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• Lodging
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    Lodging

    Where to stay? The choices are as varied as Monterey County's landscape. Quaint, decadent, understated, austere - which beckons you? From historic mansions...more
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• Things to Do
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    Things to Do

    Monterey County is a mecca for all things active. By paddle, pedal, foot or golf cart, you're going to have ample opportunity to move and do. Only here,...more
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• Events
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    Events

    From world class racing to art and music festivals, top tier golf tournaments to food & wine events, there is always something fun happening in Monterey....more
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• Food & Wine
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    Food & Wine

    Gastronomic stimulation is a hallmark of any memorable travel experience. And here again, Monterey County does not disappoint. The diversity of culinary...more
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• Resources
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    Resources

    We've got everything you need to plan a wonderfully memorable Monterey experience. Find out how to get here from wherever you are and be sure to check on...more
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• Destinations
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    Destinations

    You would never tire of driving the 99 miles of Monterey County coastline in either direction. But as hard as it might be to take your eyes or mind off the...more
  • • Monterey
    • Big Sur
    • Pebble Beach
    • Carmel-by-the-Sea
    • Pacific Grove
    • Moss Landing
    • Carmel Valley
    • Seaside
    • Salinas Valley
  • • Salinas
    • Marina
    • Del Rey Oaks
    • Sand City
    • Soledad
    • Castroville
    • Parkfield
    • Spreckels

Carmel Beach

In Carmel-by-the-Sea itself, right at the foot of Ocean Avenue, is Carmel Beach (not to be confused with Carmel River Beach, just a mile south). It's locally renowned for good surf and excellent dog-walking conditions, as well as breathtaking sunsets. An annual sandcastle contest is testimony to the quality of the silvery sands, which are punctuated by outcroppings of rock.

Evening sunsets are a community event at Carmel Beach; join the locals and bring a picnic meal and a bottle of wine while you watch the greatest show in Nature's evening schedule. Once the sun sets, light a bonfire and make s'mores under the stars.

Weddings and Events

Weddings and beach parties are a common sight at Carmel Beach. Planning an event with more than 50 people, catering, or bringing a generator? Make sure to contact the City of Carmel for the appropriate permits, as detailed on their website. Take away only beautiful memories, and leave only footprints.

Map and Parking

The beach is level with the modest parking lot on Ocean Avenue; steep staircases lead to the beach from the limited, free, on-street parking on Camino Real or Scenic Road. There are no public facilities at the beach, but restrooms, restaurants and shops are available up the (steep) hill in town.

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