and peaceful. On the way back, walk back up to the neighborhood and see beautiful homes.

If you have time and would like to enjoy the wonderful beach facing Stewart’s Cove, then discover this gem. Tide pools and driftwood await you. I’ve seen whales, waves of pelicans and an occasional sea otter enjoying a tasty treat. Point Lobos can be seen across the Cove except on foggy days of which there are many. Access via Santa Lucia to San Antonio to Isabella roads to gain insights into how close the locals live to this amazing State Beach Park.

very limited parking but another beautiful beach in Carmel. We were there at sunset. You can also get a permit for a wedding or other event here.

This is the smaller and more secluded beach of Carmel. Most people stay along the main beach at the end of Ocean Avenue, but if you walk along the boardwalk on Scenic Rd all the way around the Point, you will come to the lovely and quiet Carmel River beach.It also has parking and bathrooms.

We drove to here from San Francisco and even the drive down was so scenic! We had a wonderful time walking through the town down to the beach and had lunch at an amazing restaurant. It can get a little windy in May so make sure to layer-up!

The beach is just lovely, and the downtown is cute as a button. A few really nice little places to eat, and grab a drink. Carmel by the Sea is just a beautiful town, set on a breathtaking beach. You see the beach full of families just enjoying the water, playing fetch with their dogs, sitting reading books, just taking in life. If you visit Monterey make the time to take the short drive along the coast to Carmel. You will not be disappointed. So many sites to stop and see.

This dog-friendly, white sand beach has beautiful views with expensive homes overlooking it. We encountered a couple of park benches along the footpath, which provided resting spots for those who needed it. At one end, the footpath culminates at the mouth of the Carmel River. Pelicans and seagulls abounded, with opportunities to spot sea mammals peeking above the kelp beds, making for a magical day.

The beach at Carmel is a must see when you're there. Weekend parking is tight, but during the week, there are lots of spots right by the beach. Beautiful white sand. Long walks in the sun are so enjoyable. Many residents bring their dogs there to run both on the sand and in the water. There is lots of space for everyone. Some people picnic there as there are lots of restaurants and snack places a couple blocks away.

This is the most beautiful beach ever! The water is so blue. We love to picnic here and just relax listening to the waves crashing. You can watch the divers get in out out of the rough water.

This beach was full of people letting their dogs run off leash and chase balls and sticks. Being a dog owner and dog lover, it made me wish I had my pups with me to enjoy this beautiful place. It was such a welcoming place and the white sand and clear water were just as others described in their reviews. We didn't stay long but stayed long enough to know we wanted to return to watch a sunset on our next trip back. Such a relaxing, feel good location!!

Definitely a must visit if you are in Carmel or Monterey. Lovely beach with amazing views of the coast both ways.

The perfect place to visit with family, friends or all together. If you’re on road trip by the sea you must go there.

Good location
Nice pictures take from this point
Must see to enjoy
Take nice walk by the beach
And amazing views
People very friendly and helpful
My kids take amazing pictures of the bay
And enjoy the walk

There must have been more dogs on this beach than people the morning we were walking along it (all with owners I should add). Nice beach but sadly the mist had descended so visibility was poor. Still, a nice walk on the beach and along the cliffs back to the town centre.

A beautiful beach with surfing and swimming to be done very clean with toilet area! But No ice cream van? Or near by cafe !?? Could be better!!

Beautiful white sandy beach and perfect place to escape! Close to shops and dogs permitted on beach.

Beautiful beach, great for walking, great for watching dolphins and sea lions and pelicans or just sitting, reading and people watching. Dogs are allowed which is a plus. The his would be a 5, if there were shells you could collect like Pismo Beach....

This is a great almost hidden beach in Carmel. I like it because it's a perfect crescent beach that overlooks Point Lobos State Park (which is another gem). This beach sits just south of Carmel Village with its gorgeous homes and views, so if you want a break from Carmel Village and the more crowded Carmel beach, stop by this beach, you won't be disappointed. In fact, a protected nature area sits next to it and the Carmel River ends at this point. And Client Eastwood's Mission Ranch (hotel) sits just off a beautiful meadow with sheep just inland from this beach.

Hidden gem! Practically no one there! Today was a bit windy, but it was still a great time. It's tucked away from the main road, so you have to make this a destination. Not a place you happen to come across from the highway. The restrooms are well kept, parking is limited (small parking lot). The park rangers check up and make sure your dog is on a leash.

There is construction going on here, but the beach is amazing and the color of the water is out of this world.

Forty years to date I sat here as a teenager, at sunny Carmel Beach. Not that many tourist then, especially no Asian ones. It's a super Beach and within hundreds meters shops, food etc. It's maybe a bit fancy Carmel being a sort of Cannes in America. But well memories are here, white sandbeaches and Pacific Ocean view are still there.

I could have spent all day here. It was beautiful, and peaceful. I would highly recommend going here.

I love this place. One of the cleanest beaches I have ever been. The sand is so so white. I recommend to go there, even in winter, just to appreciate it!

When Carmel Beach is packed and there is no place to park, this is a good spot to head to. The beach is quite steep exceptionally dangerous so don't even think of attempting to swim here. Beautiful view out to Pt. Lobos. Great birding in the lagoon. Now full of brown pelicans. The traffic pattern has been changed and it's difficult to park at times.

Great drive along coast with photo stops . Lovely rugged coast line and billionaire mansions to look at ..

Wonderful walks with numerous dogs of all types and sizes. Kris brought his puppy Kepa an Italian Mastif along with our small mutt. Best free entertainment on the planet

Beautiful white sand beach to enjoy the ocean. To the north, rocks, which allow for some beautiful views, rock climbing, and tidepools. To the south, the Carmel River empties into the Pacific Ocean. There’s more to this beach than ocean and sand. It’s also located adjacent to the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetland Nature Reserve. That means you can explore some unique and picturesque wildlands and view plenty of wild birds and other creatures.

From the beach, to the south, you a beautiful view of Point Lobos!

Public bathrooms are present, as well as a lifeguard station. It’s also a nice place to go for a walk or watch the sunset. The location is nice – not far from the town center. It’s also located along the end of Scenic Road. So, it you want a break from the beach, it would also be fun to take a stroll north on Scenic Road as it overlooks the coastline.

As a result, this all makes for a unique beach experience.

Negatives:
Limited parking. Parking is very very very limited. You’ll likely end up parking in the limited spaces in the adjoining neighborhoods……. which means, expect to a pretty good walk.
Size. From the Carmel River, on the south, to the rocks, on the north, the beach is no long.
Lifeguard station. It is a positive but it wasn’t manned at the time we were there.
Water temp. It’s cold, but that is expected for all beaches north of Santa Barbara.

Beautiful long stretch of sands and sunset not to mention if you are dog(s) lover this is the place
You meet so many dog owners and many breeds of dogs not to mention Pebble Beach golf course is within sight
Beach , dog , food , sunset
Great combination

It was close to our hotel, however the waves are strong no swimming and deep walk down over the sand

Went to Carmel when my Son got Married there. Got there a day earlier then everyone else . Visited the many boutiques , delicious restaurants , and their amazing beach . The people there were very friendly . Would highly recommend Carmel for you next trip . Such a pleasant lovely place.

Enjoyed our time on the beach. Good weather--clear skies, not crowded [did go twice mid-week. Good restroom facilities near the beach.

We had a great time on a beach. The parking was easier on a weekday than on a weekend but there is plenty of street parking around. We built sandcastles, flown a kite and jumped in the waves. There are restrooms at the main parking area.

I had one full day with a rental car from SFA to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, drive the 17 Mile Drive, drive up to Pescadero and get back to the aeroport. Accordingly all I had time for at Carmel City Beach was regret that I didn't have time to explore and at least get a dip in the Pacific . It is as beautiful to photograph as it is terrific as a spot for a swim

The beach is usually warm, when the city is cool. Dogs are welcome. The sunsets are amazing. Perfect alone, with a loved one, or a group of friends.parking is first come, first serve. The walk, down from the town, is moderate.

Don't know how we've overlooked this wonderful spot in our many visits to Carmel! The beach was practically deserted on a weeknight and we enjoyed the spectacular waves while picnicking for dinner! Easily accessible with bathrooms and a parking lot that probably fills up quickly on weekends. We'll be back!

Make sure you have water and.snacks. Many restaurants have lunches in.boxes. Beach lunch ing is popular and bring wet face.cloghs for simple.cleanup.This beach has.lifeguard.station.Bring pop up tent and.chairs and get that Vitamin D we all need. Follow up with spa day.at Hotel Munras for the icing on the.fay 🎉🎊😊

We had a good time, the beach had very less crowd and it was really calm and relaxing. Also the beach was pretty clean.

We stopped by on a drive around Carmel along the coast. It was intensely windy to the point it was unpleasant to try to walk along the beach. But a beautiful looking beach nonetheless.

This is one huge beach. The white sandy beach is beautiful. Because of the vast area, it isn't crowded. It looks like locals must bring their dogs here to play. I didn't see any dog poo so that was nice. It was fun watching all the birds soaring around the area. Nice place to spend some time.

Sandy beach perfect for a casual stroll.
Lots of children and dogs playing in the waves, perfect to spot some dolphins swimming out at sea.

As you are nearing the curvy drive on the hills this river comes to a view giving you the glimpse of a great Scenic coastline where it merges in the ocean . The beach itself is captivating with its clear water and a vast clean coast . Not crowded at all - its pristine picturesque casts a spell on anyone who loves nature . The wilderness and the greenery around here is memorable .

If you want to visit a really beautiful beach while in the Monterey Bay/Carmel area, this is the place to go. This beach had the best sand and lots of it to roam and play in. It's a lovely area and was very quiet on a Tuesday afternoon in the summer. As you would expect in this part of California, the water is very cold. It's better suited for walking on the beach and making sand castles than swimming.

Carmel has a great beach full of laid back dog walkers Silicon Valley geeks and movie stars. The town offers free parking and has a Brighton (UK) feel about it with craft shops and wholefood cafes

I'm from NY, and our beaches have water and sand. The end. Standing on this beach I saw cool-looking trees, a meadow of flowers, a river and marsh, cool rocks, fascinating clouds, green rolling hills, small mountains, and larger blue mountains in the distance. Talk about abundance on a simple public beach.

Beautiful beach, very clean. Lots of people were here with their dogs and children enjoying being out in nature.

The beach was great. We did go on a rainy day so parking was easy. Dogs welcomed. The beach was very clean, lots of driftwood on the beach.

I definitely recommend to walk the loop. There are some beautiful homes of all shapes and sizes and the beach is so beautiful and peaceful.

Scenic beach at the foot of downtown Carmel by the sea. The coastal trees and near by golf course and nature make this a lovely photo spot.

Beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean where we spent a few hours for a picnic at sunset. Lots of nature and beauty in this upscale resort south of San Francisco

I came here with my family early on a weekend. Parking was not a problem because we arrived so early and there was a heavy mist that hadn't cleared up yet. We played in the sand and dipped our toes in the waves. We even saw some dolphins swimming a little bit off shore. Cute dogs abounded but owners were very considerate in making sure that the dogs didn't spook our kids. Overall, a great experience even if the water is too cold for a swim.

Easy to find with a vast stretch of sand. Not crowded at all compare to Carmel beach, clean toilets and beach, very dog friendly, and the view, oh, the view :)

This is an absolutely stunning beach and it is beautiful to walk on but......you have to dodge the many dogs let loose to run around and the balls their owners are constantly throwing for their dogs to collect. We saw no evidence of dog fouling but the dogs are not controlled. I totally accept people love their dogs why then can’t some dog owners accept that we don’t like dogs running around us and jumping up. I have never been to a town where dogs are put above the visitors . Carmel has a beautiful beach but you have to be prepared to be constantly surrounded by dogs not under control.

We walked up and down the beach, enjoyed the view of Pebble Beach, the beautiful Ocean & Beach, it's a very nice walk on the Beach.

The views are incredible and the amount of wildlife is unbelievable, all right in front of your nose. Everywhere you turn it is a photo-op. Free parking and restrooms for your convenience. Easy access from Hwy 1 and the shopping center is 3 minutes away for food and shopping.

While at Carmel-by-the-sea, do walk down till the Carmel River beach trial and step on to this calm beach for a nice walk.
Sunset view is fabulous at this place. This beach is similar to Carmel beach.
We drove down to this place, just in time to view the beautiful Sunset.

The beach is great and you can walk along way along. The shops in Carmel are quirky and really interesting to wander around even if you don't want to buy anything. I cannot recommend this place enough (although I would say take a sweater - it's pretty chilly!)

Go and take in the view. White sands. Looks great for windsurfing . Bit of an uphill walk to Carmel by the Sea but great to visit

This is a gorgeous beach along the coast!!!! Big sandy beach with restrooms. Come for the day and pack a picnic and enjoy this beach! Not crowded like the one at the end of Ocean Ave in Carmel By The Sea.

If you are not from west coast, you may not realize how cool the summers can be along the coast, or that the waters of the Pacific in this area are cold. Carmel has a beautiful beach, and the day we were there was our lucky day because I noticed something floating in the water far away. With the telephoto lens on my camera I could tell it was a sea otter! (see photo).

This beach has soft sand, some shady trees, and endless views of the Pacific. There is a bathroom available.

We go to walk the beach there regularly. The colors are beautiful, the waves are dramatic and views of Lobos are great photos. CAREFUL there's a terrific undertow. I never swim this beach. Wading is even questionable.

Both beaches are beautiful. The steep walk to the ocean at the bottom of Ocean Avenue is fun, but walking back up in the soft sand is a real chore. I recommend driving down Scenic Rd, parking,and taking a set of steps to the beach. Or, you can just walk the promenade and sit on one of the benches and watch the surf and people.

There is no better beach in the entire world to job on that this one. The sand is so soft, the temperature is perfect and the dogs offer a welcome distraction to running ;) you can also jog up and down the many staircases for an extra cardio hit!

The beach is white sands and the sea a beautiful turquoise green. There were a number of other people enjoying the fantastic scenery, both on the sea and the land.
Free parking at the beach on Ocean Avenue and Restrooms close to the beach too!

A huge white sand beach. Great for familys and picnics or other activities. Public restroom also available.

Beautiful, great for walking and just sitting watching the sun go down. Relaxing, dog walkers, runners people doing Pilates. Such a lovely place to sit and enjoy the peace.

There are so few did friendly beaches in LA- Carmel is the polar opposite. Gorgeous white sands, beautiful views, and definitely stay for the sunset!

Take a towel or blanket, cup of coffee, or a cocktail in a plastic cup and just sit and take it all in. This is a great spot to watch the ocean, take a walk, sit and read, or kids can play. Beautiful!

If you're visiting definitely do not miss the opportunity to walk down along the beach. There are frequently dolphins in the morning and at night you can have a fire and roast marshmallows in certain spots on the beach. This is also one of the only beaches where dogs can run off leash. Make sure they are well-trained and come when you call, though.

There was almost no one here on a wonderfully warm fall afternoon. Just drive down the hill from Pacific Coast Highway, through the town and here is this almost secret gem..A must see if you're in the area.

A very clean beach, we were told strongly that shoes were not encouraged. Wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the soft, white sand while out on a tour.

This is a quiet and peaceful beach. When you think about a wonderful place to sit in a chair and read a book....this is it. Only the sounds of waves crashing. When we visited it was sparse with people.

This is a lovely beach away from the tourists.
Being on the river there are lots of birds and natural life to watch.

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Pack some good shoes to walk down from the street and some others to swamp into for the beach. Parking is probably the only difficult part of the entire experience. Everything else was fantastic.

We LOVED this beach! Long beach, white sand, NOT crowded, dog friendly beach, easy parking, surfers to watch. Do NOT tell your friends about this gem!

One of a kind. Just start walking and take in the views. Easy access and walk until your tired and head back. Good spot for picnic and sometimes hot coffee. Pick your weather.

The most beautiful beach I have seen.
driftwood collectors paradise, if you are local enough
Watch out for the Squirrels.

Clean beach, respectful and friendly pet owners. So much better than our beaches at home!

Nice to meet well-behaved dogs and people who respect beaches and other people.

Carmel-by-the-sea is a hidden gem as it cannot be compared with other beach villages; it has no billboards, no major commercial advertizing, no fast food chains - everything is based on enjoying quality in life! Given the fact that many of the houses have a unique style, which resembles old German/old English style, it very much felt as if we had landed in a Fairytale. As if Nottingham Forest is just around the corner.

The center village is really nice and offers quality shops, coffee bars and reataurants.

Looking for a piece of heaven? Here it is!

can be a good walk to get down to the beach and an even tougher walk back up from the beach. area enjoyed by the locals. the dogs seemed to really enjoy the beach. can be breezing.

The crashing waves, the expanse of beach, and the distant view of golf course made this beach visit exhilarating. Long walks are possible, diverse personalities visiting, and even unique seaweed gave us Michiganders a real treat. Though not recommended for swimming, one of my teens met up with a younger kid who was braving the waves with his boogie board and they had an amazing time. My son did get banged up by the waves a bit, which was a good lesson for him to respect the west coast. Luckily he was ok. I wish I could have spent more time there!!

Loved walking on the beach every morning. Sand is not sticky. People are out with their dogs and children and are very friendly.

This area is always lovely....and open for areas to stop for pictures or just to enjoy the waves and the beach

This is a quieter beach down at the end of Scenic Road Walkway. Enjoyed the sounds of the waves crashing and washing onto the beach.

Loved the Sandy beach at Carmel.. beautiful setting and easily accessible.. very pretty area. A must see on the Pacific coast highway drive

Great spot to watch the sunset or beach Combe. It gets windy here which can cause you to get sandblasted but worth it for the views.

Lots of beautiful homes in this area and a popular spot so get there early to find parking

Well mostly. I hope the people who do not pick up after their pets do not spoil it for most. Almost stepped in doggypoopy.
That would not have been a happy experience. It’s such a beautiful beach to walk. We enjoyed the sunset as we walked south then climbed the stairs and walked back to our car up by the street. I love this place.

The California coastline is fantastic, and this is one of the more pristine areas you can actually get down to the ocean's edge. The sound of the surf is unparallelled, and this is a great spot to experience it.

An obvious favorite for locals and tourists for a reason. I wish we had more time to mince on the beach but had to leave after a few sunset pics.

We drove to beach after lunch in Moss Bay, it was a perfect Monday on the playa! Yes low human count and low winds! Loved driving thru the quint town and sinking my feet in soft sand! Great few hours in Monterey county!

It was years since my last trip to Carmel and it looks like the beach hasn't change in those few decades. It's beautiful, clean and always has a marvelous feel to it. Even if you're a tourist, you'll feel like a local because there are so many people walking dogs, throwing Frisbees, sketching the views, and just enjoying the setting. We were blessed with a perfect weather day; there was no fog, just a slight breeze, and perfect temperature. Early fall is a great time to visit.

Beautiful sand beach. Sands were soft and warm. Wonderful to walk along and enjoy the wind, sand, sun, waves and views.

Huge waves and fine sand. This beach was not extremely busy and had lots to see. Watched an otter as well as surfers. Restrooms near the parking. Loved the vegetation with many photo opportunities.

Drove along to Carmel State Beach while passing through the area. Absolutely beautiful beach... it looks like a tropical paradise. Sand is white and clean. Lots of space and not overly touristy so you can enjoy your own space. Dogs are allowed on the beach but all owners seems really respectful. Watch out for squirrels in the bushes! When we visited some young children started throwing sand at them. The squirrels then decided to keep running after the children and decided to try and go in a man's bag. Despite this, it is both tranquil and peaceful.

This was an expansive and fine sandy beach we discovered at the end of the Scenic Road drive. A small parking lot and restrooms were available. No lifeguard station anywhere.

It was a good break to get out and stretch our legs after the short drive. Views of the Pacific Ocean on one side, Carmel homes and the wetlands at the mouth of the Carmel River on the other. The sand was quite cold but soft to walk on. Waves did have a tendency to break over the top of the beach and roll towards the mouth of the river so being here at high tide meant making sure we sat down in the right spot. It was a lesson learned after the first wave swamped our poor dog.

What stood out the most was the huge flocks of birds (many varieties) that were spread out on the beach and in the wetlands. When disturbed they blanketed the sky and we had to walk away to avoid any potential bird droppings.

If it wasn’t so cold then we would have enjoyed visiting longer.

One of my favorite beaches in the area! We loved the wide beach and the white sands. Parking is a little scarce though and can get quite frustrating.

Lovely, quiet white sand beach just down the road from the Mission Ranch. Beautiful views of Pt. Lobos to the south.

Coming from Hawaii, one would think you couldn't find any more beautiful beaches. We live in Hawaii so we weren't expecting anything spectacular despite reviews. We were wrong. We came on Tuesday around 4pm. We were able to find parking in the lot as others were probably leaving for dinner. The beach is clean and sparse. We targeted for low tide around 5:38pm but didn't stay for that. My kid loves beaches where at low tide you can walk out far to the sea. We knew the water would be cold but didn't plan for the icy cold.
My teen loved it. We were able to walk out onto clean, icy cold coast. We saw pelicans feasting on who knows what in the ocean. We loved that it was sparse and with little travelers. We loved the icy cold water.

We visited Carmel, parked on the Main Street and explored the town on foot. Walking down to the beach is well worth the effort, the views are stunning. The huge slope of sand going down to the beach makes you feel like a kid again... also there are some old massive weather worn trees on the beach, stunning and impressive, a sight to see....

Drove down to the beach at the bottom of Ocean Ave. Was able to find parking. Not to crowded at eleven in the morning. Water calm and clear.

There are so many things to do in Carmel and this is one of them. Take the time in between great restaurants and art galleries to go down and walk the beach. Sand is soft and clean. Grab a picnic lunch. No food at the beach but there are restrooms but not the cleanest. Enjoy!!

I would have to say that this is one of the best beaches in Northern California. The sand is soft. The beach is flat and easy to walk. It’s beautiful. You can see the fairways of Pebble Beach at the north end. A great place to swindle some time on a nice day.

The whole area around the beach is absolutely beautiful. The sand is soft and white, and the water is freezing!

The houses which line the beach are stunning, and it’s just a really lovely place to take a stroll.

Carmel Beach is not big but it is a fun place to spend the day with the family.. There are trees to climb and a nice setting for a picnic

In a perfect location to walk up and experience the Pacific Coast! Even in the winter a wonderful place to visit. Access is easy at the end of Ocean Ave - ample free public parking winter weekdays. Recommend grab a lunch to go from an Ocean Ave restaurant. Take a walk toward Pebble Beach during low tide, or just sit at the lookout. Dog friendly, too!

Carmel state beach have a lot of families and people with the dogs in the beach so it’s not the best spot to take a bath in the sea but it’s a good place to relax a little and take some time to walk by.

Take the walk from 8th Ave to Carmel River beach for a world class ocean promenade. Or join the dogs running on the wide sands.

Walked the Scenic Road Walkway to here. The beach is very nice and unlike Carmel Bay it was not crowded (maybe just got lucky?) and there was no steep hill to walk up or down to access the beach. There were restrooms.

Very nice view. It was cold and raining. They were cleaning the lookout when we were there. Looks like they keep it clean.

We stopped by the Carmel City Beach while we were in town. It was wonderful. It's a beautiful location with the Pebble Beach golf course bordering it. It's a classic Northern California beach. People enjoying the beach and being outdoors, many families and people with dogs.

Great sandy beach in a bay with waves and beautiful sunsets. This town as everyone seems to know is a dog lovers town. They are also on the beach. People behavier is fantastic. Polite, careful and attentive to others. It’s a very clean beach. It shoud be used as an example of how it is possible for all to enjoy the sea..

Beautiful white sand beach, blah blah blah. But really, this is a beautiful beach. It's a little unusual to find such a white sand beach nestled on the rocky coast of California. Read up on the geology of the sand, and it makes it a little bit more interesting. Fantastic place for a sunset. Unfortunately, adjacent to an enormous Golf Course.

Even on moderately warm weather days you’ll always find sunbathers on this beach, good for beach walks snd just Watching the ocean.

Ocean Ave shoppers rarely travel the 4-9 blocks to this tranquil prototypical Central California beach. Gorgeous sand, framed by cypress trees, with nice overlooks and access. Adequate parking and pet-friendly. The best months to visit are Oct-Dec; temps are often still in the mild, shirtsleeve range and the fog usually departs by mid-morning.

A world class beach at the foot of town, Carmel, this place just about has it all. Enjoy the beach activities or easily walk up in town. The fun is up to you.

Being it was December we almost didn’t visit this beach, but decided to at the last minute. So glad we did. It is really nice and has great views either north toward Pebble Beach or South towards Point Lobos. There was no wind and the sun was out, making for a great walk on the beach. There is plenty of parking either at the beach entry or down Scenic Drive.

Best dog friendly beach. Relative low waves, lots of open sand for people and puppies. Bathroom and water fountain there. Bring your dog a water bowl to fill at the fountain after play. This was the first time our 6 month old lab was at the beach and he did drink a lot of water on the first day and had an upset stomach. Gave him some white rice and he was ready to go the next two days. He loved it.

We were there in September and the weather was still perfect for laying in the sun ! Had to be a little braver for the water but we still saw some swimmers ! We took our dog and he had fun as well meeting all the other dogs on the beach ! It's sooo beautiful there I couldn't get enough of the scenery, all within walking distance of shops. I can't wait to return to this little piece of heaven !

We stopped at this beautiful beach. So nice to have a beautiful beach like this so close to ‘downtown’ Carmel. Quintessential Northern California Beach.

After Monterey aquarium we swim by this town to pay respect to the ex mayor Mr. Clint Eastwood and the local shops and restaurants. We stop by the beach for a short stop. The parking was easy. We were able to park right in front of the beach with public toilets. The walk to the beach was a snap. The sunset was beautiful and the people are nice.

We didn't spend much time here because it was really chilly and we had other places to go. There were a lot of dogs running all over, so I'd say if you're not a dog person, you should avoid this spot. Some nice views, but nothing you can't find at Point Lobos or on a drive toward Big Sur.

Visited Carmel Beach on a Sunday morning recently...the experience is always the same. Natural beauty in every direction one turns. Never crowded. Lots of friendly dogs. Can't find a better spot for an early morning coffee :)

Watch sunset here on your way to dinner! Maybe go for a nice walk as well. Beautiful beach, close to town.

I have been to many places in the U.S. as well as in Europe, but Carmel is one of the most beautiful places i have ever been to. The beach, the Pacific Ocean, The hillsides, the town and its shops and galleries.......everything is just lovely.

We didn’t take the dogs this time. We got our dog fix at the Cypress Inn and Carmel beach. Lovely white sand beach. Cliffs with lovely homes.

Surprisingly I enjoy Carmel most in the fall, spring and winter. One would expect it to be a summer location. It’s foggy in summer. Try it off season.

This is a lovely, though busy, beach. We went lat afternoon/evening and the parking was still difficult. We parked in town and walked down. As the sun went down the sunset was beautiful.

Broad sandy beach overlooking the Point Lobos Peninsula and right at the edge of the housing sections of Carmel. Not enough parking when busy, however. There was a lifeguard station and bathrooms, yet I don't know when they actually have a lifeguard.

Lovely beach studded with interesting trees and plants, but biy is it cold. The temperature in Carmel drops at least 5 degrees when yiou walk from Ocean Street to the beach, so make sure you are wrapped up warmly.

How does one pick the more beautiful places in the Carmel area? When I do rate them this is one of the best. We could just sit and admire as well as walk around.

We arrived to the dog friendly beach at 10 a.m. on a Thursday. Parking was available at that time. There were many people, local and tourists, walking on the beach and viewing from the lookout. We accessed the beach via the sandy walkway. There were dolphins playing and swimming just off shore. The view of the ocean is fantastic. The beach is beautifully kept.

Huge, relaxing, excellent for families, very sandy, dog friendly, toilets near by! Steep walk but parking near by!

I've always heard about the view, but this quaint town is just perfect! So much to do in a very small area. Pretty and elderly friendly, food of all sorts and styles. The beaches area spectacular and the locals are awesome.

As a young kid growing up in the Bay Area this was one of my go to beaches next to Santa Cruz, even at that time the sand was some of the softest cleanest ever to be found in California the sand is so soft and fluffy it squeaks between your toes as you walk on it. There's not very much parking here so come early. It now seems to be a very large tourist attraction. If you never been to California or you want to check out a beautiful Beach for the first time this is a must. I must also say that Santa Cruz and more south of Pismo Beach the beaches have gone downhill.. they seem to have kept this one up and its free.. all the other California beaches now charge to park at tourist and non tourist areas.

Beautiful beach but this area is targeted by thieves who will smash and grab any belongings you leave in your car. Wish that someone had warned me of this criminal activity that goes on here and other areas in Big Sur and Carmel.

Any drive along the California coast is gorgeous. We particularly enjoyed this drive for the Carmel neighborhoods it brought us through, the unique homes we saw and of course the views!!

Beautiful beach for a nice walk ! Such a great area to explore with amazing flocks of sea birds overhead and wading in the river.

This is a dog friendly/off leash beach and there are a lot of dogs there that shouldn't be off leash. Too many dog attacks here. I guess if you don't have a dog it's ok but be aware that dogs are running around you constantly and kicking up sand.

Exceptional scenery. Magnificent beach along PCH Highway 1 near Carmel. Soft sandy. Found enough parking.

Only visited this beach as part of an early morning run/hike, but with similarly spectacular views as the Carmel city beach, it seems to be less well-known and much quiter. There’s less surf, but it’s a wide, white and well-accessible beach.

Clean and long beach to walk with or without dog, read, surf, picnic in a very nice ambiance. Also a fantastic spot to admire sunset and take pictures.

If watching the sun sink into the ocean while dogs frolic on the beach is your thing, then you should probably come here for sunset. Parking is limited, come early.

love walking there and very clean and calm but of course lots of people visiting. relaxing to have a picnic but the water is cold. too bad it is not as warm as the Mediterranean Sea.

One of the excellent reasons to go to Carmel By The Sea is to spend some time on Carmel Beach. The fine, smooth sand is excellent for walking or running on, and the vistas are equally rewarding. With views of Point Lobos at the south to Pebble Beach golf course on the north, this very popular beach is a Pacific Coast highlight. Parking is limited close by, so it works out best to find a place to park on a side street above and walk down. The beach is pet friendly and dogs are allowed on leash.

We enjoyed relaxing on the beach yesterday during the end of the pandemic. It was a beautiful day for reading and walking in the sand. Nice parking lot with a bathroom and gorgeous blue water. 🏖

Spectacular views. Water cold this time of year, but the beach walk with the water on one side and cool homes on the other is not to be missed.

My wife and I enjoyed walking everywhere morning and evening. Please visit and take more photos than you should.

Great location beach in beautiful Carmel water to be honest cold but nice to walk around take pictures spend time with family

One of the loveliest beaches I have ever seen. Houses on front are pretty. Sandy. Need to avoid May grey and June gloom if you want to sunbathe! We enjoyed walking in grey May weather.

We are a bit spoiled in Australia for beaches and so it's hard to find one that is exceptional. This wasn't but it was still very nice with a reasonable amount of sand and nice, clean water.

This is a very wide, accessible beach. But going in the water can be hazardous if you are not careful.

Came here before dinner and wished we had come earlier. Beautiful white sands and long beach surrounded by great views. What’s not to like!

This is a very peaceful beach with white sand. A pleasant place for an evening stroll.

If you are looking for beaches with dramatic scenery, you will have to go to the beaches in or around Big Sur.

Stunning beach, unbelievable views. Pets allowed and great place for walks and picnics. Very clean. Highly recommended walking not driving to experience the beauty.

We spent a short amount of time at this beach after driving 17 mile drive. We could've sat for hours watching the waves, was just a shame that the fog was in making the view not quite as picturesque as I'm sure it is. Public toilets also spotlessly clean. Great place to spend some time.

It's the beach...how can you go wrong? Family friendly, pet friendly. Could use more parking but worth the effort.

Very nice view but cold. Once you get to beach - it's still a walk to the actual water. Very rough. And a bit of a hike back up hill. There is bathhouse. It's a hike back up to town But they do have Uber!!

This is a very special little beach cove away from the crowds! Gorgeous view of Point Lobosof the ocean!

Took many pictures The waves were awesome and sunsets were beautiful. The water is very cold in November!!

We visited around mid-morning. The beach was not crowded. The views were spectacular. The local trees are gorgeous.

Beautiful beach. Easy access. Street parking only. Long, wide and sandy. Otters and seals easy to spot. Great view of Pebble Beach. Lots of people with dogs. I’ve never seen a better day than the day we spent there. 77 degrees and sunny! Just lovely. Check weather conditions before you go if from out of the area. It’s often overcast/foggy on this part of the CA coast.

Nice view and surrounded by beautiful houses close to the beach ! Very well Prepared for tourists and amazing sunset

In August of 2019, my friend and I spent time in Carmel and were drawn to Carmel River Beach by its beauty and the fact that it had significantly fewer people than the main beach.

The day we were there was gloriously warm, enough so that I went in the water for a brief swim. I grew up in California, swimming in the ocean. The waves were small and the water looked calm.

As I came to shore, I was pulled down by the undertow, then pulled out past the drop off near the shoreline. Unable to touch bottom or break the surface of the water, I drowned. My friend saw me, floating face down in the water and summoned help.

I was pulled from the water by two men, no pulse, full cardiac and pulmonary arrest. Fortunately, a nurse was on the beach that day. She performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. I came to on the beach, with the paramedics working on me.

I spent 4 days in the hospital, the first two in the ICU. Unfortunately on Christmas Eve 2019, a man trying to get his daughter out of the water drowned and did not survive.

I was incredibly lucky to have been successfully resuscitated and am still amazed that I survived.

Community Hospital of Monterey County gave me phenomenal care. I cannot say enough about the doctors and staff and the excellent care I received.

Carmel is one of the most beautiful, charming towns you will ever visit. I look forward to returning sometime. When you go, please enjoy this beautiful beach, but beware of the treacherous conditions in the water.

Nothing much else to say - the place is beautiful and tranquil. It is definitely worth a stop to admire the views and water.

wonderful beach. Good place for family outing. Clean. Great place for walking and recreation. Pets are allowed.

Pleasant surprise that we have this gorgeous beach in Northern California. Skipping Monterey next time and we would stay in Carmel instead. Beautiful homes around. We will be back!

Well worth a visit, the scenery is stunning and preserved in a fairly wild state, few amenities but wonderful blustery walks available. It was great out of season as it felt we had the whole place to ourselves

Travelling from San Francisco to Los Angeles we decided to get off the highway and drive along the coast. Very scenic, beaches, smaller towns, and Carmel. Home to Clint Eastwood and Doris Day in the past.

Perfect place to hike and relax. We walked along The beach and up through the hills to get a glimpse of the water and Mission Ranch. Clean bathrooms by the parking lot as well! Perfect morning activity to start your day!

Carmel is place with serene & picturesque views.Absolutely loved it. Beautiful beaches, lovely sunset,good vibes with great local food outlets. Will recommend staying in Carmel.

Let me start by saying that I have a dog and I always have had a dog but I think the city is quickly becoming "Canine Carmel".

This beach is over run with dogs. The city itself is dog crazy. There was not one restaurant or coffee house that I visited that didn't have a dog. The art galleries appear to be the exception.
People even bring their dogs to a nice dinner out in town.

The view at this beach is beautiful and there is hardly a more scenic stretch of coastline. It is a 5 star beach without the cavalcade of canines. Just be aware that you will encounter dogs off the leash here.
I wish they had dog hours and non dog hours.

"Who let the dogs out?" You ask?
Carmel, that's who.

This small town is well worth a visit. Very quaint and many unique little shops, great for those who enjoy the creative arts.

We love Carmel Beach because our dogs can roam free. The coast line is beautiful. All the dogs and people get along. The sunsets are spectacular. It is warm during the day usually but foggy and cool in the mornings and evenings. Carmel Beach is a must see for tourists.

Beautiful. Uncrowded. Dog friendly. Clean. Fresh. Quiet. What’s not to love? Not crowded like Carmel Beach off Ocean Avenue. Highly recommended.

We walked down the very steep Ocean Avenue to the waterfront so we could see the beach and take photographs. We didn't venture further because of the onshore breeze that was whipping up the sand. We may regret it later but we saw the wonderful beach.

This beach is much quieter than the Ocean avenue beach and really nice. Not a lot of parking so grab a spot if you see one.

A beautiful area for sitting, walking or looking at the beach. Only advanced divers should dive here or snorkel. Quite an undertow ...not really safe for young kids.

Such a magical place to be at sunset. My husband and I strolled as the sun went down and there were quite a few others there for the experience and it just felt festive and beautiful

Carmel is an absolute delight, and Carmel River State Beach compliments the town beautifully. If you choose to walk along the path above the beach or get your toes in the sand and walk the beach, you won’t be disappointed. Beauty is everywhere you look. Parking is always at a premium, so check the side streets or go early.

South of the town of Carmel and its famous beach, is a beach, lagoon, marsh restoration at the mouth of the Carmel River. Even midday it was good viewing for birds. Fewer people around. Nice for a quick stop if you are driving south.

Beautiful water, clean sandy beach. Loved people watching. The dogs were having a blast as well. Very relaxing and located so close to downtown Carmel,

Beautiful beach with lots of people walking around, playing with their dogs and children, watching surfers, and otherwise enjoying almost perfect weather in Carmel. Wish I lived here.

We drove to the end of Ocean St for access. There is an overlook area and numerous parking spots. The sand is fine and white colored. This is a pet friendly beach. Scenic views with Pebble Beach nearby. Walking is pleasurable and easy with the flat wide expanse. West facing for great viewing of sunsets.

This beach is so nice. Beautiful all around. The white sand is so soft under the feet. The water is coooold of course (it is Carmel!) I love it here walking along the shore.

We have three older dogs so we aren't interested in going to the Carmel City Beach, where younger ones are frolicking around off leash. We head to the quieter more out of the way Carmel River Beach. A small parking lot provides easy and level access to the beach and to a lagoon area, great for kids, bird watching, and strolling with your canine friends. We went there several times during a weekend trip to Carmel.

A lot of people talk about seeing Carmel and Monterey when driving the West Coast. We found Carmel-by-the-Sea to be a charming town with a beautiful beach; and if we had to pick only one town to see - it would be Carmel. Storybook, looking houses line the coast and face the white, sandy beach which is perfect for spending the day playing and swimming. Parking was free on the street.

It's a very scenic part of the coast and we enjoyed taking pictures here as well as driving around various streets to take in the sights.

One of the most picturesque beaches in the world! Thunderous ocean and quiet bird-filled wetlands are separated by a perfect white sand beach. A must see in the Carmel/Monterey area!

This is a beautiful beach within walking distance of downtown Carmel shops, restaurants, and galleries.

It's a great beach, but once again, Trip Advisor is featuring a photo of a different place. Just look through all the photos to get a better idea of what it looks like.

I love this beach because of the soft sand, it's always very clean, people are friendly and my dog can come!!!!

Came in town for the birthday weekend and went down to the Carmel beach to enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather. Husband and I admired the landscape and kids enjoyed the waves. Walked along the beach and had a good time while there.

Of all the beaches in the world, very few hold as much sentiment or beauty for us as Carmel Beach. We return every few years to this pristine spot to overlook the majestic scenery of Carmel Bay. Whales, sea otters, and the smell of beach fires fill our senses with wonderment and serenity.

The sunset in Carmel was breathtaking. We went to Monterey for the night and was looking for a place to watch the sunset and one of the best place that I’ve found was this beach. Sunset was a bit late but soooo worth the wait. Definitely one of the best sunsets I’ve seen so far. You’ll fall in love with this place, I guarantee. 😊

A lovely beach for a walk, and totally unspoilt. Soft white sand and huge breakers on the day we went (there's a notice saying it's too dangerous to swim or even wade in the sea here)
It's an easy walk from the shops/restaurants of Carmel.
There are public toilets by the car park, but be warned they don't smell very pleasant!

We stopped here and enjoyed the view. Beautiful beach and locals told us it's never crowded. Lots of locals enjoyed the area with their families and dogs. Excellent place!

We went to Carmel beach as we had been told by several people we should visit Carmel. . We had got the bus to Carmel from Monterey so we were on foot. The walk down to the beach from the town.is okay. The walk back up the hill can seem long but the scenery is worth the walk. The beach is very popular with locals and tourists. It is easy to get to Carmel from Monterey on public transport.

Great place. Well worth the visit. Went with my family at Christmas. Highly recommended, Many Great restaurants near by. The Fish and Chips Restaurant was well worth a visit, Sorry forgot the name of it.

The white sand is very fine and looks like sugar. It feels wonderful between your toes. The views along the beach are stunning and it is a good place to observe occasional whales and pods of dolphins swimming by.

Hardly any people around when there. Easy access for the majority. For you camera buffs be sure yours is handy. You, I am sure will end up with some beautiful pictures.

Quieter compared to Carmel's main beach. Good for a picnic and meditation. Not as good for swimming. Nice scenic views too.

Another highly overrated beach. disappointed by all the seaweeds and flying insects. Might be good for pets, definitely not for family looking for some sand play, water play. Not much to expect from restrooms, they were clogged, dirty.

At the end of scenic road there is a small parking area that gives you access to the beach. A walk over the sand takes you to the ocean views, but a shorter walk takes you to the wetlands around the river. Here you can see many types of birds at close quarters and makes for a good photo opportunity.

Carmel River Beach is a spectacular beach. The water is beautiful shades of blue and white sands. Neat & clean. Friendly neighbors. Super awesome beach!......highly recommended for Family!

Mom came with us. We parked on a local street and walked over to the beach. Lovely white sand. Nearby attractions and cities. Scenic drives

Walk down to the beach past really neat beach cottages and end at a stunning beach. Temperatures were perfect and the beach was clean for being so busy. Really nice.

Nice walk on the beach to relax and take in the ocean sounds and view. Soft sand and challenging climbs on the rocks.

We were staying at the Mission Ranch, so this was a stones throw from there. I would take a lovely walk through residential streets (I'm from the UK so this was a pleasure to walk the streets and see the lovely houses/gardens en route) The beach is just stunning. It's serene. I arrived early morning and virtually had it to myself. Even when I did go back later in the day it wasn't particularly busy. The sand was beautifully white, but what I particularly liked was the beach being bordered by a marshy nature reserve one side and the crashing waves of the ocean the other. People had built driftwood sculptures - of sorts. The birds were incredible to watch, pelicans, terns and more. I loved this place and on a three week road trip along the PCH, this was one of my highlights. Please don't miss it. I do think that perhaps many people just visit the beautiful little town and beach there, but this being a 15 minute walk from the centre is just too stunning and a shame to miss. Trust me, a highlight. (parking available too if you can't walk there)

Carmel City Beach, or as locals often refer to it, Ocean Beach because it's at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, is a wonderful spot for picnics, dogs, and long walks.The Carmel River Beach is also particularly delightful from where you can watch amazing sea life not far off shore, including whales spouting and sometimes breaching. The sand is clean, the wildlife enchanting. When I lived at the other end of the path from the mouth of the river, I would walk it every day, visiting the cross at the top of the knoll that marked an historic time. It's revivifying that I often walked it twice a day, and sometimes even more. Delightfully peaceful and calming.

wonderful white sand and wide open spaces. wishing we could have spent more time here, you can walk up to Pepper Beach Golf club too.

There is a charm to this place, the scenic view drive is a a stunner. Drove on the Scenic Road, 3 laps in a go and fell in love with it. A very very calm and beautiful little drive, well kept sea facing villas and warm people. Pet friendly beach and some stunning views.

The beach was clean and lots of folks with dogs. Carmel is really a dog friendly city. I stood in the sea water to recharge the energy. Weather was great for the beach on this early May day.

The sand is soft and perfect for relaxing or taking a nice walk on the beach.
The water is clear and there is little seaweed however it is very cold so I personally wouldn't plan on swimming long. In fact when my husband I were there a jacket would have been nice even for a beach walk.
The parking was awful however so be prepared to park way up the street and walk.

I have a lot of reasons to love this beach; soft white sand, beautiful trees and landscaping, amazing blue ocean, dog friendly, in one of the best cities in this state.. I could go on. If you have a full day I recommend coming here early morning, get a good(and very limited) parking spot and enjoy the beautiful beach followed by a great meal and stroll in Carmel-by-the-sea!

Our visit to Carmel River Beach was the highpoint of our visit to Carmel. Don't let the name fool you. This is the ocean. The Carmel River empties into the ocean here. It's a very unique beach with the largest sand I've ever seen. It's really closer to small pebbles than sand. Huge and soft on the feet. The surf is quite dangerous here. Be careful going into the water unless you're a really good swimmer. There is a lifeguard on duty here as well.

This may be my favorite beach in the area. There's a fresh-water river that flows into the ocean just behind the beach, which makes a great calm spot if you have small kids. Otherwise, the ocean-side beach is also great. Only down side is finding a spot to park and the rather long walk through the sand to get to a good sitting spot.

A really wonderful beach area with really white sand and room to be comfortable. The water is bright and the entire ocean view is really gorgeous. Well kept and clean, has also bathroom and changing room facilities with a decent parking area as well. Right next to the shops of Carmel. Totally recommend. :)

I am from the southeast and have seen many beautiful, white sand, beaches. I have also had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii and enjoyed the black sand beaches and awesome sunsets. I never expected to be blown away by the beach in Carmel, but I was. It is now easily in my top ten favorite beaches. It is a beautiful beach with great access and is spacious. The sunsets are fantastic and the beauty of holes 8,9 and 10 of the famous Pebble Beach golf course are easy to see just meters above the sand.

My wife and her sister grew up in Carmel, and the beach of choice for recreation, particularly family recreation, is the beach at the mouth of the Carmel river. On the landward side is the beautiful salt marsh - the lagoon - sloping u[ to the Mission Ranch, and on the seaward side, across the barrier sandbar, the Pacific ocean, with Point Lobos dominating the horizon. The lagoon side offers sheltered, shallow-water wading for the youngsters; the ocean side is somewhat dangerous because of the undertow, but is a great vantage point for wave-watching and beach combing. Never crowded, an ideal spot. Occasionally the sand bar is breached (by bulldozers) to allow the river to flow into the sea and lower the level of the lagoon, a spectacular sight.

we went near sunset and the light was just so magnificent. When people talk about Carmel, this is where it's at!

This is the place to go and the town of Carmel is a delight. Lots of good restaurants but they’re a walk from the beach where there seems to be no refreshment outlets.

We parked on the southern end of the trail at Monastery Beach and hiked to Carmel River State beach and enjoyed an easy to moderate trail with sweeping views and lots of big rocks to explore. The rocks had pockets where salt crystals had formed and the tide was low so we could see kelp and sea creatures.

Good parking, lots of space. The beach is coarse sand. Like most of this coast the water is COLD! It is a vert pretty, clean beach.

Even there are more popular sightseeing in Monterey, but we stay in Carmel closed to Carmel River State park.
Here you can observat a bountiful population of migration birds. You can do fishing on the beach but the temperature is cold and windy.

As a native Californian, I have spent much time at many beaches. This is one of my very favorites! A bit off the beaten path (thankfully), so not overrun with masses of people, very clean, bathrooms on site, no parking fee. Now that I have shared, please take care of the beach when you visit!

Approach this beach via Scenic Drive. The colors of the water are spectacular. There is a parking lot with bathrooms here also. It is less crowded than Ocean Beach, very pretty place to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. :)

Loved Carmel! What a beautiful city with plenty of activities to do as a couple or with family and friends.

This beach is in beautiful Carmel. Very dog friendly beach. There is a steep hill down to the beach so pack light. They will allow fires in designated area's. Restrooms are clean for a beach facility.

Get there early to avoid traffic because it is a small town with lots of stop signs and traffic does back up.

Beautiful sandy beach but somewhat dangerous for actual swimming because of undertow. However, there is a lagoon which is great for the kids and wading.

The beach along Carmel is beautiful and easily accessible by car or walking from town. There is an active community of beachgoers who create an atmosphere of enjoyment. During one visit, there was a sandcastle competition that was extraordinary.

Beautiful, quaint, dog friendly, and people friendly. We began and ended each day of our trip with a short walk from Normandy Inn to the beach. Even at it's busiest time it was wide open for walks, photography or just reading a book. We loved it!! There is parking right there at the beach if you are just driving through, just steps away from the sand. The survey asks if there is a coffee shop or restaurant here, but the reality is all of those things are right up from the beach as this is part of Carmel, just not on the actual beach, so I answered accordingly.

This beach is great for taking photographs of the ocean, birds and other sea life. There are so many Pelicans and Seagulls. it's like a bird sanctuary. Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash.

Always beautiful. The weather was wonderful. Responsible dog owners. We got to see a pod of dolphins and seals at play. Nice long walk on the beach. Wonderful

On our recent one-night stay in Carmel by the Sea, we discovered this beach and adjacent wetland which has been rehabilitated after long years of encroaching development. In a short walkabout of about 1.5 hours I discovered 22 bird species, including a lone Brant Goose, a diminutive goose which breeds on the Arctic tundra and migrates along the Pacific coast in winter. I would have loved to spend more time here, but time did not permit. Enjoy this lovely site at your leisure!

Beautiful view and the sunset was stunning!! Walking distance from downtown all the restaurants and shopping.

Carmel River Beach is located where the Carmel River enters the Pacific Ocean so it offers some variety to other beaches in the area. The fresh water area allows protected wading for kids. There is a large expanse of sand allowing any number of beach activities

Between Scenic Drive and the end of the nature trail (going back to Ocean Avenue), we stopped to admire the scenery, use the restrooms, and check our little map directions. This was a first for us, taking the longer walk as follows:

(1) along Scenic drive,
(2) to Carmel River State Beach,
(3) to 1850's Mission Ranch, hotel, and sheep,
(4) to the Carmel Mission (location of Fr. Junipero Serra's interrment),
(5) and then to the Mission Trail Nature Preserve which ends on Ocean Avenue.

The Carmel River State Beach is quite flat and, everything that the Scenic Road views are, this is the opposite. The river creates a nice waterfowl friendly environment and the vast expanse of sand between the parking lot and the ocean offers the ideal location to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Not too much swimming going on in January but it looks to be an ideal swimming spot in warmer weather.

Parking is ample but the spaces do fill up fast (we noticed).

I don't remember how many times I've been to this beach, but every single time I'm mesmerized by its beauty, the amazing blue of the water, and the surrounding mountains that just accentuate the picture. For the past 2 years we've come around the same time in February and it was a great time to visit. We were lucky with a good weather and we enjoyed the beach tremendously. I would definitely recommend at least visiting it twive.

Lovely long white sand beach. Very popular with tourists visiting.
We only visited for a short while but were suitably impressed.

This is where Carmel River meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. In Spring, before the river has the power to cut through the sand of the beach the river backs up and is magnificent for bird watching and fishing. When the river does cut through, often with help from a Dozier hired by the County, the river runs slow. The ocean slope if very steep into the bay between Carmel Point and Pt Lobos, so you should NEVER attempt to Swim here! The waves, however, are dynamic to watch- just stay a couple dozen feet away, as rogue waves have brought many to their deaths here.

Carmel is a beautiful and very well-kept city. This beach is in the central part of the city and has clear waters and white sand. Looks like a painting. It's worth seeing.

The Pacific Ocean has its own, special teal/aqua color in this area, with lovely white sand, kelp and sea life in abundance, depending upon the time of year. It’s roughly a 1/2 mile, very downhill walk from the center of Carmel.

There is a beach volleyball area, and spots for picnicking, too. Did not really check out rinse-off areas or go on the beach this visit, but would expect both to be fine, from what we observed.

The walk down and back does offer lots of shade and benches or sit-to-rest spots, as well as shops and lodgings along the street.

The beachside changing and restroom areas are clean, but at least in the women’s side too many chose the restroom stalls for changing out of wet clothes, instead of using the less private changing space. Thus, not such a great spot if you need the toilet. We were here on a Tuesday - I don’t think I’d want to be here on a weekend!

It’s easy to park. Nice sandy beach with amazing views. Sunset is a must there. Totally recommended for anyone staying or driving through.

The beach and drive along is stunningly beautiful it takes your breath away.

We always love driving the road along the beach it's like nothing else around.

Lovely homes along the way too.

Great walking and relaxing on this beach. The waves are good and we even saw some dolphins. The sand is soft to walk on and not too hot. Lots of people but lots of space. Especially nice early in the day.

The Carmel Garden Inn is a delightful Inn with incredibly warm, friendly and attentive service to all that enter including furry family! Everyone involved at the Inn is focused on going over and above to assure that you have a wonderful visit to charming Carmel. From the endless supply of dog treats to the homemade breakfasts and wine hour specialties, the staff is one of a kind in their commitment to service. There are no store bought muffins here! The patio rooms have large comfortable patios with beautiful plants and a table and chairs. They are perfect for relaxing with your four legged friends. It is a joy traveling to an Inn where they not just allow pets but welcome them with open arms and hearts! You will also be happy to know that they can provide towels, blankets and a hose for those necessary pup cleanups after a day at the fun-filled dog beach!! Thank you to all of our new friends at the Carmel Garden Inn for making our vacation so memorable! We will cherish our memories of our time spent with all of you!!

Cool place to go, a lot less touristy that Monterey and others. Small town with a lot of character and beautiful homes. Carmel and Monterey are basically 3 miles apart.

We took our Golden Retriever to the beach twice while we were in Carmel. He loved it, including meeting many other dogs and playing in the surf...

My husband and I make it a point to stop at the beach in Carmel every visit we make to the area. Though this beach is a dog friendly beach, the people who frequent it are very conscientious of maintaining the pristine nature of the beach. I find this beach to be a place where I can truly relax and recharge. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There is no other way for me to describe it except 'peaceful beyond words'.

It is a nice place where you can park your auto (easiest convenient free place) and begin to explore a Carmel by the sea or walk along the beach.

We rented a house just down the street. It was a beautiful walk both in the morning and evening. There are restrooms.

There was a pretty solid surf but clear skies and little wind. Perfect day for a long wall on the beach. Easier walking and equal view along the neighborhood path with stairs down to the beach every couple hundred yards. Showers for washing off after, garbages, fire pits etc. dog friendly. Beautiful homes along the pathway as well.

Very clean beach, easy parking, great views of the ocean and fun for the kids to play in...Bring warm clothes

My children were wine tasting and everyone told them to go see the sunset. Sadly, it was cloudy but the beach is still beautiful. My husband, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son and myself are visiting from the East Coast.

The thing you must remember about Carmel beaches is where you are and how far out you go. While the views are spectacular world-class location and the wildlife is sure to thrill you. there is a danger that people don't realize along the coastline in this region and that is the very sharp drop off once you've gone out for the beach into the water. Numerous people have died caught in the tide pull. The waterfront is a sight worth seeing but exploring into the water is to be done with great caution.

We walked from our hotel at San Carlos and 5th which took about 15 minutes. The tree lined walk is lovely and we enjoyed the weather too! The Carmel Beach was just beautiful, pristine, clean, white sand, crystal clear water and one of the nicest beaches I've ever been to. The low humidity is an extra delight!! Our route to the beach was a cinch being all downhill which means uphill upon return. It wasn't a bad walk but be aware just in case someone has difficulty walking. I don't know if there is another route to the beach which has less of a hill but you can drive to the beach. We were there on a Sunday (after Labor Day) and there was plenty of available parking. By the way, for all of the doggie lovers out there, the beach as well as the City of Carmel is very dog friendly which was so nice to see.

Cruising the west, sommer vacation. After having a not so positive experience with San Francisco we drove south and stopped in Carmel. We went to the beach and found it very nice, met some locals and go recommendations for lunch. Carmel is on the revisiting list.

If you want to be somewhat off the beaten path go to Carmel River State Beach. It's at the southern end of Carmel where the Carmel River empties into the ocean. This beach is actually part of a nature preserve so be prepared for lots of birds/waterfowl, fish, crabs, etc. - all of which are special. The sand at this beach is not the white, sugary sand of Carmel Beach - it's more natural-feeling. The beach is very low-key and when we were there it had lots of kids. There is a lagoon-like area that is created by the beach itself (again, filled with birds, etc.) and the kids were in kayaks, on paddle boards, etc. so this area is perfect for the youngsters - and there were several young folks just enjoying the water.

Pack a picnic lunch because this is on the edge of Carmel and a ways away from the main shopping/dining area, but it is beautiful. We had a very pleasant time.

I am a resident of Monterey Bay and visit this beach weekly. Carmel River State Beach is a beautiful, white sand beach with a protected lagoon and bird sanctuary. Unfortunately, there seems to be a misunderstanding that dogs are allowed off-leash on this beach. Dogs must be leashed due to the sensitivity of the habitat.

Nesting birds use the sandy areas around the lagoon and potentially on the beach during the spring and summer months including the "threatened status" western snowy plover. These birds sit in small indentations in the sand often unseen until disturbed. We can all learn to protect and live with the native wildlife if we would only pay attention and adhere to the signs posted at the entrances.

Please respect the state law pertaining to dogs on this beach. Off-leash dogs however are allowed on the main Carmel beach just below the town. Lots of room to run around and meet other dog owners and their dogs!

Thank you for helping to keep our coastline beautiful and safe for all living things.