The BREAKDOWN: My top 5 beaches in Carmel CA
Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Bixby Realty!
In Carmel we have some of the whitest sand beaches with striking blue waters you will find in all of California. I have spent many days in the summer scouting out my personal favorites, and here is my list for you!
Gibsons Beach (Inside Point Lobos)
Gibson beach is hidden away amidst the cliffs. To reach Gibson Beach, you have to enter Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and drive to the end of the road. From there you will then hike the Bird Island Trail, which goes through China Cove and ends at the cliffs of Gibson Beach.
You'll have to descend a series of about 60 steps to reach the beach. This piece of paradise is tucked away at the southern end of Point Lobos. On some maps, it is referred to as "Sandy Beach." The beach is quiet, the waves are calm, there is plenty of natural shade, and on nice days you can watch sea lions and seals relaxing on the rocks or on the shore.
Gibson Beach is tucked away from the crowds and oftentimes I am the only one there. There are also some beautiful homes to admire as you look south down the coastline as well.
Perfect for: Watching seal lions and escaping the crowds.
Carmel City Beach is located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The northern portion leads to a beach below the Pebble Beach Golf Course and the southern portion leads to the rest of City Beach in front of the Carmel-by-the-Sea stunning coastal homes.
Its central location makes it a popular destination for many locals and tourists. Dogs are allowed on this beach because it is a “city” beach, not a state park. Carmel-by-the-Sea has always been a dog lovers’ town with notable local animal enthusiast celebrities such as Doris Day.
On sunny days, the beach is often crowded, but do not let that deter you. It's a great place to people-watch, play sports, build sandcastles with the kids, hang out, and enjoy a lunch picnic from Ocean Ave.
Parking is a bit difficult as this is the busiest beach in the area. You can find parking at the end of the street or on Scenic Road.
The neat thing about this beach is that alcohol is allowed and the city allows small bonfires from 4 to 10 p.m. in the city-provided fire pits south of 10th Avenue, which attracts a young crowd and some small family gatherings.
Perfect for: Bonfires, people-watching, swimming, and dog walking.
Monastery Beach is so named because of the Carmelite Monastery Mission located across the beach on Highway 1. The monastery is now a nunnery for the nuns of Carmel.
Although this is one of the most popular sandy beaches, it is not a swimming beach. The shape of the bay creates a strong undercurrent and a rip current that drags even strong swimmers to certain death. For this reason, it is also called "Mortuary Beach" and is considered one of the deadliest beaches in California. It is also nicknamed "San Jose Creek Beach" because of the creek that flows into the bay at the northern end.
Although Monastery Beach is not a good place to swim, experienced divers often dive at Monastery Beach and the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Parking is best along the ocean side of the highway near the entrance to the monastery, 27951 California 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Perfect for: Taking pictures and walking in the sand.
Carmel River Beach is not to be confused with Carmel City Beach.
Carmel River State Beach is also a large sandy beach south of beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, but Carmel River Beach is a state park that protects the wetlands at the mouth of the Carmel River.
This area is known as the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. The lagoon changes shape depending on the season, but you can still see it behind the beach because all kinds of birds usually flock there, creating a pretty panoramic view.
People like to come here to sunbathe, walk, watch birds, and play in the sand. The shore is long and allows people to spread out their towels and still be far away from each other.
Perfect for: Birdwatching, sunbathing, and hanging out.
And ONE more beach just a short drive outside of Carmel…
Lovers Point Beach is located in Lover's Point Park. A popular park in Pacific Grove.
The beach faces West and has a concrete wall and breakwater that protect it from the North winds, making it one of the safest beaches to swim at.
This beach is popular because of the many people it attracts and the many activities that are offered here. There are people setting up nets to play sports like volleyball or soccer, there are kayaks and paddle boards for rent, and sun loungers in some places.
The park is great for a picnic, walking on the trails or rocks, running, or biking.
Locals also use this place for romantic gestures and photo sessions, as it is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Parking can be found on Ocean View Boulevard and 17th Street.
Perfect for: Romantic gestures, swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Takeaways!
The problem with California beaches is that they are sometimes a surfer's dream and a swimmer's nightmare. Locals know the best beaches for swimming and the places where you just want to hang out all afternoon and have fun with family and friends.
Depending on what you have in mind for the day, there is a beach on the Monterey Peninsula that is right for you. If you want to do the typical water sports like kayaking, swimming, and playing in the water, Lover's Beach and Carmel City Beach are the places for you. And if you prefer something a little more intimate and want to watch sea lions, head to Gibson Beach!
It's important to follow the signs at the parking lots and beach entrances to understand the risks and regulations and keep yourself and your group safe. I hope this post helps you find your next destination on the Monterey Peninsula. Have fun, and stay safe.
Be sure to check out my other posts on the best places to eat and dog-friendly restaurants in the area!
At Bixby Realty we bring a fresh and innovative “boutique” approach to real estate on the Monterey Peninsula. In the process, we make dreams come true.
Looking to sell? We will make your home SHINE. Listings like ours that are beautifully presented and professionally inspected sell faster and for more money.
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Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.
Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Bixby Realty
831.200.6338
bri@bixbyrealty.com
Bri Steel at the Bixby Realty office with her two mini Aussies Kiwi and Fiji.
