Carmet Beach sits within the sprawling Sonoma Coast State Park near Bodega Bay, offering a series of sandy coves separated by dramatic rock formations and headlands. The beach stretches roughly 17 miles from Bodega Head down to Vista Trail, just north of Jenner, giving you plenty of territory to explore with your dog along Highway 1.

What makes this stretch special is how the landscape breaks up naturally. You’re not walking one long monotonous beach—instead you get distinct viewing areas where craggy bluffs create these sculptural rock formations and natural arches between sections. On a clear day, the views are genuinely spectacular. Your dog will probably appreciate the variety as much as you do, since the terrain changes as you move between spots.

The sand itself is good for walking, and beachcombing here turns up actual shells and sea glass rather than just kelp and seaweed. You’ll see fishermen working the shoreline regularly, and there are plenty of spots to sit with a picnic and watch the water. The fog rolls in thick during summer mornings, especially on the northern sections, but it usually burns off by midday and leaves you with sunshine and a real break from inland heat.

Dogs need to stay on a 6-foot leash throughout the park. Parking is accessible directly from Highway 1 at multiple pullouts, so finding an entry point isn’t difficult. The area can get windy, particularly in afternoon, so bring a windbreaker if you’re planning a longer stay. Water conditions here are cold and the currents run strong, so this is really a beach for walking and exploring rather than swimming. Before you go, contact the park directly about current pet policies since regulations can shift seasonally or vary between different access points along the coast.