Carmel River State Beach

Phone Number

(831) 649-2836

Park Hours

8 AM – Sunset

Dogs Allowed?

Yes

Driving Directions to Carmel River SB

From southbound Highway 1 in Carmel, the park is one mile south of Ocean Avenue. Turn right on Rio Road, then turn left on to Santa Lucia, then left on Carmelo. Parking lot is located at the end of Carmelo.

Online reservations are not available for this park.

No online brochures available for this park.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Family Programs
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

About Carmel River State Beach

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On Carmel Bay, the mile-long beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon (just before the Carmel River empties into the sea) featuring a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds, and provides for scenic panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federal marine protected area.

Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is part of the park and is popular with scuba divers. Swimming, wading or walking near the sanctuary can be extremely dangerous at this beach.

DOGS

Dogs are allowed on leash at this location.
Please be aware of:

  • Families with small children
  • Visitors with their own pets on leash
  • Late winter/early spring Western snowy plover seasonal resting areas

Thank you for keeping your dog on leash at all times!

Be "In The Know" about Bonfires

Notice to Visitors:

Effective September 16, 2014, California State Parks began banning beach fires on state beaches within the Monterey District to minimize any fire dangers. The state beaches affected by this order include Carmel River, Monastery and Monterey. State Park officials will begin issuing warnings immediately to first-time offenders. All illegal fires will immediately be put out and repeat offenders will be issued citations. For the purposes of cooking, a raised and self-contained gas camp stove may be used.

High fire danger and very little rain this summer, along with the continued degradation of our beaches due to charcoal and soot deposits from beach fires, requires us to rescind our order allowing beach fires. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but we are taking these steps to ensure public safety and to protect California’s natural resources.

California State Parks officials are rescinding a Superintendent’s Posted Order that allows beach fires without restrictions at the three state beaches mentioned above, and will begin enforcing California Code of Regulations T14 4311(a) which states, "No person shall light, build, use or maintain a fire within any State Park Unit except in a camp stove or a fireplace provided, maintained, or designated by the Department for such purpose".

Other measures recently taken to reduce the risk of wildfires include the US Forest Service and California State Parks banning any wood or charcoal burning fires in the Los Padres Forest or Big Sur in late August.

Please do YOUR part to help keep our beaches CLEAN and SAFE for everyone!

Marine Protected Area Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida - Libro Para Colorear

Embark on a journey of discovery about Marine protection in a fun and easy way!!

MPAThe Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida -  Libro Para Colorear - helps students of all ages learn about the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The book includes three new 3D augmented reality coloring pages that will allow students to interact with their colorings using a smartphone or tablet while learning about marine life and California's marine protected areas.

Download the new marine protected area (MPA) coloring book along with the California Coastal Explorer Guide at: https://www.mpacollaborative.org/kids/