Carmel Beach Guide: Parking, Dogs, Fires & Rules
Carmel Beach guide: parking, dogs, fires, and the rules locals know
Carmel Beach runs along the west edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, from the North Dunes at the foot of Ocean Avenue south along Scenic Road. Here is how to get there, where to park, what you can bring, and the rules that surprise visitors, straight from the city.
The short version: Park in the lot at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, or in the marked spaces along Scenic Road between 8th Avenue and Martin Way, which have no time limit from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Dogs can be off leash on the sand under voice control, but must be leashed everywhere else in town. Wood fires and charcoal are banned; propane devices are allowed only south of 10th Avenue. Alcohol is allowed on the sand from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for those 21 and over. There are no lifeguards.
Dogs on the sand
Under voice control.
Fires
South of 10th Avenue only.
Alcohol
On the sand, 21 and over.
Lifeguards
Watch for waves and rip currents.
Where to park for Carmel Beach
From the city’s Carmel Beach page.
Ocean Avenue lot
The main beach parking lot is at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, with easy access to the sand and restrooms.
Scenic Road
Marked spaces along Scenic Road from 8th Avenue to Martin Way have no time limit from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. From midnight to 5:00 a.m. you need a resident parking pass.
San Antonio Avenue
More parking is available along San Antonio Avenue, with walkways to Scenic Road at 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues.
Accessible spaces
Four at the base of Ocean Avenue and two just south of 8th Avenue on Scenic Road.
Big vehicles
No vehicle taller than 7.5 feet or longer than 20 feet may park on Scenic Road at any time.
Restrooms
At the bottom of Ocean Avenue near the lot, and on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue.
Beach access
A sand ramp and a string of stairways.
Ocean Avenue
A sand ramp at the bottom of Ocean Avenue.
Scenic Road stairways
Nine stairways connect the Scenic Pathway to the beach along Scenic Road. The city lists all as open except those at 10th and 12th Avenues.
Stay off the bluffs
Don’t cut down the bluffs. It causes erosion and damages plants.
The North Dunes
About 8 acres of dunes at the north end, next to the Del Mar parking lot at the foot of Ocean Avenue, are being restored with native plants, including the endangered Tidestrom’s lupine. North Dunes
Carmel Beach with a dog
One of the few beaches around where dogs can run free.
Off leash on the sand
Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash but must stay under voice control.
Leashed everywhere else
Dogs must be leashed everywhere else in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Scenic Pathway. Leash up at the bottom of the stairways or sand ramps.
Bags provided
Waste bags are at the access points and stairways. Pick up, and don’t leave bags on the beach.
After the beach
Plenty of places in town welcome dogs. Dog-friendly restaurants.
Fires, grilling, alcohol, and smoking
The rules visitors most often get wrong.
No wood fires
All wood-burning fires and bonfires are prohibited. Don’t burn driftwood, trash, or compressed logs.
Propane only, south of 10th
User-supplied propane devices are allowed year-round, only between 10th Avenue and Martin Way. Devices and tanks must be UL listed and in safe working order.
Grilling
Cooking only on a propane device. Charcoal and wood grills, fireworks, tiki torches, and sky lanterns are prohibited.
Alcohol
Allowed on the beach from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for those 21 and over with ID. Not on streets, stairs, or bluffs.
Smoking
Prohibited on the beach and the Scenic Pathway.
Trash
Bins are at the top of each stairway for small items. If you’ll make a lot of trash, bring bags and take it home.
Rules from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel Beach page .
Living near Carmel Beach
The beach shapes some of the most sought-after streets in town.
Scenic Road and the beach blocks
The homes along Scenic Road and the blocks just above it are some of the most sought-after in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Oceanfront and ocean view homes.
Southwest Carmel and Carmel Point
South of the beach, toward the Carmel River. Southwest Carmel and Carmel Point.
Buying near the beach
Design review, trees, and the 30-day rental rule all apply. Buying a home in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
A sale near the beach
I represented the buyers of San Antonio 2 SW of 10th, a beach house on the west side of San Antonio Avenue, for $7,000,000. See the sale.
Dreaming of a house near the beach?
Homes on the beach blocks rarely last long, and some never hit the open market. I’ll show you what’s available, on and off the market.
I represented the buyers of San Antonio 2 SW of 10th ($7M) and both sides of Torres 2 SE of 10th ($5.54M) in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Carmel-by-the-Sea homesMarket statsWhy work with me
Let’s find your beach house
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Rules and access are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Carmel Beach and North Dunes pages as of Oct 28, 2026. Stairway closures and rules can change; check the city before you go.
- There are no lifeguards at Carmel Beach. Watch for waves, undertow, and rip currents.
Carmel Beach: quick questions
Where do you park for Carmel Beach?
In the lot at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, in the marked spaces on Scenic Road between 8th Avenue and Martin Way, or along San Antonio Avenue with walkways at 9th through 12th Avenues.
Is parking free at Carmel Beach?
The city’s beach page describes the Scenic Road spaces as having no time limit from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and doesn’t list a parking fee. A resident pass is needed from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
Are dogs allowed off leash on Carmel Beach?
Yes. Dogs can be off leash on the sand under voice control, but must be leashed everywhere else in Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Scenic Pathway.
Can you have a fire on Carmel Beach?
Not a wood fire. Only user-supplied, UL-listed propane devices are allowed, and only south of 10th Avenue to Martin Way.
Can you drink alcohol on Carmel Beach?
Yes, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., if you are 21 or over with ID. Not on streets, stairs, or bluffs.
Are there lifeguards at Carmel Beach?
No. Stay aware of waves, undertow, and rip currents.
Where are the restrooms at Carmel Beach?
At the bottom of Ocean Avenue near the parking lot, and on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue.
Updated October 2026 · Facts checked Oct 28, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Carmel Beach and North Dunes pages
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