Visit Responsibly

Visit Responsibly go the extra "square" mile

Some call us "Carmel-by-the-Sea" and some simply "Carmel." Did you know there actually is a distinction? Carmel-by-the-Sea is the incorporated, one-square-mile city consisting of our downtown commercial district and the surrounding residential area. Despite our fairytale feel, real people call Carmel-by-the-Sea home, having realized their dream of living where seaside cottages have fanciful names, where quaint streets lead to delightful passageways, and where a crescent-shaped, white-sand beach is the setting for a daily dog walk. When you visit here, we encourage you to Love Carmel Like a Local by cherishing our environment, respecting others and visiting responsibly.

Visit Responsibly
Cherish our natural beauty & community
Cherish

Leave No Trace

  • Do not use wood for beach fires. Learn more about using propane.
  • Do not litter. Please use City trash and recycling bins.
  • Do not drop cigarettes or cigarette butts on the ground.
  • Do not remove rocks, plants or other natural objects.
  • Do not approach wildlife.
  • Respect historic buildings and artifacts.
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Be Kind & Considerate

  • Take on a chill attitude and respect everyone around you.
  • Avoid loud voices and noises for a relaxing, low-key atmosphere.
  • Walk and drive slowly to allow everyone to enjoy their experiences.
  • Bring your furry friends, but be a responsible pet parent.
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Travel Sustainably

  • Turn off lights when not in use.
  • Limit shower times to help conserve water.
  • Recycle paper, plastic and glass.
  • Buy locally-made products.
  • Reuse water bottles and food containers.
  • Be wildfire conscious regarding any form of fire, from lighting cigarettes to campfires
Know Before you go

For the ultimate "locals" experience, plan your visit for the slower season (November thru April) and midweek. You will have the village even more to yourself.

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Carmel Beach

  • Wood-burning beach fires are prohibited.
  • Propane fires are restricted to specific hours and locations. Learn more.
  • Dogs can be leash free but must respond to voice command.
  • Grilling and cooking rules.
  • Alcohol is allowed with specific rules.
  • Smoking is prohibited in all coastal recreational areas
  • Parking, restrooms, and trash. Learn more.
  • Clean up after your dog is an imperative.
  • Bags for collecting dog waste are provided at the access points and stairways.
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Downtown Carmel

  • There are no street lights, so consider using a flashlight at night.
  • Park once and walk everywhere from your hotel and long-term parking. Learn more.
  • Be prepared for uneven sidewalks and courtyards, so high heels are not recommended. Learn about the "High Heel Law."
  • There are no street addresses, so GPS might be slightly off. Use cross streets to find your way around.
  • Drive slowly and cautiously. Make way for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Exemplary Eateries

  • The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea was the first on the Monterey Peninsula to ban styrofoam as well as plastic, single-use disposable items such as beverage straws, cup lids, and utensils.
  • The beauty of visiting our village is that it is completely walkable. Not only does the Village offer a choice of more than 60 delicious dining options but you can get to all of them on foot (or bike).
  • Our restaurateurs get it. Most menus are based on seasonal products, locally grown produce, organic ingredients, and fresh wild and sustainable seafood.