Carmel’s own plan calls the town a village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach, and Carmel Beach is that beach. Stairways reach it along the bluff, though two, at 10th and 12th Avenues, are listed as closed.
The city’s posted rules are specific. There are no lifeguards. Dogs may be off-leash if they stay under voice control, but must be leashed on the Scenic Pathway and elsewhere in town. Wood fires and bonfires are prohibited, propane fires are allowed only south of 10th Avenue, and wood or charcoal grills are not allowed. Alcohol is allowed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. for adults 21 and over, and smoking is banned.
Check the city’s page before you go, since rules can change.