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.
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