Carmel River State Beach in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-05. Check linked official notices before travel.

Carmel River State Beach in Carmel, California, is a day-use stop for birding at the river mouth and looking out over Carmel Bay. Monastery Beach is part of the same park. At Monastery, plan to stay high on dry sand: sudden waves can reach well up the steep beach.

A lagoon beside the Pacific

The river forms a lagoon just before reaching the ocean. Bring binoculars to watch waterfowl and songbirds from shore, then turn toward the bay for a different view of the coast.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Stay back from the surf at Monastery Beach

Do not plan to swim or wade at Monastery Beach. California State Parks warns that the steep beach is exposed to sudden surges. Stay above the berm on dry sand and obey posted warnings.

Dogs and beach fires

Keep dogs leashed. Beach fires are prohibited at Carmel River and Monastery beaches. Keep alcohol out of the parking lot and at least 25 feet away from it.

Special events

For a wedding or organized event, arrange the permit with the state park’s event coordinator before the event. Call 831-624-3407.

Finding the Carmel River access

For the river-mouth side, use the parking lot at the end of Carmelo Street. The state’s approach from southbound Highway 1 uses Rio Road. Monastery Beach, also called San Jose Creek Beach, is a separate part of the state beach.

Nearby parks

• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Take Highway 1 south of Carmel to the reserve entrance.
• Garrapata State Park: Continue south on Highway 1 for another stretch of coast.

Watch birds and look out over the bay

Make the lagoon the main stop if you want to watch birds. The shore also overlooks the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. From Monastery Beach, watch the waves from above the berm rather than walking the surf line.

Parking and restrooms

California State Parks lists parking and restrooms at the state beach. For the river-mouth approach, aim for the Carmelo Street lot.

About Carmel River State Beach

From state park to state beach

California acquired the unit in 1953. It was originally Carmel River Beach State Park and took its state beach classification in 1963.

The river-mouth bird sanctuary

The protected lagoon and the open coast meet at the river mouth. Look for waterfowl on the lagoon and listen for songbirds nearby.

Contact California State Parks

For park information, call 831-649-2836.