Carmel Beach Activities

Monterey County

Carmel Beach, Monterey County, California
Carmel Beach, Monterey County, California

Carmel Beach Activities

Monterey County


Carmel River State Beach

Visitors to the state beach enjoy hiking the Beach Trail or scanning the wetlands with binoculars. A bird sanctuary there offers great birding. Despite its inviting appearance, dangerous surf makes Carmel River State Beach a better place for a stroll than a swim. A steep drop off and strong currents are especially hazardous. Experienced surfers familiar with the currents, however, can be seen nearly every day lined up for waves.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Carmel River Beach Trail

The trail begins at the north end of Carmel River State Beach and follows the shoreline south to Monastery Beach. During the summer and fall a sandy berm blocks the diminished flow of the Carmel River, providing an easy pathway south. In winter and spring months, the trail is best approached from the south since the rushing flow of the river cuts off the trail.

Hikers can walk the beach or use the service road/trail slightly inland from the beach. On a low bluff near the lagoon is a cross that was erected by the Mission San Carlos in 1944. It is similar to the original cross erected by the Portola expedition in 1769.

Carmel River State Beach Natural Preserve, CA

Carmel River State Beach Wetlands

Birding at Carmel River State Beach

Bird watchers will have plenty of sightings around the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Reserve where over 300 species of birds have been recorded. Waterfowl are found in abundance here, including coots and mallards. Gulls, terns and brown pelicans are common. Sightings of grebes, cormorants, sandpipers, and plovers have been made around the lagoon. Egrets and herons are often sighted among the reeds. Overhead watch for red-tailed hawks.

Carmel River State Beach, CA

Carmel River State Beach


Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Run in the Name of Love

The 4th Annual Run in the Name of Love will resume in 2022. The race features a 5K run and a 2k walk. Racers and runners start at Carmel's Sunset Center at the corner of San Carlos St. and 9th Ave. The event concludes along Scenic Road at Carmel Beach.
Run in the Name of Love

Carmel Art Festival

May 17-19, 2024
Devendorf Park & Mission St.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Juried art show, silent auction
Sculpture-in-the-Park with live music and Kids Art Day
Carmel Art Festival

Big Sur International Marathon

April 28, 2024
26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd.
Carmel, CA
The course extends from Big Sur to Carmel.
Big Sur Marathon Events

Garland Ranch Regional Park

700 W. Carmel Valley Rd.
Hiking, photography, horseback riding, jogging, walking, bird watching, and limited mountain biking.
Garland Ranch Regional Park

Carmel River State Beach, California

Carmel River State Beach




Carmel Beach Activities

Visitors to Carmel Beach enjoy playing in the surf, skim boarding, beach combing, playing with their dogs, sitting around campfires at night, and all the other familiar beach activities. Expect to see a pick-up volleyball game, kites flying overhead, and kayakers paddling up the coast.

Carmel Beach webcam: Carmel ClamCam

Surfing

The waves at Carmel Beach attract surfers from around the area. Those looking for easier waves usually head to the south end of the beach around 13th Avenue, but staying away from the point. More experienced surfers like the waves at the north end of the beach. Conditions at Carmel Beach can change rapidly. As with most beaches, winter waves are bigger and summer waves a little more forgiving.

Skimboarders have the best time when the tide is out a plenty of beach is exposed.

Carmel Surf Lessons

Carmel Surf Lessons offers summer surfing camps for ages 7 to 15. Four-day camps are offered in June from Monday through Thursday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Camp is held either at Carmel Beach or Monterey Beach, depending on conditions. Custom soft-top surfboards are provided.

They also have private one-on-one lessons, group lessons, and special events.
Carmel Surf Lessons

Sand Castle Contest

Every year the American Institute of Architects-Monterey Bay Chapter and the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea have co-sponsored a sand castle contest on Carmel Beach in September. The family-oriented event is free to anyone who wants to participate. Registration is on the beach and judging begins at noon. One of the themes in past years was Bohemians & Beatniks, although entries do not have to follow the theme. Dates for the contest are not announced until soon before the event.

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety