This beach is attached to the most dog-friendly town in the United States. This beach is no exception! Dogs can run without leashes as long as they are well mannered.

The beach has fantastic views of Pebble Beach and the Monterey Bay. This beach is a white sand beach. It isn't as grainy as some in Hawaii, but it is still gorgeous.

One of the nicest things about this beach, is that glass is allowed. The idea is that couples can pack up a picnic basket with a bottle of wine or champagne, and have a romantic, seaside, sunset lit, dinner.

I love this beach!

Carmel State Beach is off the usual beaten path of most tourists and travellers. That is great! This beach is practically untouched, and feels so secluded that you could fall asleep here and not hear a single person all day.

It is a gorgeous beach!

A wonderful stretch of white sand backed by cypress trees, Carmel Beach City Park feels like heaven on earth, there is plenty of room for families, surfers and dogs. Dogs are permitted to run off leash.

Parking is generally full, but there are spaces on ocean avenue.

This is a place where pets are as abundant as people, relatively quiet, and pet friendly. It is a nice place to relax and take a quick nap, there also many vintages points to enjoy the sunset.

The golf course is above the beach, and together with the views, the atmosphere is quite pleasant. The best way to get here is to walk down from downtown (no pun intended), and follow the ocean street.

We landed at Carmel State Beach, after deciding to pass up Point Lobos State Reserve ($9 for entrance and a map, was too much for our budget for an hour or two) which is a short drive away.

After parking along Highway One and walking across the street we were at the beach! There were a few families out enjoying the weak late afternoon sunshine. Kids were playing in the sand, running in the surf and playing with driftwood. The surf doesn't appear to be much for swimming, but it was a nice place to sit and rest as we watched the crashing waves and felt the sea spray on our faces.

A nice quiet, free!, way to spend an hour or two.