Beach guide
Carmel Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, CA
Overview
Carmel Beach is the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea's white-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue, running south along Scenic Road below cypress-topped bluffs. It's one of the best-known dog beaches on the coast: dogs can run off-leash here as long as they stay under voice control. Walkers, families, sunset-watchers and surfers share it year-round.
Getting onto the sand
The main way down is a sand ramp at the end of Ocean Avenue, next to the main parking lot and restrooms. South of there, a series of stairways drops from the Scenic Road pathway to the beach; the city notes that the stairways at 10th and 12th avenues were closed as of May 2024.
Fires and evenings
Wood fires are no longer allowed. You can bring a UL-listed propane fire device or propane grill, but only on the stretch south of 10th Avenue to Martin Way. Alcohol is permitted on the sand from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for adults 21 and over, but not on the streets, stairs or bluffs.
Water safety
There are no lifeguards. The city reminds visitors to stay aware of waves, undertow, riptides and other hazards.
Getting there & access
Parking
The main lot is at the foot of Ocean Avenue, with four accessible spaces. Vehicles are limited to 7.5 feet tall and 20 feet long. There are also marked spaces along Scenic Road.
Sand ramp and stairs
A sand ramp at Ocean Avenue is the easiest way down. Nine stairways connect the Scenic Road pathway to the beach, but the 10th and 12th Avenue stairways were closed as of May 2024; follow posted signs.
Fire area
If you plan an evening propane fire, park toward the south end of Scenic Road. Propane devices are allowed only south of 10th Avenue to Martin Way.
Amenities
- Restrooms — At the Ocean Avenue lot and at Scenic Road and Santa Lucia Avenue
- Off-leash dog beach — Dogs under voice control; waste bags provided
- Scenic Road pathway — Bluff-top path along the beach with stair access
- Propane fire zone — UL-listed propane devices and grills allowed south of 10th Ave.
- Accessible parking — Four spaces at the base of Ocean Avenue
Rules & official resources
- All wood-burning fires, bonfires, charcoal, fireworks and tiki torches are prohibited; UL-listed propane devices allowed only south of 10th Ave. to Martin Way
- Dogs may be off-leash on Carmel Beach but must stay under voice control
- Alcohol allowed on the beach 7 a.m.-10 p.m. for ages 21+ with ID; not on streets, stairs or bluffs
- Smoking is prohibited in all coastal recreation areas, including Carmel Beach and the Scenic Pathway
- No driftwood, trash or compressed fire logs may be burned
Common boat service needs here
Monterey Harbor services
Carmel Beach has no boat launch. Boaters on this part of the coast keep boats at Monterey Harbor, where slips, storage and dock services are based.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026