California's Central Coast is as distinct as it is diverse. Monterey County boasts some of the best beaches in The Golden State, with a seascape for every desire. From silky white sands to pebble-rich shores and dramatic rock formations that carve the coast, beachgoers can easily find the backdrop to their picture-perfect adventure within a short walk of our Carmel cottages. Of course, for those embarking on the famous 17-Mile Drive or the iconic scenic drive through Big Sur, there's the potential for many beach-centric pit stops along the way. Whether you're looking to find your spot on the shore to settle in for a full beach day, or just passing through on a multi-beach photo grab, these are the stops to make your Carmel beach getaway complete!
CARMEL CITY BEACH
Carmel City Beach
Photo Credit: sk via Flickr CC2.0
Carmel City Beach is the most prominent beach in town and a genuine jewel of the Monterey Peninsula. This expansive white sand beach is located at the end of Ocean Avenue near Downtown Carmel. On busier days, the main access point at Ocean Avenue may be quite crowded, but you can steer just slightly off-center for alternate entryways. Head north to a quiet beach below the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course or aim south for a tranquil segment with brilliant views of Point Lobos. Though it is the highlight of this storybook village, Carmel City Beach remains remarkably pristine and generally uncrowded with a feeling of quiet seclusion.
Crashing waves break against the rocky bluffs on Carmel Beach. An ideal location for nature walks, wildlife spotting, sunbathing, and traditional beach games, it's not considered to be a safe swimming site due to unpredictable conditions and rip currents. The Scenic Bluff Path runs parallel to the beach along Scenic Road. With multiple stairways to the beach below, this path provides the option to visit segments of the shoreline while still opting into panoramas from above along the way. Sunset on the shore with a glass of local wine is a wonderful way to end the day in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Small beach bonfires are permitted in city-supplied, wood-burning fire pits located south of 10th Avenue. Carmel Beach offers limited free parking in a lot on Ocean Avenue as well as free, street parking along Scenic Road. Restrooms can be found at the Ocean Avenue parking lot and on Scenic Road at Santa Lucia Avenue.
CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH
Carmel River State Beach
Photo Credit: ccdvproductions via Instagram
About a mile south of the City of Carmel, Carmel River State Beach is a large sandy beach with calm, sparkling blue waters. A more secluded option than Carmel Beach, this mile-long beach on Carmel Bay is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife alike. A lagoon at the junction where the Carmel River meets the sea serves as a natural sanctuary for an array of waterfowl and sea birds. Carmel River Beach is popular with sunbathers, kayakers, divers, and those simply seeking incomparable ocean views on a shoreline stroll, but it is not a swimmers’ beach. From Ocean Avenue in Carmel, head south on Carmelo Street, where you'll find a modest parking lot, with overflow spaces along nearby streets.
Also known as San Jose Creek Beach, Monastery Beach is part of the State Park unit as well, about a mile south of Carmel River Beach. One-third-mile in length, the beach (named for the Carmelite Monastery across Highway 1) features an underwater wonderland at the edge of Monterey Canyon that lures expert scuba divers year after year. Kayakers can find safer launch sites on the south end of the beach, journeying west to Point Lobos. Coves, harbors, and inlets along the coastline provide habitat to marine wildlife, like harbor seals, sea lions, and assorted fish. Limited parking is available along the shoulder of Highway 1, and restrooms are located at the southern end of the beach.
The section of Carmel River State Beach known as Carmel Meadows Beach is situated beside a housing community. The wide sandy beach is nestled between rocky outcroppings on either end, and it is the least crowded of the beaches at the State Park unit. This is a prime spot for simple, quiet reflection. Street parking can be found on Cuesta Way and Ribera Road.
GARRAPATA STATE PARK
Garrapata State Park
Photo Credit: badgertech via Instagram
This iconic, coastal State Park includes four miles of oceanfront property. A network of hiking trails lead to scenic overlooks revealing sea lions and harbor seals basking in the sun or playing in the surf. Watersports and swimming are also popular activities here. Garrapata Beach outlines the northern Big Sur coastline, with a sandy cove beach situated at its south end along Garrapata Creek, but most of the park's shoreline is rocky and inaccessible. Soberanes Point marks the near-midpoint of the Garrapata coastline, where pocket coves are tucked within steep cliffs. Soberanes Creek Beach on the north end features breathtaking views of a cascading waterfall and Big Sur. There are two designated parking lots on the shoulder of Highway 1.
POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Point Lobos State Reserve
Photo Credit: alan.mentzer via Instagram
Point Lobos State Reserve - just a couple miles south of Carmel - is a hub of ecological diversity, an expert scuba site, and home to rocky beaches with tide pools. The main road leads to a parking lot near the start of the South Shore Trail. This trail provides access to pocket beaches at Hidden Beach, China Cove, and Gibson Beach, as well as a Bird Island overlook. Weston Beach at the Natural Reserve is the site of fun tide pools speckled throughout rocky coves. Parking for Weston Beach is available in a small lot and along the shoulder of the main road. The waters of the reserve extend into the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, a vibrant dive site among 70 foot-high kelp forests.
ASILOMAR STATE BEACH
Asilomar State Beach
Photo Credit: michael_mufasa via Instagram
North of Carmel in Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Beach is a narrow, mile-long span of sandy beach bordered by craggy coves and a coastal walking trail. Located within the Asilomar Marine Reserve, the beach overlooks the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which is part of a network of underwater parks on the Pacific Coast. A short boardwalk weaves through acres of restored sand dunes to a greenhouse hosting more than two dozen species of plants, while additional pathways offer panoramic views of the beach and azure waters below. Free parking can be found along Sunset Drive.
ADDITIONAL BEACH ADVENTURES NEARBY
It's easy to keep the beach fun going, as there are endless shores lining the California Coast. About an hour's drive from Carmel, Santa Cruz is a popular hive of beach activity and coastal culture on the northern end of Monterey Bay. Plan a day trip to visit one or more of these beaches in the Santa Cruz area.
CAPITOLA BEACH
Capitola Beach
Photo Credit: capitolabeach via Instagram
Approximately 45 minutes drive via Highway 1
Often voted one of the West Coast's top ten beaches, Capitola Beach features fine white sands lined with shops, eateries, and a pier. This beach is popular with those who enjoy fishing and surfing.
NATURAL BRIDGES STATE BEACH
Natural Bridges State Beach
Photo Credit: sk via Flickr CC2.0
Approximately one hour drive via Highway 1
This protected sandy beach and marine reserve features natural rock formations and imposing archways. The scenic backdrop sets the stage for board sports, family picnics, and an epic, annual migration of hundreds of thousands of butterflies among the towering pines of the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve.
SEABRIGHT BEACH
Seabright Beach
Photo Credit: tomzwords via Instagram
Less than an hour's drive via Highway 1
Seabright Beach is nestled at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. The wide, colorful sands span one-half-mile between the boardwalk and the harbor, with views of Walton Lighthouse and seasonal sailboat races against the horizon.
SANTA CRUZ MAIN BEACH
Santa Cruz Main Beach
Photo Credit: jshyun via Flickr CC2.0
Approximately one hour drive via Highway 1
Also known as Boardwalk Beach, Santa Cruz Main Beach is situated against an oceanfront amusement park with a number of family-friendly restaurants and attractions. It's a great choice for families seeking an action-packed, classic beach experience.