Carmel River State Beach, State Beach in Monterey County, United States
Carmel River State Beach is a mile-long stretch along Carmel Bay with golden sand and a river lagoon at its mouth. The waterway creates a natural division between sand and the ocean that shifts with the seasons.
The area was once a settlement of the Rumsien people before Spanish explorers arrived in the 1600s. A cross marks their early presence in the region.
The lagoon and wetlands draw migratory birds year-round, making birdwatching a natural part of the visitor experience. The sight of herons, gulls, and seasonal visitors shapes how people interact with this stretch of coast.
The beach has parking, restrooms, and drinking water available for visitors. Explore during daylight hours, as the beach closes at sunset each day.
The Monastery Beach section contains underwater rock formations and kelp forests that appeal to scuba divers. This underwater landscape is unusual compared to other nearby beaches.
Location: Monterey County
Address: 26478 Carmelo St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Phone: +18316492836
Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=567
GPS coordinates: 36.53455,-121.92845
Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
1.2 km
Mrs. Clinton Walker House
1.1 km
Tor House and Hawk Tower
888 m
Butterfly House
842 m
Carmel River State Beach
296 m
Forest Theater
2 km
Driftwood Cottage
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Golden Bough Playhouse
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Enchanted Oaks Building
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Tuck Box
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Outlands in the Eighty Acres
1.9 km
Mary Dummage Shop
2.3 kmCarmel City Hall
2.2 km
Whalers Cabin
1.8 km
Seaburst House
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2.3 km
La Rambla Building
2.3 km
Garden Shop Addition
2.3 km
Lemos Building
2.3 km
Isabel Leidig Building
2.3 km
Seven Arts Building
2.3 km
Theatre of the Golden Bough
2 km
Monastery Beach
1.2 km
Percy Parkes Building
2.3 km
W. C. Farley Building
2.3 km
De Yoe Building
2.3 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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