The best running trails around Carmel-By-The-Sea
4.8
(15)
1,159
runners
15
runs
Jogging around Carmel-By-The-Sea offers diverse terrain, from expansive white-sand beaches to dense Monterey Pine and Redwood forests. The region features a picturesque coastline with rugged cliffs and dunes, providing varied running surfaces. Inland, trails wind through natural preserves, offering a mix of elevation changes and shaded paths. These natural features create an inviting environment for active exploration, with many jogging routes Carmel-By-The-Sea offering ocean views.
Best jogging routes around Carmel-By-The-Sea
- The most popular jogging route is Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea, a 5.3 miles (8.5 km) trail that takes 55 minutes to complete. This route offers coastal views and a mix of beach and paved surfaces.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Carmel Beach City Park – Carmel Beach City Park loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea, a moderate 5.1 miles (8.2 km) path. This running route provides scenic ocean vistas along the coastline.
- Local runners also love the Clinton Walker House loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through coastal neighborhoods and offering glimpses of architectural landmarks, often completed in about 30 minutes.
- Jogging around Carmel-By-The-Sea is defined by expansive white-sand beaches, Monterey Pine forests, and rugged coastal cliffs. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy coastal paths to more challenging routes with varied elevation.
- The routes in Carmel-By-The-Sea are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 2,800 runners have used komoot to explore Carmel-By-The-Sea's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
69
runners
9.12km
00:58
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
42
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23
runners
19.5km
02:09
190m
190m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
8.71km
00:56
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
16.7km
01:47
210m
210m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This picturesque little town south of 17 Mile Dr is a sight in itself. Beautiful wooden houses, numerous art galleries, and the hometown of several Hollywood stars. Clint Eastwood even served as mayor of this small town of approximately 4,000 residents.
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Wonderful and varied coastal landscape with many birds, seals and sea lions.
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Pescadero Point is a fantastic spot to view the ghost trees and offers spectacular ocean views, along with fascinating rock formations. This area is known for its legendary big waves, which can reach heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the winter, but it's a stunning sight to see any time of year. There is a manned gate at the entrance of the Pebble Beach Golf Course to access this location for vehicles, however, if you're on a bike you can pass for free.
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The actor felt that the many regulations were tyranny. So he decided - true to his image as a determined hero - to run for mayor in order to change things. He financed his campaign himself, went from house to house and introduced himself personally. With great success. On April 8, 1986, 72 percent of the community voted for him as the new mayor. Eastwood had barely been sworn in when he abolished numerous regulations. He had a new tourist parking lot built and expanded the library to include a children's book section.
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Our first stop is in Carmel. Carmel had a very famous mayor: The path from actor to politician is not unusual in the USA: Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor of California, Ronald Reagan even became president. And Clint Eastwood was once mayor. The role of the trigger-happy inspector Harry Callahan made Eastwood a cult figure. The film fees also benefited Carmel. Eastwood saved an old ranch from demolition and converted it into a hotel. But Eastwood repeatedly came into conflict with the city's regulations. There were plenty of them in Carmel. In order to preserve the original structure of the community, the city administration had banned neon signs, fast food restaurants and public telephone booths. Even eating ice cream on the streets was not allowed for fear of too much garbage. In 1985, the authorities prohibited Eastwood from building a small office building - for reasons of historical preservation.
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Beautiful little place on the Pacific coast about 180 km from San Francisco. We felt very comfortable here.
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Very beautiful, spacious beach with a great view. The sea is a bit rough (September) and cold for swimming (15°C). But for walking, jogging, ... a dream
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A true hiking highlight Definitely worth a visit
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many jogging routes are available around Carmel-By-The-Sea?
There are over 15 dedicated jogging routes around Carmel-By-The-Sea listed on komoot, offering a variety of distances and difficulties for runners of all levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on running trails in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Jogging around Carmel-By-The-Sea offers diverse terrain. You can find expansive white-sand beaches, providing a soft surface near the water's edge, especially at low tide. Inland, trails wind through dense Monterey Pine, Coastal Live Oak, and Redwood forests, such as those in the Mission Trail Nature Preserve. The region also features picturesque coastlines with rugged cliffs and dunes, offering a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.
Are there running routes suitable for beginners in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Yes, Carmel-By-The-Sea offers several easy jogging routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Clinton Walker House loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea is an easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete, leading through coastal neighborhoods.
Which jogging routes offer the best ocean views in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Many routes boast stunning ocean views. The Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Carmel Beach City Park – Carmel Beach City Park loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea both provide scenic ocean vistas along the coastline. Additionally, the Scenic Road and Scenic Bluff Path running just above Carmel Beach offer gorgeous views of the ocean and upscale homes.
Are there any natural landmarks or points of interest to see while running near Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Absolutely! While jogging, you can encounter several natural landmarks. The Sea Lion Point and the broader Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offer breathtaking coastal scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might also spot the iconic Lone Cypress Tree along some routes or visit Point Joe Vista Point.
Can I find trails that go through forests or natural preserves?
Yes, the Mission Trail Nature Preserve is Carmel-By-The-Sea's largest open space, featuring approximately five miles of trails through Monterey Pine, Coastal Live Oak, and Redwood forests. This preserve offers a pleasant, shaded environment for running.
Are the running trails in Carmel-By-The-Sea dog-friendly?
Many areas in Carmel-By-The-Sea are dog-friendly. For example, the Mission Trail Nature Preserve is known to be dog-friendly, making it ideal for runs with your canine companion. Always check specific trail regulations for leash requirements.
Are there family-friendly jogging options in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The easier trails, particularly those with less elevation gain and through parks or along the beach, are great for family outings. The Mission Trail Nature Preserve, with its varied loops and easy workout, is also a good option for families.
What do other runners enjoy the most about jogging in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
The running routes in Carmel-By-The-Sea are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Runners frequently praise the diverse terrain, from stunning coastal views along Carmel Beach to the peaceful, shaded paths within natural preserves like Mission Trail, and the overall inviting environment for active exploration.
Are there any longer or more challenging running routes for experienced runners?
For experienced runners seeking a challenge, the Seals at Point Lobos – Sea Lion Point loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea is a more difficult option. This route spans nearly 12 miles (19.5 km) and includes more significant elevation changes, offering a rewarding journey through rugged coastal landscapes.
What is the best time of year to go running in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Carmel-By-The-Sea generally enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it suitable for jogging in most seasons. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be foggy, especially in the mornings, which can provide a cool running environment. Winters are mild but can bring occasional rain.
Can I find loop running routes in Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Yes, many of the running routes in Carmel-By-The-Sea are designed as loops, providing a convenient way to start and end your run at the same point. Examples include the popular Carmel Beach – Carmel-by-the-Sea loop and the Running loop from Carmel-by-the-Sea, which offers a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) experience.
Most popular routes around Carmel-By-The-Sea
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