Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
seven
Carmel River State Beach &
Point Lobos State Reserve
Carmel River State Beach
T
HIS PARK ACTUALLY
comprises two beaches: Carmel River State Beach at the river
mouth and San Jose Creek Beach (aka Monastery Beach) farther south. Together they
form a mile-long crescent of coarse sand backed by bluffs that offer spectacular views.
Visitors can go for a stroll, build a sandcastle, picnic, or watch wildlife on the sheltered
inland side of the beach at Carmel River Lagoon.
While the turquoise Pacific may look inviting, neither beach is safe for swimming
or wading. A deep underwater canyon just offshore contributes to hazardous surf con-
ditions. Even on calm days, unpredictable “sleeper waves” have risen up to surprise
waders, sometimes dragging them in. Year-round strong currents and water temperat-
ures that linger in the mid-50s Fahrenheit make submersion a real danger, though ex-
perienced, properly trained surfers and scuba divers do brave these waters.
DIRECTIONS:
From Carmel, drive south on Highway 1 and turn right at the Rio
Road signal light. In a half mile you'll pass Carmel Mission (Mission San Carlos Bor-
romeo de Carmelo) on the left. One block past the mission, turn left on Santa Lucia
Avenue. Drive 0.4 mile west on Santa Lucia to Carmelo Street and turn left. Within a
half mile Carmelo dead-ends at the beach's north parking lot.
VISITOR CENTER:
Point Lobos State Reserve, off Highway 1, 2.2 miles south of
the Rio Road intersection. Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in summer, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in
winter.
NEAREST CAMPGROUND:
See
Chapter 10: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
for
coastal campgrounds or
Chapter 14: Bottchers Gap
for inland options.
INFORMATION:
Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Dogs must be on a leash.
WEBSITE:
parks.ca.gov
PHONE:
(831) 649-2836
