Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach

26599 Scenic Rd.
Carmel By The Sea, California 93921
Visit Website
Local Phone: (831) 649-2836

This one-mile-long, picture-perfect crescent of blue is a favorite with locals and visitors who come to walk the beach trail accessible from Highway 1 and observe birds in the lagoon where the Carmel River empties into the sea. Swimming and wading are extremely dangerous here.

Dogs can walk on the beach but must be leashed.

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

monterey county bay

Carmel City Beach - Photo Credit: @roux.the.blue
Carmel City Beach - Photo Credit: @roux.the.blue
For many visitors with dogs, the primary reason to visit the Monterey Peninsula is to share your dog’s joy in running free on Carmel City Beach, a powdery, mile-long strand that is perhaps the best known leash-free beach in the country. It’s a short drive from Cannery Row and walking distance from stylish Carmel-by-the-Sea with its wealth of dog-friendly lodging and places to eat. Come in early morning to meet the locals, at dusk to enjoy the sunset. more »
Photo Credit: Robert Robles
Photo Credit: Robert Robles
Carmel City Beach, Monterey County. Blue-ribbon honors go to city-owned Carmel Beach, a powdery, mile-long strand that is perhaps the best-known leash-free dog beach in the country. A plus: it’s walking distance from fashionable Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its wealth of dog-friendly lodging and places to eat. more »
Dogs on Carmel Beach
Dogs playing on Carmel Beach. Photo - Janet Fullwood
There’s nothing like the sight and sound of the sea to soothe the soul, vanquish boredom and revive the spirit. If your pup has been seeing far too much of the back yard lately, maybe it’s time for both of you to sniff out new horizons along the highly scenic, 122-mile stretch of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Carmel. more »
Download Our Free Mobile App


© 2025 DogTrekker.com