Came here before dinner and wished we had come earlier. Beautiful white sands and long beach surrounded by great views. What’s not to like!
My husband and I make it a point to stop at the beach in Carmel every visit we make to the area. Though this beach is a dog friendly beach, the people who frequent it are very conscientious of maintaining the pristine nature of the beach. I find this beach to be a place where I can truly relax and recharge. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There is no other way for me to describe it except 'peaceful beyond words'.
We hit upon a beautiful sunny 70 degree morning. The first day Carmel temps were over 69. People were on the sand, walking their dogs, the water was clean...great views.
If you have time and would like to enjoy the wonderful beach facing Stewart’s Cove, then discover this gem. Tide pools and driftwood await you. I’ve seen whales, waves of pelicans and an occasional sea otter enjoying a tasty treat. Point Lobos can be seen across the Cove except on foggy days of which there are many. Access via Santa Lucia to San Antonio to Isabella roads to gain insights into how close the locals live to this amazing State Beach Park.
Our visit to Carmel River Beach was the highpoint of our visit to Carmel. Don't let the name fool you. This is the ocean. The Carmel River empties into the ocean here. It's a very unique beach with the largest sand I've ever seen. It's really closer to small pebbles than sand. Huge and soft on the feet. The surf is quite dangerous here. Be careful going into the water unless you're a really good swimmer. There is a lifeguard on duty here as well.
