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Carmel Beach is known for being one of the prettiest beaches, with fine white sand and an electric blue ocean. Located at the end of Ocean Avenue in Carmel, it’s accessible with parking available on the road, though it can get tricky to find a spot, especially on weekends and holidays. This beach is famous not just for its surf but also for its stunning sunsets and the celebrity status of the area.
The surf at Carmel Beach can be decent, with peaks popping up all along the half-mile stretch. It tends to be best from October to July, especially around mid to high tides, with a lot of paddling needed when waves are overhead. The wave sizes can range from 2 feet to 8 feet (about 0.6 to 2.4 meters) and you can expect both left and right breaks. The optimal swell direction is from the west, but it can handle swells from the north and south as well. The sandy bottom ensures a pretty ride, though be cautious of the heavy shorepound, which can catch you off guard sometimes. While there can be serious tubes every now and then, it’s a bit hit or miss overall.
On the crowd front, it can get busy when the waves are good, but there’s usually plenty of room to spread out. Be ready for a slightly vibey atmosphere with the locals. The beach is fairly sheltered from northwest winds, with preferable wind from the east and southeast. This spot is great for intermediate and expert surfers looking to enjoy beach breaks throughout the year, especially in the spring, summer, and autumn.