Pacific Coast Highway is known as one of the most scenic drives not only along the West Coast but in the world. The road will take you through breathtaking coastal scenery, seaside villages, and pristine nature, but also big cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. One of the iconic stops along the way is Monterey, a beautiful city right off the rugged Californian coast, known as the set of popular HBO drama “Big Little Lies”. Driving along 17 Mile Drive, you’ll reach Carmel-by-the-Sea, a scenic, seaside city, known for Carmel Beach. Right off Ocean Avenue, Carmel Beach is a top destination for whale watching, kayaking, surfing, and watching breathtaking sunsets. Read on as we explore the best things to do here in this guide to Carmel Beach, Monterey.
Things to do
Once in Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s time to hit Carmel Beach, take in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy listening to the sound of the crashing waves.
Enjoy water sports
Carmel Beach is, first and foremost, a surfers’ paradise, according to the opinions of both locals and travelers. The clear waters are cold, but make the perfect setting for surfing, plus, the view from the water is otherworldly. With Pebble Beach to the north, Point Lobos to the south, and nothing but white sands and crystal clear waters in between, it’s as dreamy as it gets. Make sure, however, that you follow all the safety rules, as the water conditions can change rapidly.
Indulge in beach activities
It’s not just the ocean waters that entice outdoor enthusiasts, but it also Carmel’s white sands. While nothing beats sunbathing in such spectacular scenery, the opportunities for beach activities are plentiful, from playing volleyball or jogging on the shore to attending a party or gathering around a cozy beach fire. Volleyball remains a staple sport on Carmel Beach, and there are organized games that take place almost every weekend.
Take your dog with you
If you love traveling with your furry friend, there’s no need to leave your dog at home or in the hotel room while hitting the beach. Carmel Beach is dog-friendly and allows dogs off-leash as long as they don’t run around without the owner nearby. It’s such a spectacle for animal lovers to see dogs play with each other and make new friends, run along the shore, and just enjoy the beach life.
Watch the sunset
Sunsets on Carmel Beach are utterly breathtaking and have become a community event. Don’t expect to be the only one there to witness the sky spectacle; it’s the favorite time of the day for both locals and travelers. To make the sunset even more extraordinary, you can turn it into a whole experience and bring a picnic with snacks and a bottle of wine. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the magic.
Travelers tips
Parking
There’s free parking available on Ocean Avenue, as well as street parking on Camino Real and along Scenic Road. Street parking is only available for a limited time, while Ocean Avenue parking lot offers a limited number of parking spots. Access from the street parking to the beach is through steep staircases.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available near the parking lot on Ocean Avenue, as well as on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue.
Safety
Check the weather and water conditions before you go surfing. Whether surfing or swimming, visitors should be aware of rip currents and the rapidly changing wave and water conditions. There’s no lifeguard service at Carmel Beach, so extra care and safety are required from each beach visitor.
Beach fires
When it comes to beach fires, there are certain beach fire rules that need to be followed to stay safe and protect the environment, such as only using the provided fire pits that are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and burning clean, dry wood. More information can be obtained from Carmel-by-the-Sea’s website.
How to get there
By car
Carmel Beach is a short 15-minute drive from the airport and easily accessible by car from any part of Monterey. Once on Ocean Avenue, drive 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to downtown Carmel.
Taxi
If you don’t want to worry about finding a parking spot, you can easily get to Carmel Beach by taxi. The most common taxi providers are Yellow Cab and Sal’s Salinas Taxi Co. Arrange for a taxi pick-up by calling Yellow Cab at +1 831-424-1234 or Sal’s Salinas Taxi Co at +1 831-422-7276.
Uber or Lyft
If you prefer using an app rather than spending time on the phone calling a cab, opt for an Uber or a Lyft. Especially as a tourist, it’s easier to put the pin on the map so the driver knows your exact location, rather than trying to explain where exactly they can pick you up.
By bus
Take the bus from Monterey at Monterey Transit Plaza. Take line 2 towards Carmel or 24 towards Carmel Valley Grapevine Express.
Carmel Beach information
Carmel Beach
Address: Ocean Ave and Scenic Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
Department of tourism: See Monterey
History
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