Rated as one of America’s top beach towns, Carmel Beach is located at the foot of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Known for its pristine white sands and calm, sapphire-blue waters, this place is perfect for friends and families to just relax and enjoy themselves. Feel the soft and clean white sand gently tickling your feet as you take a stroll down the 2-km long beach, or maybe take a swim in the cool blue water. However, do take note that the water can get downright chilly (around 15 °C), and that there may be the occasional rip current or rogue wave – which are both highly dangerous. Besides that, this beach is also known to be a canine-friendly beach. Dog owners are allowed to keep their dogs off-leash here; just make sure that you keep a close eye on them!