Carmel City Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Carmel City Beach is a genuinely white sand beach right at the foot of the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, cypress trees framing the view up and down the coast. It's one of the more photogenic town beaches in California, walkable straight from Carmel's galleries and shops.
The white sand and cypress framed views right at the edge of a genuinely charming town make it one of the more picturesque beaches in the state, though parking gets tight on busy weekends.
How we score beachesWalk down at sunset if you can, the combination of white sand and Monterey cypress silhouettes here is one of the best sunset spots on the whole peninsula.
Free parking is available near the beach, though it's limited and fills on weekends.
Stairs, a path, and blufftop trails lead from town down to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Monterey Peninsula.
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