Getting to City Beach is easy. Just turn west onto Ocean Ave from Highway 1 and pass through downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Look for a parking space at the road’s end. On busy days you’ll have to search for a parking spot along Scenic Road or one of the other streets near the water.
Is Carmel Beach free?
Parking in much of Carmel is free, but there are hourly limits in some areas. Parking along Scenic Drive, a one-way road going south and paralleling the beach, is free until midnight.
Do you need a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
We were in Carmel-by-the-Sea for three full days and we went both carless and rented a car over the course of our stay. If you plan on staying within the town itself, you absolutely do not need a car.
What is Carmel Beach known for?
Surfing. For surfers, the view from the water is stunning; Point Lobos to the South and Pebble Beach to the north with crystal clear water which adds to the ambiance of an incredible ride. The beach to surf is significantly affected by tide, wave duration, sand bar formation and swell direction.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea worth visiting?
Finally, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is overflowing with fine wine and dining, luxury hotels and sweeping golf courses, and outdoor activities and naturescapes galore, it’s also worth visiting for the charming, laid-back village vibes. The area is nothing if not incredibly Instagrammable, like a storybook come to life.
Can you swim in Carmel Beach?
Carmel Beach offers many fun activities and things to do, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, boogie boarding, standup paddle boarding, and picnicking. Enjoy beach volleyball or a stroll along the Scenic Bluff Path with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Is it safe to swim at Carmel Beach?
At the Seaside section of the beach, strong rip currents can make swimming, wading and surfing unsafe. Lifeguards are often on duty, but the area is better for walking, building sand castles, beach combing, or flying a kite.
What are the best months to visit Carmel?
Fall (September – November)
Known to locals as the secret season, fall is the sunniest time of the year in Carmel. This time of year brings warm, clear days and cool nights, and is one of the best times to visit. Packing layers is always essential on a California Coastal vacation.
Is it better to stay in Carmel or Monterey?
Carmel is more art galleries, wine tasting rooms, ocean, and charming downtown It is closer to Point Lobos. Monterey is where the aquarium, cannery, Monterey Bay, is at There are some wine tasting rooms in the Cannery area. So you might want to choose your place based on what activities you plan to do.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea different than Carmel?
Carmel-by-the-Sea (/kɑːrˈmɛl/), often simply called Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Situated on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is known for its natural scenery and rich artistic history.
Does Carmel Beach have white sand?
Carmel’s unique white sand comes from offshore rocks called Santa Lucia Granodiorite. Ocean waves pound these rocks into fine sand granules that wash onto the beach. The power of the waves changes with the season, alternately removing and replacing the sand.
How cold is the water at Carmel Beach?
Today’s Carmel Beach sea temperature is 58 °F.
How do I spend a day in Carmel?
Morning
- Grab something to eat at Earthbound Farms.
- Explore nature by taking a mid-morning hike.
- Relish in Carmel’s art scene.
- Head to Monterey via the 17-Mile Drive.
- Take a break for lunch.
- Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Touring Cannery Row.
- Have dinner at Peter B’s Brewpub.
How do people dress in Carmel CA?
Carmel is a cosmopolitan place where people dress very well, but casual. Carmel Valley tends to be a horsier set where as Carmel by the Sea, is a little more luxe. Monterey where the aquarium and Cannery Row are, is super casual.
Is Carmel-by-the-Sea walkable?
By far, the best way to take in the Carmel experience is to walk its beautifully maintained streets and avenues. The main artery is Ocean Avenue, the road that stretches from Highway 1 to the pristine sands of Carmel Beach.
What airport do you fly into for Carmel California?
Monterey Regional Airport
Airport near Carmel – Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) | Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
What time does Carmel Beach Open?
This park is open for day use: 8:00 a.m. to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Where does 17-Mile Drive start and finish?
From the south, the 17-Mile Drive starts at the Carmel Gate and ends at the Sunset Drive/Pacific Grove Gate. 17-Mile Drive is also accessible from California Highway 1 which traces the coast from the Los Angeles area all the way to the greater San Francisco area.
Does Monterey have nice beaches?
Monterey is one of the West Coast’s original beach resorts, attracting sunseekers with its chic north California vibes, whale watching opportunities, and excellent clam chowder. The wild and rugged shoreline of the Golden State extends all around the town, offering myriad spots that are excellent for exploration.
How far is Carmel Valley from the beach?
Carmel Valley is located just 20 minutes drive from the coast but since it is protected by a mountain ridge it has warmer, sunnier weather during the day.
Can you swim in the ocean in Monterey Bay?
The Monterey Bay has 31.5 miles of continuous sandy beach, broken only briefly by the Moss Landing harbor entrance near the center of the bay. Although great for bird watching, quiet walks and collecting sea glass, most of this area is known better for its surf and wildlife than open water swimming.