Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches

in Carmel, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea isn’t just one of California’s most beautiful beach towns, it’s also one of the most dog-friendly. It’s even called the most dog-friendly town in the United States! With its charming downtown, welcoming atmosphere, and a coastline that dogs are free to explore, Carmel is a must-visit for any pet parent.

In this guide, we’ll explore every dog-friendly beach in Carmel, from world-famous Carmel Beach where dogs can run leash-free, to quieter spots like Carmel River State Beach. Whether you're a local planning a weekend outing or a visitor seeking sandy adventures with your dog, you’ll find all the info you need right here.

Looking for a more dog-friendly beaches on the Monterey Peninsula? Check out one of these great resources:

  • Top 5 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Monterey Peninsula (Updated for 2025)

  • Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Monterey Peninsula

  • Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches in Monterey, California

Carmel Beach

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s iconic off-leash destination for dogs

Carmel Beach is the beating heart of Carmel’s dog-friendly culture and one of the most iconic dog-friendly beaches in all of California. Located at the western edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, this picturesque stretch of coast is not only stunning, with its powdery white sand, dramatic coastal bluffs, and postcard-worthy sunsets, but it’s also one of the rare beaches in the state where dogs are welcome to roam off-leash.

This freedom makes Carmel Beach a true haven for pups and their people. On any given day, you’ll find dogs sprinting through the surf, playing chase, or digging happily in the sand while their families enjoy a leisurely walk or relaxed beach picnic. The atmosphere is relaxed and joyful, full of friendly locals, visiting dog lovers, and plenty of tail wags.

Practical amenities make the experience even better. Most stairway entrances along Scenic Road are equipped with water stations and dog bowls, so it’s easy to keep your pup hydrated during playtime. Waste bags are available as well, and the local community does a great job of keeping the beach clean and welcoming for everyone.

While the beach is expansive, getting down to it does require a bit of navigation. All the main access points along Scenic Road involve narrow stone stairways that may be tricky for those with mobility concerns. If that’s a factor for you or your dog, the most gradual entry is at the northern end of the beach near the bottom of Ocean Avenue, where the slope is more manageable.

Parking is free along Scenic Road and near the end of Ocean Avenue, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends, holidays, or sunny afternoons. For a more peaceful experience, try visiting early in the morning or later in the day during the week. If you catch it at sunset, you’re in for a truly unforgettable sight.

Whether you’re in town for the day or lucky enough to be a local, Carmel Beach is a must-visit destination for dog lovers. It’s one of those rare places where natural beauty, freedom, and community come together in perfect harmony that you and your dog will love!

Pros:

  • Off-leash access with stunning views

  • Well-maintained dog amenities including water stations with bowls

Cons:

  • Steep stair access at most points

  • Very popular during weekends and summer months

Carmel River State Beach

A quiet, dog-friendly beach rich with nature and coastal beauty

Tucked just a mile south of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel River State Beach is a peaceful retreat that feels a world away from the bustle of the more popular dog beaches nearby. Framed by the still waters of the Carmel River wetlands and the Pacific Ocean, this scenic spot offers a quiet escape for dogs and their families who prefer calm, nature-rich outings over off-leash chaos.

Unlike its lively neighbor, Carmel Beach, this beach is all about serenity and slow-paced exploration. The wide, sandy stretch invites leisurely strolls and sniffing sessions, while the gentle coastal breezes and sounds of seabirds create a tranquil backdrop. It's not the place for fetch and splash play, but it’s perfect for dogs who enjoy a more sensory, sniff-focused adventure, or simply love being out in nature beside their favorite person.

One of the standout features of this beach is its connection to the Carmel Meadows Trail, a scenic bluff side path that winds south along the coast. This trail offers breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and glimpses of Point Lobos State Park on the horizon. It’s a great option if your dog enjoys longer, more enriching walks, especially ones with fewer distractions and plenty of natural beauty.

Birdwatchers frequent this area, especially during migration seasons, so it’s best suited to dogs who are calm around wildlife and won’t try to chase the many species that call this beach and wetlands home. Keep your dog leashed at all times, both for safety and to help preserve this sensitive habitat.

Parking is free but limited, with the closest lot located near where Scenic Road curves south and meets Carmelo Street. These spots fill quickly on weekends and sunny afternoons, so plan to arrive early if you're driving. Alternatively, if you're staying in or near Carmel-by-the-Sea, the beach is a scenic and very walkable distance away, making it an ideal destination for a morning or sunset outing with your dog.

Whether you're winding down after a day in town or seeking a more meditative beach walk, Carmel River State Beach offers a quieter kind of beauty, one that’s ideal for leashed dogs and their people looking to slow down and take it all in.

Pros:

  • Less crowded than Carmel Beach

  • Great nature viewing and access to scenic trails

Cons:

  • Migratory birds may excite reactive dogs

  • Limited parking

BONUS: Spanish Bay (Moss Beach)

An off-leash beach just a short drive from Carmel

While technically not in Carmel, just a short and scenic 10-minute drive from the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea is Spanish Bay (also known as Moss Beach), offering one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most peaceful and underrated off-leash experiences for dogs. Nestled between Asilomar and the famed Pebble Beach golf courses along 17-Mile Drive, this stretch of coastline boasts soft golden sand, coastal dunes, and wide-open views of the Pacific, all without the heavy crowds found at more popular beaches.

The vibe here is tranquil and uncrowded, making it a local favorite for dog owners who want a more laid-back alternative to Carmel Beach. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash south of the creek that flows across the middle of the beach (to the North is Asilomar State Beach which is on-leash only). This off-leash area is a sandy playground for well-socialized pups to run free, chase sticks, splash in the surf, and make new friends, all against the backdrop of crashing waves and windswept cypress trees.

If your dog (or you!) prefers a gentler pace, the Spanish Bay boardwalk offers a lovely leash-friendly walk with incredible ocean views and dramatic sunset skies. The elevated trail runs alongside the beach and the renowned Links at Spanish Bay golf course, and it's ideal for a sunset stroll or quiet reflection with your dog. Benches dot the boardwalk if you’d like to pause and soak in the scenery.

Tide conditions are important to watch here, especially if you're aiming for the off-leash section. During high tide, much of the southern beach can be swallowed up by water, leaving limited space for play, so be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out.

Accessing Spanish Bay can be a little confusing the first time around, especially because it's part of the Pebble Beach community. If you enter via 17-Mile Drive, you'll need to pay a $12 vehicle entrance fee at the Pebble Beach gate (refundable with minimum purchase at designated businesses). However, many local dog owners avoid the fee by parking for free on the north end of the beach along Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove and walking in via Asilomar State Beach.

With its combination of off-leash freedom, scenic trails, and peaceful atmosphere, Spanish Bay is a gem for dog lovers seeking a slightly more low-key beach day. Whether you're tossing a ball in the surf or watching the sun dip below the horizon with your dog at your side, this coastal haven is one of the Monterey Peninsula’s best-kept secrets.

Pros:

  • Off-leash freedom in a peaceful, scenic location

  • Just a short drive from Carmel and great for sunset walks

Cons:

  • Some parts inaccessible during high tide

  • Requires a Pebble Beach gate pass if accessed from the south