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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.” Like some of the other beaches and coves at Point Lobos you’ll need to walk a short distance on trails to get here. Just drive to the very end of the paved road and then hike out the Bird Island Trail which passes by China Cove and ends at 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 – getting here early on nice days is key. Gibson Creek flows through the sand sometimes at the south end of the cove. Bird Island is a good 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 California 1
Carmel, CA 93923
Park Name
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Other Names
Sandy Beach
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed in the reserve - even in cars
Fees
Fee for parking
Activities
Hiking, Birdwatching
Amenities
Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables
Map
Carmel-by-the-Sea, US
7:17 pm, May 27, 2023
temperature icon 55°F
L: 53° H: 57°
Feels like 54.18 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 3 m/s
UV Index: 0.44
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:53 am
Sunset: 8:16 pm
Humidity 88 %
Pressure1016 mb
Wind 3 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

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