Carmel River State Beach

If you happen to be in Carmel-By-The-Sea and want to go to the beach, but don't like the noisy crowds on the main Carmel Beach, then walk or drive a short distance away to find this smaller, quieter and more rugged yet equally beautiful alternative.


At this mile-long beach, you won't find the throngs of swimming, splashing people that you will at the Carmel Beach, or the dogs who romp off-leash there, or the fire-pits at sunset. Even though the steep drop-off from the shore minimizes waves and makes the water look deceptively calm, the currents here are especially strong and make swimming a dangerous, discouraged undertaking. For the same reason, dogs must be on-leash at all times, and because the land is owned by California State Parks, fires are forbidden. But even with these limitations, this is still a prime beach for pretty, peaceful walks, for picnics, for building structures out of driftwood, or just for sitting in a folding chair or on a towel and enjoying the scenery.

At one end of the beach, to the left of its parking lot, is the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Nature Preserve – the very mouth of the Carmel River. This area is home to dozens of seabirds, with a vista of green marsh grasses and the Mission Ranch beyond them. Just past the lagoon are the gorgeous green Carmel Meadows. Beyond these are magnificent views of green hills and Point Lobos. The rest of the beach is rimmed by dunes covered in ice plants, cypress trees and other greenery. At the opposite end from the lagoon is an outcropping of rocks which, for young people so inclined, make an excellent climbing structure.

The peace, quiet and lack of crowds make this beach an especially fitting - and popular - spot for seaside weddings.

Public restrooms can be found next to the parking lot. Said lot is a small one and closes after sunset, so plan your trip accordingly.

For a family-fun beach, the Carmel Beach should be your choice. But for a peaceful place of intimate communion with surf, sand, birds and greenery, look no further than this beach.