Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash, but they must remain under voice control (Carmel Municipal Code 6.08.015(B)). Dogs must be on a leash everywhere else in Carmel, including the Scenic Pathway, so leash your dog at the bottom of the stairways or sand ramps when leaving the beach, and pick up after it.
Alcohol is allowed on Carmel Beach between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Everyone drinking must be 21 or over and have identification with them. It is unlawful to drink alcoholic beverages on public streets, beach stairs or beach bluffs.
All wood-burning fires and bonfires are prohibited on Carmel Beach. User-supplied propane fire devices are allowed year-round, but only south of 10th Avenue (10th Avenue to Martin Way), and the device and tank must be UL listed and in safe working order. Do not burn driftwood, trash or compressed fire logs. Charcoal and wood barbecues, fireworks, tiki torches and sky lanterns are prohibited, and cooking and grilling are allowed on a propane device only.
Smoking is prohibited in all coastal recreational areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea, including the Scenic Pathway and Carmel Beach.
Not verified here
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
Source: City of Carmel-by-the-Sea - Carmel Beach · checked 2026-10-20. Rules change by ordinance and by season. When it matters, confirm with the posted signs.
Dogs at Carmel Beach: Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach without a leash, but they must remain under voice control (Carmel Municipal Code 6.08.015(B)). Dogs must be on a leash everywhere else in Carmel, including the Scenic Pathway, so leash your dog at the bottom of the stairways or sand ramps when leaving the beach, and pick up after it. Not allowed at Carmel Beach: smoking. Allowed only in places or at certain times: alcohol, fires & grills. Allowed: dogs. Checked against City of Carmel-by-the-Sea - Carmel Beach on 2026-10-20. Rules we have not verified for Carmel Beach are marked as such rather than guessed on the beach rules page.