Carmel River State Beach

4.6 (79 reviews)

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Carmel River State Beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel, California

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Joyce T.

Small beach with limited parking. Visited the beach during sunset, the sea breeze was mild, we had a great time there.

Melissa D.

We stopped here after work last month. The parking lot was closed, so we had to walk past beautifully landscaped homes to get to the beach. It was too cold for a long walk on the beach, so we just took some pics, sat on a log for a few seconds, breathed in the clean air, climbed down a sandy hill, and ran back up when the waves came crashing in, then left. That was my workout for the day. ;-) Short and sweet visit. Gorgeous and clean beach!

Evangelene G.

I like to consider this the quieter little sister of Carmel's Ocean Beach. The Carmel River runs out of here and to the ocean. Dogs are permitted on leash only. There is a public restroom on site. What makes this one so unique is there is limited parking, so less crowds. The sand here is more coarse and golden compared to the powder white sand at Ocean Beach. The views are still amazing!

Darren K.

This is quiet little beach nested in a beautiful neighborhood. Parking is limited and there was broken glass in the parking lot, but the beach was fairly empty with only a few other visitors strolling along the sand. You can see lots of driftwood structures piled along the coast. It was definitely a great beach to visit to start the morning away from the crowds.

Lianne K.

Home of stunning "Carmel Blue" waters, clean, soft sand, and free parking. We'd been in San Jose for a family gathering, and heading south last Monday. I took the day off so that we would have some relaxation time after the big doings. Neither Dear Hubby or I had been to Carmel in a very long time, and the weather was delightful, so we decided to make it our getaway for the afternoon before getting back on the road. After driving along the ocean in Pacific Grove, we headed the waterfront in Carmel. I did the driving so DH could relax and enjoy the view. We've both been here many times in our past lives before we got together. There haven't been nearly enough times in this beautiful area with us together as a couple. Being able to stop here at the State Beach on a Monday afternoon meant that parking was easy / free. We made our way across the sand, taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful natural scenery all around us. There were a few others similarly enjoying the venue, but we mostly had it to ourselves. It's good to revisit special places, and this one definitely qualifies. We didn't linger too long, but took a piece of serenity back with us, along with photos taken at the scene.

Shannon P.

We found this Hidden Gem by accident and will be our forever spot got forwarded. I is absolutely gorgeous and has such a relaxing ambiance

Tara T.

Great parking, great views, white clean sand, it's the perfect place for a little picnic. We had a little afternoon meditation session here accompanied with prosecco and pistachios. The breeze was nice and steady and not too cold; although it did get a little chilly in the later afternoon. I ran by this beach in the morning during my morning run and I was shocked by the pretty views from the one way scenic road above. It's a nice place to play frisbee or football or just watch the waves. Have fun!

Sarah T.

Beautiful! Came here on a Thursday and there was plenty of parking and hardly anyone on the beach.

Jaymie V.

Parking is a struggle on the weekends but other than the the beach was beautiful and feels clean. It was such a nice sunny day that we went. We decided to eat our sandwiches on the bench at the stairs and enjoyed the view. I'd probably come back on a weekday

Nice, lagoon water that is warmer than the ocean water

Rosmond P.

This is one of the best beaches that you can come to and visit. The hardest part of course is finding parking which is limited but once you do find parking then you have the option of sitting next to the ocean side hearing the sound of the splashing Waze and of course the wonderful sand. Or you can go and check out the little lagoon area where you can swim in the water is nice and calm as well. The lagoon area is where most families go to and kids can swim with their floats in the water and also just relax without the coldness of the ocean the water in the lagoon is a bit warmer even in the 65 to 70Degree weather

Tina K.

Stumbled upon this gem today a bit south from the main Carmel beach. We came on a sunny but cool day and there was free parking available in their parking lot (not sure how that goes on busy days). Lots of birds- a great place to explore different species. The beach is clean and had some huge waves today. There are public restrooms adjacent to the parking lot.

Marisela S.

My niece actually introduced us to this beach. One day we were driving around and we parked a ways away because we were going to walk and take in the 17 mile drive, and she showed us this little round about beach and it was perfect! We dipped our feet in, we explored the rocks and climbing and finding seashells, and the little cove was not populated, and it was a nice walk around, just perfect for a nice chill afternoon. Very peaceful and had bathrooms on the other side with a little inlet and just overall great for us to explore and not have to worry about too many people and my little being out of sight.

Erich L.

Off the beaten path, this hidden little beach is a nice place to see the ocean and the coast. It's small but worth a short visit. It's free and not as crowded as the main Carmel beach. It's free and there's a small parking lot.

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Sean M.

Elite 20

631

528

1284

15 years ago

Don't come here. It's a terrible beach and no room for you. Sorry. Ok, just kidding. It is an amazing beach, but if it gets too crowded loses a large part of it's appeal. It has always been a kinda hidden local spot and that's a big part of the charm. The river leads into the ocean which is an amazing scene(certain parts of the year). The rocks on the side are always fun to climb on. The sand isn't as fine as some other beaches, but it's not chunky either. There's no fires on this beach for probably the last 20 years so there's no charred wood bits. I've been coming to this beach since I was 7 and it's still such a huge part of my life and a spiritual place. The breath of God is in every rock, grain of sand, and cloud floating by. read more

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Nikki B.

Elite 11

2061

610

414

16 years ago

After visiting the tourist and scuba diver-packed Monastery Beach on Saturday, we were tipped by a nice older local gentleman at our hotel bar about Carmel River State Beach. The directions? "Head north on Highway 1 and turn just past the kindergarten school." Mmmkay! We packed up a quasi-picnic dinner in grocery bags bags (hey, don't judge), borrowed a hotel blanket and went in search of the beach to watch the sunset. After winding through a few residential roads, we came upon one of the entry points to Carmel River State Beach. The parking isn't really designated, so make sure you don't block a residential drive. Also, parking from late night to early morning requires a permit so make sure you leave after the sun goes down. The steps going down can be a bit tricky and are a bitch to get back up. Kevin and I were both breathless by the time we reached the top on our way back! The beach is pretty clean - some seaweed and a few birds that tend to leave you alone. There were only 2 other groups on the beach, and one offered up their wine opener because we had forgotten ours. You can totally tell this is a locals beach. A few dogs ran across with their owners every once in a while, but for the most part we were left in peace. And the sunset? Priceless. read more

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Barbara H.

100

14 years ago

Carmel River Beach is a bird watcher's paradise. The wetlands at the base of the river are full of flocks of gulls and brown pelicans and a wide variety of shore birds. During the summer the ocean beach blocks the river from flowing to the sea, so it forms a large "swimming pool" for the birds (water is definitely warmer than the ocean!). The winter rains swell the river and eventually (sometimes with the help of a bulldozer) it breaks through to the sea. Right now the parking lot is out of commission - destroyed by one of those winter river swells. So if you want to visit you'll have to park on a nearby side street. Better yet, if you want a lovely coastal walk - park at Carmel City Beach, and walk that beach until the end, and then up the last set of stairs to Scenic Road. Walk along Scenic and enjoy the rocky coastline until you come to the stairs at the end of Ocean View Ave. those lead down to River Beach. The walk is about 1.5 miles. If you love to bring Fido on your walks, he can go off leash on Carmel City Beach - but not at Carmel RIver Beach as it is a State beach. There are construction vehicles working at the parking lot now - so hopefully it won't be too long before we see the lot restored, so until then - I am withholding my 5th star! Revision to my review: As of June 1, 2012 the parking lot is now open! So park and enjoy this 5 star beach! read more

Carmel River State Beach - Restored parking lot at Carmel River State Beach (June 2, 2012). - Beaches Near Me - Carmel, California

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Veronica L.

211

273

408

14 years ago

Favorite bonfire spot in NorCal, hands down! I've come here many times with friends when we can't get a fire pit at Seabright in Santa Cruz. I prefer this spot over Seabright anytime, but it's hard to get a big group of people together who will want to drive all the way down to Carmel from San Jose just to bonfire. I'm up for it anytime! The drive is totally worth it. No fire pits here, you get to bonfire in the sand. Make sure to wear your chanclas just in case! Also use the bathroom before ya go since the closest one to here is down at the entrance to the beach off of Ocean Avenue. Beach access through stairs, but it gets very dark so you'll want to bring a flashlight. Don't forget the marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey's chocolate for your s'mores! :) read more

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Lujun F.

13 years ago

I came at dawn. Hundreds of pelican and seagulls as well as groups of seals are feeding. The view is amazing. read more

Carmel River State Beach - Dinner time. - Beaches Near Me - Carmel, California

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Long C.

Elite 26

1247

1360

15 years ago

what a lovely beach, totally unexpected in california. saturday, warm/hot ~80F day, uncrowded, decent parking fine white sand, aqua marine/very clear water, reminiscent of hawaiian islands (except the water here was cold) read more

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Emily C.

Elite 15

283

351

204

14 years ago

(This review is for the beach a bit south of Carmel River State Beach, off Cuesta Way). After parking on a mini 3 car cul-de-sac and walking down a bunch of stairs, I was greeted by a tranquil beach. The beach has a few bonfire areas and only had 1 or 2 families when we went around 6pm Saturday during Summer. There's a few rocky areas where waves come crashing and form tidepools with sea anemones. The waves here were rough... I wouldn't advise swimming here. My favorite part of the beach were the pretty rocks! So many pretty beach rocks and pebbles to be found. Overall, this is a nice beach for strolls and tranquility while watching waves crash against the rocks. read more

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Misha F.

Elite 12

559

557

206

17 years ago

The perfect setting for the perfect wedding. Birds cawed in the background, waves crashed on the shore, green hills surrounded us in the backdrop. Beautiful. read more

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Yo M.

183

561

15 years ago

Hah! Had a wonderful day at this beach on Saturday. Despite a wedding that was going on, we still almost had the whole beach to ourselves. Went there with my pup earlier on in the morning for our annual photo shoot. It was such a beautiful day that we decided to gather our stuff, get a couple of sandwiches from Bi-Rite and head back over. We both ended up falling asleep for hours and we awakened good and roasted. Bliss!!! read more

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Tim B.

Elite 13

181

14 years ago

I love this beach. When I'm home in PDX thinking about being on the coast, this is the fantasy beach. I just have super fond memories here. I used to take my dogs here to swim and play, I saw wales here for the first (and only) time, and countless sunsets. I used to sometimes feel this was MY BEACH, though i shared it ;-) As soon as I was old enough to drive, this was the go-to beach read more

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Douggers M.

Elite 7

281

18 years ago

We took Bubby the beach while we were down here. This place is dog heaven! He was greeted by 5 white labs. They all romped and splashed around like old friends. It was freezing but totally worth the trip. Make sure you are cardio ready the trek back up the sand hill is a doozy! read more

Carmel River State Beach - Boys at the beach - Beaches Near Me - Carmel, California

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Wendy V.

394

17 years ago

It was here that I finally realized why they call it pebble beach. Finally, after all these years, I figured it out. haha! The sand is a bunch of pebbles! Certainly not fine sand at all! We stopped at Safeway in Carmel to get sandwiches and we brought them here to picnic on our way down to Morro Bay. What an excellent picnic spot! Just pull up along side the road and walk a few feet......great view! read more

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Kelsey T.

189

118

9 years ago

We were exploring Carmel and on our way to see the Mission when we stumbled across this beautiful hidden gem of a beach. Honestly, cannot wait to go back. It's hidden and just as stunning, if not more so than Carmel Beach. read more

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Rachel C.

157

17 years ago

i like this beach a lot the sand feels smoother on my feet here then it does down at the carmel beach down the road. I went to a wedding there and it was just wonderful. the day was actually really nice and warm with just a hint of a breeze unlike most carmel days. This is one of my favorite beaches in the area. read more

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Jason F.

Elite 10

300

19 years ago

A great beach. I went here recently and it was really grey and foggy but man we still had a blast! Very clean and well kept. I look forward to going back! Plus after spending time at the beach there is shopping and restaurants in Carmel, love it here! read more

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Corey P.

Elite 10

448

368

18 years ago

Oh this is a cool beach, but calling this portion the finest beach in Northern California is a bit much...at least this portion of it. Personally, I prefer the portion right at the end of Ocean Avenue, facing due west....I can't think of a much better place to watch the sun set. read more

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Shelley T.

8 years ago

We just had our maternity photo shoot and it couldn't be prettier. There are rocks, beach/sand and greenery all in one place. The beach was very clean and everyone we ran into was super friendly. I can't wait to go back and spend more time here! read more

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soy y.

134

18 years ago

For a beach as close to shopping and civilization as this one is, it's amazing how gorgeous it still manages to be. Plus, it's dog-friendly (as is most of Carmel). The water gets that greenish blue light tint to it that most beaches in Santa Cruz can never achieve. And the white sand tops it off. It's actually a pretty long stretch of beach as well, great for a walk or run. read more

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Lisa M.

770

1322

9 years ago

Walked the Scenic Road Walkway to here. The beach is very nice and unlike Carmel Beach it was not crowded (maybe just got lucky?) and there was no steep hill to walk up or down to access the beach. There were restrooms. read more

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Shiho F.

Elite 11

4847

2835

2459

16 years ago

Hands down my favorite beach in the 831. Perfect white sandy beach and if you are lucky a lot of hot ass surfers for your viewing pleasure.

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Victoria F.

15 years ago

We loved the Carmel River Beach for over 50 years ~ listened to the gulls, watched the way the river changed its course from season to season as it entered the sea. Even last summer we went there with our family to let our little grandson fly a kite, dig in the sand, and experience the beauty of this rare environment. Now it's gone. The river has been dammed up before it can reach the sea, the parking lot has been sliced through, and the whole area beyond the lot has been turned into a deep man-made lagoon. You stand at the edge of what little remains of the parking lot and, with tears in your eyes, look down into a vast man-made body of water designed to improve the lot of the steelhead salmon. What was once a beloved beach has been completely obliterated. read more

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Anna S.

Elite 19

255

145

12 years ago

Absolutely beautiful beach. Easy to access and a lot quieter of a beach. It's a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We love coming here.

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Katie Melissa R.

1395

14 years ago

Beautiful beach. Dog-friendly. Amazing sunsets! Great for kids. Good for surfing or just relaxing.

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John Z.

421

16 years ago

Lots of white sand but be careful, the surf can be dangerous, the water is freezing, and it gets real windy over here. Super easy parking and access though read more

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Esther Y.

Elite 22

699

1663

1705

18 years ago

The best beach in NorCal, hands down. Way better than Santa Cruz, with soft white fine sand and gentle waves. A romantic and less-populated beach in the quaint little town of Carmel. Man, what it must be like to live in one of those houses on the beach! You'd see all the amazing sunsets throughout the year... read more

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Maria M.

13 years ago

The water is warm starting 1 pm and gets even warmer during the day. The deepest part is 1.6 ft i think. The shore is not steep. I had a hard time getting my 3 year old out. The best of the family beaches I've seen so far. read more

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Wayne P.

Elite 10

287

18 years ago

This is the best dog friendly beach in the entire state of California. Beach goers and dogs coexisting in harmony. Most of the dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets. Dogs and dog owners socialize and have a great time. This beach is absolutely beautiful. I come here with and without my dogs and have had a great time. read more

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Inigo M.

2765

13 years ago

Also accessible via obscure path off cul-de-sac off Ribera Road, behind nice homes with kickass ocean views.

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Anitha M.

14 years ago

A beautiful beach just along the scenic drive. Not much crowd. Dont miss getting into the water in the shallow river, it's not as cold as the sea and the water is still and not salty. You can also witness a beautiful sunset. Good place to swim. Didn't know much about this place and were very excited after visiting it. The view of the mountains in the backdrop was really beautiful. Not much parking available, but can park in the neighbourhood. read more

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Amy J.

Elite 7

165

18 years ago

I have so much love for this and all the other beaches near Carmel. We took wine and snacks down there and watched the sun set every night for a week. I was certainly spoiled with amazing weather, but i would stand any bluster the coast could throw me to sit there and relax. read more

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LMecca R.

225

14 years ago

Absolutely one of my favorite places to be. The ultimate way to relax and people watch. Beautiful views of the sunset, what can I say- I am a hopeless romantic. Grab a blanket, a basket of goodies and wine, great company and lets chill :) read more

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Rox M.

Elite 9

325

19 years ago

I liked the white sand at this beach, and I've gone there twice. Once during the day when it was pretty cold, and another time during sunset which was very nice. read more

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Agnes K.

149

19 years ago

Love the white sand beach... the water is clean and so is the beach... my son and I went there a couple of weeks ago and he loved it. The weather was a little overcast but eventually the sun came out, became warm and beautiful. We had a great time can't wait to go back again. read more

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Kristin E.

149

15 years ago

This beach was literally 72 steps from the inn we stayed at. The last day we went there a couple times. What we really enjoyed was before you actually go down to the beach there are benches up on the ridge. They are situated under some trees along a trail and you can sit there and enjoy the amazing unobstructed view. It really is breathtaking. Also its fun to sit and people watch. Dogs are allowed on this beach and we happened to be there when a large group of people were there with dogs. It was fun to watch them play in the water. Also this is a wonderful picture spot. read more

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Robin P.

14 years ago

The state has closed the parking lot so public access is effectively closed because parking is not safe but walk in access for the wealthy in the neighborhood is just fine, we need this access restored. Access restored as of 7/12!!!!!! read more

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Andrea W.

Elite 12

443

373

147

12 years ago

Pretty but the sand is very sharp & full of rocks. Hill is steep & water seemed rough & dangerous. Not child friendly at all

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Lindsey T.

213

12 years ago

Beautiful beach. Pretty quiet and a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing

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Peter W.

436

12 years ago

Beach itself is okay while walking up the Carmel point u have a great view and well designed houses

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Jane R.

14 years ago

I love this beach i will be going back, It is a long drive but I heard about it and its pretty rocks and pebbles so I had to go. It was winding and the waves were crashing. It was a nice beach to sit and watch not to swim. read more

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More info about Carmel River State Beach

Carmelo St
Carmel, CA 93923
Directions
(831) 649-2836
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=567

Hours

What time does Carmel River State Beach open?

What time does Carmel River State Beach close?

Indoor Amenities

Does Carmel River State Beach allow dogs?

Yes, Carmel River State Beach allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Carmel River State Beach have bike parking?

No, Carmel River State Beach does not have bike parking.

Does Carmel River State Beach have parking?

Yes, Carmel River State Beach has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Ask the Community - Carmel River State Beach

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Yes, they are on leash.

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Review Highlights - Carmel River State Beach

“The parking isn't really designated, so make sure you don't block a residential drive.”

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Carmel Beach

4.7(671 reviews)

1.4 mi

I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents,…read moreBarbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get.

Our visit was a good experience. We parked super far though because we didn't want to risk not…read morehaving a space down at the beach lot but it turned out there were plenty of spaces there. Anyway, scenic walk allowed us to tour the shops there. The steep walk back up to our car was challenging though so a great workout. Aside from people letting their dogs run around unleashed, it was a pleasant time.

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Dusk at 9pm during 2025's summer solstice

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Engagement photos | 1985Luke Photography

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

4.9(1.1k reviews)

1.4 mi

The views were stunning! It's one of the prettiest spots along the coast. The Allan Memorial Grove…read moreand Sea Lion Point were easy to navigate. I also liked that the trails loop back around to the parking area, so it was easy to explore without worrying about getting lost. The trails can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much you stop to take in the views. Parking is limited, so get there early. Also bring a jacket because it gets windy and cold. They have three portable bathrooms and permanent bathrooms on site.

This is one of the most gorgeous state parks in California!! I've been wanting to visit for years…read moreand we finally made it here this past weekend. We were staying in Monterey, so it was about a 25 min drive to get there, we arrived before 11am. We parked before the park entrance along Highway 1 where there were NO signs saying "No parking at any time" THIS IS IMPORTANT because as we were walking towards the entrance, there was a parking enforcement officer giving tickets to all the other cars parked where the signs were clearly posted closer to the entrance. So make sure you pay attention! There is parking inside the park too for only $10. Once inside there were park rangers helping you with questions and guiding you on deciding which trails to go on, which was very nice and convenient! We took a picture of the map and choose to do the Cypress Grove, and the Sea Lion Point Trails. We only had about 3 hrs to hang out at the park, so those two were perfect easy hikes and roughly about 2.5 miles if you do both loops. We got spectacular views everywhere, you could hear the Sea Lions and see so many beautiful birds flying around. Wish we would've brought binoculars, so bring some with you if you remember. We can't wait to come back another time and do a full day of hiking because there are so many other trails! The park and restrooms were clean and well kept too, it's definitely a must visit once in your lifetime at least!!

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Mara Beach

5.0(1 review)

0.4 mi

Maybe folks are trying to keep this place a secret, but this place is quiet and beautiful. A little…read moreslice of heaven here!

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Wide spacious quiet

Fun facts

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Fun facts placed next to the parking area

Pebble Beach

4.3(44 reviews)

3.5 mi

It is Pebble Beach - enough said right there. The location is perfect, the grounds are immaculate…read moreand planning a golf outing and stay soon.

Both breathtakingly beautiful and serene, this stretch of natural beauty can only be accessed via…read morethe 17-mile drive. There are 17 marked stops along this route, each with its own unique history and memorable view. The beach areas are gorgeous, albeit rather cold. And the crystal blue waters remind me of Hawaii; just without the tropical weather to go with. Much of the waters along this coast are in a protection zone, and large sections are designated as marine preserves. Although we were not so lucky in our timing, if you visit during the right times of the year, there are supposedly a plethora of marine wildlife to observe including seals, sealions, otters, dolphins and whales. At the end of this drive, we found ourselves at the famous Pebble Beach Resort. Here you can dine, shop, or even play on the world-renowned golf course that plays host to the PGA Tours, as well as other professional golf tournaments.

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Devendorf Park

4.5(24 reviews)

1.4 mi

Small park with ample parking around it A couple of…read moreseats/benches around it Central location to walk around

This was a petite park in the downtown Carmel area, and it was pretty lovely. I'm glad that they…read morehave restrooms there, and they were pretty clean. We walked our doggie there after brunch.

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Pioneer-Builder- Friend. A statue in Devendorf Park, Carmel.

Park entrance

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Entrance with flag pole

Ribera Beach

4.8(4 reviews)

0.4 mi

This is my favorite beach in Carmel! It's a little nestled away from downtown, but the best part of…read moreit is watching the sunset over Point Lobos - it's beautiful! The beach isn't too crowded and there's a good mix of soft sand, pebbly sand, and tide pools. It's perfect for a more laid-back atmosphere. The northernmost part of the beach has some really nice sand and is secluded, with some awesome views of the ocean.

Gorgeous beach with a fun walk. I like to look at the ocean from the hike. We hired a tour guide…read morefrom our stay at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn, and we enjoyed it very much. Her name is Wanda. She is a very good tour guide. You can take a lot of great photos and see this big cross that used to be there for a lost ship. It's not a hard hike but it's really nice for the views. I would definitely do it again. I am an avid hiker and this was very easy it was like a stroll but my mother really liked it. There are beautiful wild flowers and plants and lots of rocks and trees and grasslands. During May, it is pretty cold, so make sure you wear a jacket and that you are ready. I love to hike so I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes to see nature. You can even see where the salt water and lake water mix. Apparently there is a beach where a lot of children drowned near here, I think that would be a very interesting thing to write a movie about!

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Pt Lobos as viewed from atop Ribera Beach.

Ribera Beach from above. Carmel and Pebble Beach beyond.

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June 27 Sunset From Ribera Beach Cliffs

Monastery Beach

3.8(70 reviews)

0.9 mi

Nice quiet beach in the Carmel Highlands. We didn't feel like heading downtown and Point Lovos was…read moreway too crowded. I spent Thanksgiving day here for a bit reading a book. It was relaxing. The sand is sandy (lol) with some pebbles, so not too smooth or powdery, but it's a beach, haha! Parking is in the shoulder so be careful getting in and out of your vehicle. Swim at your own risk. I felt safe here as there were handfuls of folks passing through.

Monastery Beach is a pristine beach, with soft sand, an active lifeguard and beautiful waves…read more Getting to the beach is very easy as it is right off of the highway. One thing to keep in mind is the parking ! There are possibly 15-20 parking spots, which I'm sure likely fill up very quickly on busy days.

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Cold during the winter

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You can see the active Monastery in the background

Mission Trail Park

4.5(28 reviews)

1.2 mi

First timer Nice hike…read moreCame late but still nice walk Went the back way so no parking Parked at the streets

Tasting this park kind of depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a leisurely…read morestroll in the morning that takes maybe 15 to 20 minutes and it's not very hilly then this is your place and you're eating it high. If you're looking for something a little more rigorous with hills sand stuff to look at then it's more average. I guess the cool part is it's in the middle of residential area. The path is not paved, but it's groomed with rocks and bark so it's a pretty easy walk. The kind of "hike" you can stroll with a cup of coffee.

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Bird

Carmel Meadows Trailhead

5.0(2 reviews)

0.7 mi

Something we thought that would be a quick "outdoor walk" turned into an hour stay at the beach. It…read morewas quite empty, which was a plus, and the sun was shining with a slight ocean breeze. Being able to walk along the coast and soaking in the sun rays and enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing is very, very soothing. You can walk along the beach or walk on a trail or go up a small hill to overlook the ocean!

Location: corner of Ribera Rd and Cuesta Way…read more Parking : enough for three cars. Street parking allowed It's inside the residential area therefore not as crowded/popular as the nearby Carmel Beach. Nicely maintained wide trails wide enough for wheelchair however unfortunately not a ADA compliant, only a staircase to go down /up. Full of wildflowers during spring time and since it's adjacent to the Bird Sanctuary, you can spot the variety shore birds . The trail leads to the Carmel Beach to north and the monastery beach to south.

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Rocky shore

Seaside path

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Hermit crabs

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