Skip to content

About Point Lobos SNR – Gibson Beach in Carmel, California

Gibson Beach is the southernmost beach in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. It’s also the best “beach” in this park which is full of rocky bluffs and small pocket coves. On some maps it is even called “Sandy Beach” in addition to it’s nickname Gibson’s.

Like some of the other beaches and coves at Point Lobos you’ll need to walk a short distance on trails to get there. Just drive to the very end of the paved road and then hike out the Bird Island Trail which passes by China Cove and then reaches Gibson Beach. If that parking lot is full then you might have to walk quite a ways from a different lot. This park is popular and can fill up entirely forcing the entrance attendants to turn folks away. Needless to say, getting to the park early on summer days is key.

Gibson Creek flows through the sand sometimes at the south end of the cove. Bird Island is a fabulous bird-watching spot just offshore. It is best viewed from the end of Pelican Point which is adjacent to Gibson Beach. See a map of all Point Lobos Beaches.

Address
62 CA-1
Carmel, CA 93923
Phone
831-624-4909
Park Name
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Other Names
Gibson's Beach, Sandy Beach, Gibson Creek
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed in the reserve - even in cars
Fees
Fees for entering park
Activities
Hiking, Birdwatching, Sunbathing
Amenities
Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables
Map of Point Lobos SNR – Gibson Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea, US
4:27 am, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 53°F
L: 51° H: 55°
Feels like 52 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 2 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:58 am
Sunset: 7:26 pm
Humidity 90 %
Pressure1019 mb
Wind 2 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.