Are dogs allowed on the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel is probably the most dog-obsessed small town on the California coast. Carmel Beach permits dogs off-leash under voice control, and the village behind it leans into it: patios put out water bowls, shops keep treats behind the counter, and hotels advertise dog beds as a matter of course. It is a short, walkable destination that works well as a one- or two-night stop.

Leash rules and seasonal restrictions

Carmel Beach allows dogs off-leash under voice control; owners must maintain control and clean up. Neighbouring Carmel River State Beach and Point Lobos have stricter rules. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve does not allow dogs on trails at all.

Rules change season to season. Confirm with the city or county before you travel.

Beaches to check out

Carmel Sunset Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
4.9
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Carmel River State Beach
26478 Carmelo St, Carmel, CA 93923, USA
4.8
This mile-long beach offers bird watching opportunities & a popular scuba diving entry point.
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Carmel Beach
Scenic Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
4.9
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Carmel by the sea
San Antonio Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
4.8
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Garrapata Beach
Garrapata Beach, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
4.8
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Asilomar State Beach
Sunset Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
4.8
Tranquil place featuring a 1-mi. stretch of sandy beach & rocky coves, along with a walking trail.
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Carmel Sunset Beach Viewpoint
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
4.8
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Monastery Beach
Monastery Beach, California 93923, USA
4.6
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Carmel Beach Walk
6006 San Antonio Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA
4.9
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Garrapata State Park
34500 CA-1, Carmel, CA 93923, USA
4.8
Park with 2 miles of beachfront & coastal hiking, including a 50-foot climb to a Pacific Ocean view.
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Mara Beach Carmel
Mara Beach Carmel, 26495 Scenic Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
4.8
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
4.8
Scenic coastal area featuring diverse sea animals & wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum.
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China Cove
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 62 CA-1, Carmel, CA 93923, USA
4.8
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Moss Cove Beach
Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area, Carmel, CA 93923, USA
4.7
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Lovers Point Beach
Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
4.8
Quaint public beach with a rocky point break popular with surfers, swimmers & boaters.
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