The best walks in Carmel-by-the-Sea: the bluff path, the nature preserve and the little parks in between
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town you get to know on foot. The village is compact, and almost every walk ends at the water or in the trees. These are the walks I send people on, from a short loop through the village parks to the trails of Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Facts are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and California State Parks, checked Nov 4, 2026.
The short version: The classic Carmel-by-the-Sea walk is the Scenic Pathway along the bluff above Carmel Beach, with nine stairways down to the sand off Scenic Road. For trees and quiet, Mission Trail Nature Preserve is the city’s largest open space, with entrances on Hatton Road, Rio Road and Mountain View Avenue and the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden inside. The village has small parks to string together, from Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue to the First Murphy Park view deck over Carmel Bay. Just south of town, Carmel River State Beach adds a mile-long beach and a lagoon.
Beach stairways
Along Scenic Road, per the city.
Mission Trail Nature Preserve
The city’s largest open space.
City park and open space areas
Per the city’s parks page.
Carmel River State Beach
Per California State Parks.
The Scenic Pathway above Carmel Beach
The walk most people picture when they think of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Where it runs
The Scenic Pathway follows the bluff along Scenic Road above Carmel Beach. Nine stairways connect it to the sand, and there’s a sand ramp at the bottom of Ocean Avenue. The city lists the 10th Avenue and 12th Avenue stairways as closed.
Make it a loop
Walk down Ocean Avenue to the beach, south along the pathway, and back up through the residential streets. Or walk one way on the path and come back on the sand at low tide.
North Dunes
At the north end of Carmel Beach, next to the Del Mar parking lot at the foot of Ocean Avenue, the North Dunes cover 8 acres. They’re home to Tidestrom’s lupine, listed as endangered by the state and federal government, and the city is restoring them with native plants. Stay on the paths.
With a dog
Dogs must be leashed on the Scenic Pathway, and can be off leash under voice control on the beach. See dog-friendly beaches near Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Mission Trail Nature Preserve
Pines, oaks, a creek corridor and a garden, a few minutes from Ocean Avenue.
What it is
The city’s largest open space. Its preserve page describes 34 acres and three miles of trails, while its parks page says approximately five miles of trails: the Flanders, Doolittle, Willow, Mesa and Serra Trails. Either way, it’s enough for a long morning walk.
Getting in
Entrances are on Hatton Road, Rio Road and Mountain View Avenue. The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, just over an acre, has its entrance on Hatton Road.
What you’ll see
Monterey pine forest, coast live oak woodland, wetland, a willow riparian corridor and coastal prairie. The city calls it a great place to see birds.
Rules
The city designed it in 1979 for passive recreation, including dog walking, and allows dogs under voice control. There are no restrooms, and bikes aren’t allowed. Flanders Mansion, inside the preserve, is closed to the public.
A walk through the village parks
The city has nine park and open space areas. These are easy to string together on foot.
Devendorf Park
At Junipero and Ocean Avenue, the city calls it the crown jewel of Carmel-by-the-Sea: lawn, restrooms and a water fountain. No dogs.
Picadilly Park
In the middle of the block on Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th Avenues, with a fountain, benches and restrooms.
Carmelita Park
A mini park at Dolores and 5th, across from the post office, with benches.
First Murphy Park
At Lincoln and 6th, around the First Murphy house, built in 1902 and maintained by the Carmel Heritage Society. The viewing deck above the restrooms looks out over Carmel Bay.
Mary Austin and Vista Lobos
Mary Austin Park, at Monte Verde and 4th, is a mini park with a bench, dedicated in 1992. Vista Lobos Park, at Torres and 3rd, has a picnic table and barbecue area.
Forest Theater and Forest Hill
Forest Theater Park, at Mountain View and Santa Rita, has the historic outdoor theater, restrooms and free parking. Forest Hill Park, at Camino del Monte and Junipero, has a playground, a basketball court, a horseshoe pit, picnic tables and tennis courts.
South of town: the river beach and Point Lobos
Just outside the city limits.
Carmel River State Beach
A mile-long beach on Carmel Bay, with a lagoon and bird sanctuary where the Carmel River meets the sea. Open 8 AM to sunset, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Monastery Beach
Part of the same state beach. State Parks warns that swimming, wading or walking near the water here can be extremely dangerous. Enjoy it from well up the sand.
Point Lobos
For a longer coastal walk, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a few minutes south. No dogs. See my Point Lobos guide.
More trails
For hikes beyond town, see hiking around Monterey Bay and Monterey walking trails.
Before you go
A few practical notes.
Parking
Beach parking is at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, with marked spaces along Scenic Road from 8th Avenue to Martin Way. There are no time limits there from 5 AM to midnight, and a resident pass is required from midnight to 5 AM.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all coastal recreation areas, including the Scenic Pathway and Carmel Beach.
Living here
Walkability is one of the reasons people buy in Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you want to walk to the beach or the village every day, I’ll show you which streets make that easy. See buying in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Want to live where you can walk everywhere?
Some streets in Carmel-by-the-Sea are a five-minute walk from the sand. Others are a steep climb back from it. I’ll walk the neighborhoods with you, so you know before you buy.
Start with a 30-minute call. No pitch.
Buying in Carmel-by-the-SeaCarmel-by-the-Sea homesBuying in Carmel
Thinking about a move?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Park details are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s parks, Mission Trail Nature Preserve, Carmel Beach and North Dunes pages, and California State Parks pages, read Nov 4, 2026. The city’s two Mission Trail pages give different figures (34 acres and three miles of trails vs. approximately five miles of trails); both are shown.
- Stairway closures and rules change; check posted signs.
Walks in Carmel-by-the-Sea: quick questions
What is the best walk in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
For most visitors, the Scenic Pathway along the bluff above Carmel Beach. It follows Scenic Road, with nine stairways down to the sand. For a quieter walk in the trees, try Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
How long are the trails at Mission Trail Nature Preserve?
The city’s preserve page describes 34 acres and three miles of trails, and its parks page says approximately five miles of trails across the Flanders, Doolittle, Willow, Mesa and Serra Trails.
Where do you enter Mission Trail Nature Preserve?
From Hatton Road, Rio Road or Mountain View Avenue. The Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden entrance is on Hatton Road.
Can I walk my dog on the Scenic Pathway?
Yes, on leash. Dogs can be off leash under voice control on Carmel Beach itself, and the city allows dogs under voice control in Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Dogs aren’t allowed in Devendorf Park.
Are there restrooms on the walks?
Restrooms are at the bottom of Ocean Avenue by the beach, Devendorf Park, Picadilly Park, First Murphy Park, Forest Theater Park and Forest Hill Park. Mission Trail Nature Preserve has none.
What is the North Dunes?
An 8-acre area of sand dunes at the north end of Carmel Beach, next to the Del Mar parking lot. It’s home to the endangered Tidestrom’s lupine, and the city is restoring it with native plants.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 4, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and California State Parks
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