Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach is a large sandy beach just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This state park protects a large chunk of land mostly made up of wetlands at the mouth of the Carmel River known as the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. The lagoon changes shape over time, but is usually a big body of water behind the beach that has birds of many species hanging out.

When it’s warm out this is a popular beach for sunbathing. At other times, it’s still popular with birdwatchers and hikers who can walk the bluff top trail south in front of the Carmel Meadows neighborhood all the way to Monastery Beach which is also part of the state park. The main beach at the lagoon has lots of space to spread out on.

This is a popular scuba diving location, but do not swim at Carmel River State Beach without fins as the undertow is very dangerous.

Parking is the biggest limitation at Carmel River State Beach as the parking lot is small, but there are overflow spaces along the streets nearby. To get there from downtown Carmel, simply drive south on Carmelo Street to the very end.

Address

Carmelo St & Scenic Rd
Carmel, CA 93923

Phone

831-649-2836

Park Name

Carmel River State Beach, Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Reserve

Other Names

Mara Beach Carmel

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Birdwatching, Sunbathing, Fishing, Walking, Scuba Diving

Amenities

Restrooms, Lagoon, Wetlands, Trails, Dunes

Links

Water Temps
Tide Chart