Dog-friendly beaches near Carmel-by-the-Sea: where dogs can run, where they need a leash, and where they can’t go
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s beach is one of the few in the area where dogs can run off leash. But the rules change as soon as you leave the sand at the bottom of Ocean Avenue. Here are the beaches near town, what each one allows, and the spots to skip if your dog is with you. Every rule below is from the city or California State Parks, checked Nov 4, 2026.
The short version: Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the local favorite: dogs can be off leash on the sand as long as they stay under voice control, under city code 6.08.015(B). They must be leashed everywhere else in town, including the Scenic Pathway above the beach. Just south, Carmel River State Beach allows dogs on leash. Point Lobos allows no dogs at all, even in parked cars. Further down the coast, Garrapata State Park allows leashed dogs only on the beach at Gate 19 and the trails to it. In Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Beach allows leashed dogs on the beach and trails. In Monterey, Monterey State Beach allows leashed dogs only south of the Monterey Tides hotel.
Carmel Beach
Under voice control, per city code.
Carmel River State Beach
A mile of beach and a lagoon.
Point Lobos
Not even in parked cars.
State beach hours
Carmel River, Garrapata, Asilomar, Monterey.
Carmel Beach: where dogs run free
The city beach at the bottom of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Off leash on the sand
Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash but must stay under voice control, under Carmel Municipal Code 6.08.015(B). If your dog doesn’t come back when called, keep the leash on.
Leashed everywhere else
Dogs must be on a leash everywhere else in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Scenic Pathway along the bluff. Clip the leash back on before you climb the stairs.
Pick up after your dog
The city provides dog waste bags at the access points and stairways, and asks you not to leave filled bags on the beach. Trash bins are at the top of each stairway.
Getting down to the sand
A sand ramp at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, plus nine stairways off Scenic Road. The city lists the 10th Avenue and 12th Avenue stairways as closed. Don’t cut down the bluffs.
Parking
The main lot is at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, with restrooms. Marked spaces along Scenic Road from 8th Avenue to Martin Way have no time limit from 5 AM to midnight, and a resident pass is required from midnight to 5 AM.
No lifeguards
There are no lifeguards on Carmel Beach, and the city warns about waves, undertow and riptides. Keep an eye on dogs who like to swim.
Leashed beaches around the Peninsula
State Parks rules for the beaches closest to town. State beaches here are open 8 AM to sunset.
Carmel River State Beach
Just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a mile-long beach on Carmel Bay with a lagoon and bird sanctuary where the Carmel River meets the sea. Dogs are allowed on leash. Watch for western snowy plover resting areas in late winter and early spring.
Monastery Beach
Also called San Jose Creek Beach, it’s part of Carmel River State Beach, so the leash rule applies. State Parks warns that swimming, wading or even walking near the surf can be extremely dangerous here. Keep dogs well back from the water.
Garrapata State Park
The northernmost of the Big Sur state parks, south of Point Lobos on Highway 1. Leashed dogs are allowed only on the beach at Gate 19, at the south end of the park, and the trails leading to it. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere else in the park, including the Soberanes Canyon Trail across the highway.
Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach, trails and conference grounds, but not inside conference buildings.
Monterey State Beach
Leashed dogs are allowed south of the Monterey Tides hotel, and not allowed north of it.
Pacific Grove’s coast
Pacific Grove’s city code allows leashed dogs on its coastal trails, including the waterfront recreation trail, and in Lovers Point Park, except the beach and grass areas.
Carmel River State Beach Garrapata State Park Asilomar State Beach Monterey State Beach Pacific Grove code 14.08
Leave the dog at home for these
Plan ahead so nobody waits in a hot car.
Point Lobos
Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and they can’t be left in parked cars there either. See my Point Lobos guide.
Most of Garrapata
Everywhere except the Gate 19 beach and the trails to it.
Monterey State Beach, north end
North of the Monterey Tides hotel.
Devendorf Park
In town, the city lists Devendorf Park as off limits to dogs. Elsewhere in town, the city’s leash rule applies, with the exceptions on its own pages, like Carmel Beach and Mission Trail.
A few more things locals know
Beyond the leash rules.
Fires and grills
On Carmel Beach, wood and charcoal are banned. Propane devices are allowed only south of 10th Avenue. Beach fires have been banned on Carmel River and Monastery state beaches since September 16, 2014.
Wildlife
Give birds and seals their space. Snowy plover areas at Carmel River State Beach are a reason to keep the leash short.
Walks with your dog
The Mission Trail Nature Preserve is a popular place to walk dogs, and the city’s parks page says dogs are allowed there under voice control. See walks in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
After the beach
For lunch with your dog along, see dog-friendly restaurants.
Moving here with a dog?
Plenty of my buyers ask about yards, fences and how far it is to the beach. I’ll tell you which neighborhoods make dog life easy, and what a fence or gate needs before you plan one.
Start with a 30-minute call. No pitch.
Buying in Carmel-by-the-SeaBuying in CarmelBuying in Pebble Beach
Thinking about a move?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Rules are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Carmel Beach and parks pages, California State Parks pages for each park, and Pacific Grove Municipal Code 14.08.030, all read Nov 4, 2026. Rules and closures change; check posted signs.
- Pebble Beach shoreline rules aren’t covered here; check Pebble Beach Company and posted signs.
Dog-friendly beaches: quick questions
Can dogs be off leash on Carmel Beach?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash but must stay under voice control, under Carmel Municipal Code 6.08.015(B). They must be leashed everywhere else in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Scenic Pathway.
Are dogs allowed at Carmel River State Beach?
Yes, on leash. That includes Monastery Beach (San Jose Creek Beach), which is part of the park. The park is open 8 AM to sunset.
Are dogs allowed at Point Lobos?
No. Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and they can’t be left in parked cars there.
Where can dogs go at Garrapata State Park?
Leashed dogs are allowed only on the beach at Gate 19, at the south end of the park, and the trails leading to it. They aren’t allowed in other areas, including the Soberanes Canyon Trail.
Can I bring my dog to Asilomar State Beach?
Yes, on leash, on the beach, trails and conference grounds, but not inside conference buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Monterey State Beach?
Only south of the Monterey Tides hotel, on leash. Dogs aren’t allowed north of the hotel.
Do I have to pick up after my dog on Carmel Beach?
Yes. The city provides bags at the access points and stairways, and asks that you not leave dog bags on the beach.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 4, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California State Parks and the Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Get The Balog Report.
Peninsula market notes, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach listings worth a look, and the practical local tips I share with clients between showings.
Want a sample? Read the latest issue. Planning a move? Get in touch.
The next issue of The Balog Report will land in your inbox. Can’t wait? Read the latest issue.
