Carmel-by-the-Sea Parking: Free Lots, Time Limits, Tickets
Carmel-by-the-Sea parking: free lots, time limits, beach parking, and tickets
Parking in Carmel-by-the-Sea is free, but it’s timed downtown and closely enforced. Here’s where you can park all day, how the beach parking works, what residents get with a permit, and what to do about a ticket, from the city’s own pages.
The short version: Downtown curbside parking is free but limited to 30 minutes or 2 hours. For all-day parking, use the free Vista Lobos lot (Torres Street and 3rd Avenue), the Sunset Center north lot (8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos), the Junipero Avenue median between 3rd and 5th, or most residential streets outside the business district. At the beach, the main lot is at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, and Scenic Road has marked spaces with no time limit from 5 a.m. to midnight. Pay tickets within 21 days. Paid parking has been discussed by the city council but, as of this update, the city’s parking page still lists free parking.
Public parking
Timed downtown, unlimited in the lots listed below.
Most downtown spaces
Plus 30-minute spaces on every block.
Scenic Road hours
No time limit; resident pass midnight–5 a.m.
To pay a ticket
Online, by phone, or by mail.
Free, unlimited-time parking
The city lists these as free with no time limit.
Vista Lobos
Public parking lot on Torres Street at 3rd Avenue, a few blocks north of Ocean Avenue.
Sunset Center north lot
On 8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos Streets, close to the south end of downtown.
Junipero Avenue
Center-median and curbside spaces on Junipero Avenue between 3rd and 5th Avenues, on the east edge of downtown.
Residential streets
Most residential streets outside the Central Business District have no time limit. Watch for signs, especially near resident-permit areas.
How downtown parking works
Free, timed, and enforced by license plate.
30 minutes and 2 hours
The city says free 30-minute and 2-hour curbside parking is available on every block in the Central Business District. Follow the posted limit on each block.
Outside timed spaces
Outside the timed spaces in the business district, a 6-hour limit applies.
RVs and large vehicles
RVs can use timed downtown spaces within posted limits, and taking two spaces is allowed. No camping or overnight parking. Vehicles over 7.5 feet tall or 20 feet long can’t use the Del Mar lot or park on Scenic Road.
Plate-based enforcement
The police department’s June 2026 presentation describes license plate recognition for compliance, and the council has been adding parking enforcement officers.
Beach parking
From the city’s Carmel Beach page.
Main lot
The main beach lot is at the bottom of Ocean Avenue (the Del Mar lot), with restrooms and the sand ramp right there.
Scenic Road
Marked spaces along Scenic Road from 8th Avenue to Martin Way have no time limit from 5 a.m. to midnight. From midnight to 5 a.m. you need a resident parking pass.
San Antonio Avenue
More parking along San Antonio Avenue, with beach walkways to Scenic Road at 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Avenues.
Accessible spaces
Four accessible spaces at the base of Ocean Avenue and two just south of 8th Avenue on Scenic Road.
Dogs, fire rules and more: Carmel Beach guide. City Carmel Beach page
Resident and contractor permits
Worth knowing before you buy, or before you remodel.
Who qualifies
Residents and owners of residential property in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bring current vehicle registration and proof of residency showing the physical address, such as a property tax bill, utility bill, or lease. PO boxes don’t count.
What it allows
Three hours in 2-hour zones, one hour in 30-minute zones, parking in resident-permit areas, and parking in the Del Mar lot and on Scenic Road after midnight. It covers only the permit holder’s vehicle and is valid for the calendar year.
Cost and where
The city’s 2026–27 fee schedule lists $40 per resident or employee permit. Buy it at the police department, southeast corner of Junipero Street and 4th Avenue, weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Remodeling?
The same fee schedule lists contractor parking permits at $19 non-specific or $43 space-specific. Plan for them if you’re renovating. See Carmel-by-the-Sea building permits.
If you get a parking ticket
From the police department’s FAQ.
Pay within 21 days
Pay online through the city’s citation portal, by phone at (831) 273-8889, or by check or money order to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea with the citation number. Late payment can add fines and a registration hold.
Contest it
Fill out the Request for Administrative Review form and email it to the police desk or drop it off at the police department, with your reason and any documents.
Fine amount
The overtime parking fine was $40. A revised schedule presented to the council in August 2026 sets $48 for a first offense, $60 for a second and $80 for a third within 12 months. Your citation shows the amount.
Towed?
Call (831) 624-6403. Cars can be towed for blocking a driveway, parking in a no-parking zone, five or more unpaid tickets, or registration expired over six months. The police release fee is $140, plus the tow company’s charges.
Paid parking: where it stands
Read this before you rely on free parking long-term.
Under discussion
In June 2026 the police chief presented managed-parking options to the city council: pay-by-plate, a 10 a.m.–7 p.m. window, and choices for resident preferences. The council asked for more work, not a final program.
Still debated
At a September 2026 candidates’ forum, reported by the Carmel Pine Cone, council candidates were still debating paid parking, a parking task force, and employee shuttles.
Car Week
Car Week brings the biggest crowds of the year. For event-week stays, see Car Week home rentals.
Check before you go
The city’s parking page is the place to confirm current rules. I’ll update this page if a paid program is adopted.
June 2026 council presentation (PDF) Carmel Pine Cone, Sept 25, 2026 (PDF)
Thinking about living in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Parking is one of those everyday details buyers ask about: whether the house has a driveway or garage, how close it is to the resident-permit areas, and how busy the street gets in summer. I’ll walk you through it for any home you’re considering.
Carmel-by-the-Sea homesMarket statsBuying in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Looking at homes near the village?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Parking rules are from the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s parking, Carmel Beach, and police FAQ pages as checked Nov 2, 2026. The parking page was first posted in 2017; confirm posted signs on the day.
- Fine amounts depend on the schedule in effect when you’re cited. The August 2026 revision was presented with an effective date 60 days after adoption.
- Paid parking has been discussed but not adopted as of this update. Check the city’s site.
Carmel-by-the-Sea parking: quick questions
Is parking free in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Yes, as of this update. Downtown curbside parking is free but limited to 30 minutes or 2 hours, and several lots and streets are free with no time limit.
Where can I park all day in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The Vista Lobos lot at Torres Street and 3rd Avenue, the Sunset Center north lot on 8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos, the Junipero Avenue median between 3rd and 5th, and most residential streets outside the business district.
Where do I park for Carmel Beach?
The main lot at the bottom of Ocean Avenue, marked spaces along Scenic Road from 8th Avenue to Martin Way (no time limit 5 a.m. to midnight), or San Antonio Avenue with walkways to the beach.
Can I park overnight on Scenic Road?
Only with a resident parking pass between midnight and 5 a.m.
How long can I park downtown?
Most downtown curbside spaces are 2 hours or 30 minutes. Outside the timed spaces in the business district, a 6-hour limit applies.
How do I pay a Carmel-by-the-Sea parking ticket?
Within 21 days, online through the city’s citation portal, by phone at (831) 273-8889, or by check or money order to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
How much is a parking ticket in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
The overtime parking fine was $40. A revised schedule presented in August 2026 sets $48, $60 and $80 for first, second and third offenses within 12 months. Check your citation.
How do residents get a parking permit?
Bring current vehicle registration and proof of residency with your physical address to the police department at Junipero Street and 4th Avenue, weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The 2026–27 fee is $40.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea getting paid parking?
The city council has discussed managed paid parking, including a June 2026 presentation, but no paid program was in place as of this update.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 2, 2026 against the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea parking, beach and police pages, city council documents, and the Carmel Pine Cone
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