Carmel River State Beach. February 9, 2022.
This beach is good for proposals, families with kids of all ages, engagements, weddings.
Permit required.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. The first rule about Carmel River Beach is don’t confuse it with Carmel Beach. They are close to each other (in name and proximity), but are in fact separate beaches. The second rule is that this is not a recommended beach for swimming. It’s a steep beach so the waves break basically on the beach and bring strong rip currents. I’ve been here multiple times and have never seen anyone surfing or even wading in the water here. And for good reason…
Easily a 10 foot crest right on the beach.
Do not turn your back on the sea here!
There is also no lifeguard on duty here. This sign will help to remind you as soon as you leave the parking lot. Also, no fires or camping. But dogs!
If you have further questions, this gull will assist you. Also, that phone number to call about event permits is (831)624-3407.
Now that all that is out of the way, here are all the reasons you need to get down here. Located just north of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach is at the mouth of the Carmel River, giving it it’s name.
On the north end of the beach there is a small, free parking lot but this can fill up quickly so the earlier you arrive the better. You’ll also find a public restroom in this area. If you can’t find parking here you will have to park in the neighborhood but be aware of “No Parking” signs as they are everywhere.
This is the only parking lot for this beach.
There are two stalls here.
Carmel River State Beach is a long, sandy beach with a bend like a candy cane on the north end. This is a perfect area for family or wedding photos. I mention wedding photos specifically because you won’t have to walk far in your wedding gown from where you park to be on the sand. Also, imagine those waves crashing in the background of your photos. Talk about dramatic. Especially at sunset!
If for some reason you do have to park away from this lot in the neighborhood, there is a staircase on the very northern tip of the beach that will get you down to the sand.
This comes down where Scenic Road and Ocean View Avenue meet. It wasn’t hard coming up with street names in Carmel.
Mid-way down the beach is where the Carmel River empties into the ocean when it’s flowing. When it’s not flowing it becomes a large pond where you may see people (and dogs) on longboards or a million pelicans.
Carmel River.
A flapping flock of brown pelicans.
Carmel River flowing from right to left here.
So without walking very far there are already two locations with great backdrops for your photos: Pacific Ocean and Carmel River. What makes this beach unique is not only the river, but also its proximity to the hiking trails at Carmel Meadows. These are trails on the elevated bluff tops that run along the southern end of Carmel River State Beach. They are very flat and accessible. If you walk the trails all the way to the southern end you’ll eventually arrive at Monastery Beach.
You’ll also get to look at rich people’s houses.
Monastery Beach as seen from Carmel Meadows trail.
From the north end of the beach to the southern extent of the trails is almost exactly 1 mile so it makes for an easy walk for the family. These trails also provide excellent views of Point Lobos and the incredible amount of bird life in the area.
The north end of Point Lobos.
Cormorants doing cormorant things. Also, those aren’t otters, that’s kelp.
As you walk south the beach narrows and becomes more rocky and you start to lose the sand but gain tide pools. This area can be especially interesting during low tide. Tide pools always make for great candid family photos. If you want to see what the tide is right now click here!
There’s always a gull.
Carmel Highlands in the distance.
This rugged beach also makes for dramatic proposal or engagement photos. You really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for incredible backgrounds for your images. Definitely worth the price of a photography permit.
Once you are done with your photography session with High Orbit Media there are a few things you can do. It’s easy to jump right back onto Highway 1 south and hike in Point Lobos. Just like Carmel River State Beach, Point Lobos is rugged and incredibly beautiful. It’s also small so avid hikers can see it all in one day if they choose. It costs $10 to enter with a vehicle and parking fills up quickly.
You can also keep heading south and hit Garrapata State Park or continue further to the famous Bixby Bridge which is only 15 miles further down Highway 1. If you’re from out of town and only have a day or two I would highly suggest this drive.
Looking South down the incredible California coast.
If shopping is your thing, Carmel River State Beach is less than 5 minutes away from downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea. The two main intersections are Ocean Avenue and San Carlos Street. There are tons of restaurants and shops in the downtown area.
Please consider High Orbit Media for your next photography session. I know all the best beaches for whatever photos you’re seeking. Let’s make you look good!
John Ruddock is a professional photographer based in Salinas, CA. John grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay and has spent over 30 years on the beautiful California central coast. He photographs weddings, engagements, families, sports, and landscapes from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur. Contact him today to book your session! You can also buy prints of his best images right here.
