Carmel River State Beach. February 2022. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Monterey Bay, CA- If you’re seeking an awesome destination to bring the family for the weekend, let me tell you about my top five favorite beaches in Monterey Bay. I’ve spent over 30 years living along the beautiful California central coast and have explored almost every inch of Monterey Bay. As a professional photographer, it’s my job to find stunning locations. This doesn’t just go for my clients, but beaches and landscapes too!
I have written more extensive blogs about every beach on this list which are linked below. Those will tell you everything you need to know from where to park, what the bathroom situation is, what the access is like, and if you need a photography permit to take wedding, family, or engagement photos. So put a small dab of sunscreen on your nose and let’s go to the beach!
The dorsal at Shark Fin Cove. Davenport, CA.
Davenport, CA- Sounding like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean, Shark Fin Cove would be #1 if we were ranking them by name. Named after it’s most iconic feature, Shark Fin isn’t easy to find if you’ve never been. You have to park along Highway 1 in a nondescript dirt parking lot just south of Davenport. Also, it’s not easy to access as there is a very steep trail that takes you down to the sand. If you are traveling with small children or people who have difficulty walking, I would suggest another beach on this list.
However, once you are on the sand, it’s a remarkable cove to explore! The area is basically half rocky, half sandy. There are also several giant rocky slabs that jut out into the surf. When the waves are big, these slabs of rock make the waves explode. If you’re thinking of proposing and want dramatic photos, I recommend Shark Fin Cove. What a scene! But always be careful! Never turn your back on the waves.
Lastly, there’s a really cool cave feature with an amazing view of the ocean and cliffs surrounding it. I highly recommend this area for wedding photos, engagements, or proposals.
Rocky outcrops and big waves.
Nobody calls this “proposal cave” but they should start.
Heavy surf at Carmel River State Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA- Jumping all the way to the other side of Monterey Bay we find ourselves at Carmel River State Beach. Located just north of Point Lobos State Park, this beach may be the most scenic on our list. With the cypress trees on the north end, the Carmel River (which may or may not be running through the beach), and the highlands rising up to the south, it’s an incredibly picturesque bit of sand. However, this is not a beach for swimming. Let me repeat that. Please do not try to go swimming here. It’s a very steep beach which means the waves break almost right on the shore and they can be huge. There is not always a lifeguard on duty and there is a strong rip tide so enjoy the waves from a distance!
Carmel River State Beach is a “State” beach so there is a small parking lot and bathrooms. It also means you need a permit to do photography sessions here. The beach itself is very sandy on the north end and as you go south it becomes more rocky as it narrows. The rockier south end is a great area to explore the tide pools with the kids. On the bluff tops above the beach are the trails of Carmel Meadows where you can hike between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach to the south. This hike is only about a mile and is very easy.
Half way down the beach is where the Carmel River flows through when it’s high enough. The river is also a great location to longboard on the calm water. To top it off, there’s an abundance of wildlife in this area. If you’re a bird person, bring those binoculars! If you’re not a bird person, you may consider becoming one.
Carmel River flows right to left here. Taken from a path in Carmel Meadows.
Point Lobos as seen from the trail to Monastery Beach.
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Sunset at Moss Landing State Beach. Moss Landing, CA.
Moss Landing, CA- Directly in the heart of Monterey Bay, Moss Landing State Beach sometimes gets lost among all the other beaches. It’s sneaking onto #3 on this list not only because it’s long and sandy, but also because there’s so much to do in the area around it.
Moss Landing State Beach is right off Highway 1 on Jetty Road. You can start your day with a walk along the water while watching the otters and seals in the marina. But if the waves are calling and you want to get your steps in, the beach is a good 3 mile walk north to the far end making for a 6 mile roundtrip!
If wildlife is your thing, Moss Landing State Beach is right at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough where it’s basically otters and pelicans all day. If you’re adventurous you can rent kayaks and paddle boards or take private tours of the Slough. If that’s not enough, you have your choice of whale watching tours that depart from Moss Landing harbor daily (I have many of these businesses linked in the more detailed blog).
The Moss Landing area is perfect for the whole family. Come enjoy the beach and stay for the otters!
Sand pipers were recently voted on by kids as their 2nd favorite birds to chase on the beach.
Kayakers, boat tour, and otters. A very common sight in Elkhorn Slough.
Morning light over Natural Bridges State Beach. Santa Cruz, CA.
Santa Cruz, CA- You didn’t think I was going to leave out Natural Bridges, did you? With its incredibly unique rock formation out in the waves to the monarch butterfly-filled eucalyptus forest, it easily finds its way to #2. Not only is there a broad sandy beach that yearns for a game of frisbee, but there are also picnic tables in the shade of the eucalyptus trees just off the beach so you don’t get sand in your potato salad. I recommend this beach for all types of photography sessions from weddings to families, but you will need a permit.
There is an entrance fee of $10 but the abundance of parking and clean restrooms quickly make up for it. If you prefer not to get sand in your shorts, you can easily spend a couple hours exploring the boardwalk and trails in the butterfly forest. Note that the butterflies are not there all year round. The best time to see them is in October and November.
Natural Bridges State Beach is also very close to shopping and dining in Santa Cruz and should be included in your visit to the coast. A great experience any time of the day for the whole family.
Seen here: a very popular picnic spot.
Early light on the monarchs in the butterfly forest.
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Sunset on Carmel Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA- Coming in at #1 is Carmel’s finest. Don’t confuse it with Carmel River State Beach as they are near each other in name and location, but are quite different. If you’ve ever wondered what that amazing beach is you see on tv all the time during the Pebble Beach golf tournament, it’s not Pebble Beach, it’s Carmel Beach!
Like in Moss Landing, Carmel Beach is long, sandy, and about a mile in length. The north end takes you under the fairways of the Pebble Beach golf course and as you walk south, you get great views of the northern extent of Point Lobos State Park. Carmel Beach is also dog friendly so don’t forget to pack Scout and Bella into the car!
There is a parking lot at the north end on Ocean Avenue but if you cannot find a spot there, you can park all along Scenic Road which spans the entire length of the beach. Depending on when you arrive, Scenic Road can be very slow moving and parking can be frustrating as it’s also a one way street. You might want to park as soon as you can find a spot. But once you have arrived, there is a very pretty trail that winds through the cypress trees above the beach. I highly suggest strolling this path at sunset as the low light catches the mist from the waves passing through the branches of the trees. Super pretty.
Also, downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea is only 4 blocks up from the parking lot on Ocean Avenue. You can easily fit in a day of shopping, grab a cocktail, and walk down to the beach for the sunset.
Another perk of Carmel Beach is that you do not need a permit to shoot here! To date I have photographed numerous weddings, proposals, and family sessions on Carmel Beach. It is easily a client favorite. Tap the button below to learn more about my favorite beach on the central coast.
One of the prettiest walks you’ll take on the central coast.
Point Lobos looming in the background past the southern end of Carmel Beach.
That’s my list! From rocky coves to long sandy beaches, Monterey Bay has a beach for you. If you visit one of these beaches and think to yourself, “You know, I could easily propose here,” please consider John at High Orbit Media as your photographer! I got you covered for all your family sessions, proposals, engagements, and weddings!
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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!
