Carmel River State Beach

Carmel-By-The-Sea has a well-earned reputation as one of the most dog-friendly destinations anywhere in the United States, and with good reason. It boasts a wide range of dog-friendly activities and attractions, and one of the best of them is the Carmel River State Beach.

This picture-pawfect beach sits right next to the Carmel River Lagoon and ends in a protected bird sanctuary, making it one of the most scenic dog beaches this side of anywhere. Happily, leashed dogs are welcome on the beach all year round.

The crescent-shaped beach boasts soft white sand and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It's usually not too crowded, giving you and your pet plenty of space to explore. However, it is a pupular haunt for local dog owners during the early mornings and evenings, so visit during these times if you want to give your pet the chance to socialize.

Take a walk, let your dog sniff the smells and see the sights, and then maybe sit down for a picnic or just a rest. You can get wet if you'd like, but conditions at this lovely spot are often a little chilly, so you may opt to stay dry. Though there's no prohibition against dogs being in the water, swimming, wading, and even walking near the ocean are quite dangerous here, so use exercise caution when going near the water.

As always, you'll need to make sure to clean up after your dogs and keep them under control at all times. Carmel River State Beach is also just a short walk from the off-leash Carmel Beach, so you and your pooch can turn a trip to the beach into a whole day out. Parking, restrooms and drinking water are available, but do bring some essentials for your dog, like a bowl for water and clean-up bags. Always stoop and scoop wherever you venture on this puptastic beach.

So whether you're a local or you're just passing through on Highway 1, stop in and check out the beautiful stretch of dog-friendly beach at the Carmel River State Beach!