Best Beaches In & Around Carmel-by-the-Sea
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1. Carmel Beach
© Blake Carroll Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
Located in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in central California's Monterey County, Carmel Beach is formed of a stunning arc of pale sand that runs for close to a mile in length. Edged by vegetation to one side and clear Pacific waters to the other, it looks almost tropical in appearance.
Despite slightly chilly water temperatures, which top out at around 61°F/16°C, Carmel Beach is a popular surfing spot. It is also… read more »
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2. Fan Shell Beach
Clotee Pridgen Allochuku Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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3. Gibson Beach
Eric Chan Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
This is a top spot for nature lovers. Gibson's Beach is the southernmost beach in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and can be reached by car in around 10 minutes from Carmel. The scenic drive alone is well worth the time spent.
It's a wide sandy stretch about a quarter of a mile long and access to the beach can be challenging, but the reward of seclusion and some nice wave… read more »
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4. Asilomar State Beach
Dennis Jarvis Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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5. Fort Ord Dunes State Park Beach
Justin Dolske Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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6. Garrapata State Park Beach
Scottb211 Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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7. Marina State Beach
karaian Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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8. Pfeiffer Beach
Robert Brett Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Pfeiffer Beach is in the Big Sur area of California. Roughly a mile long, it is located down a twisting and unmarked two-mile paved road that is unsuitable for RVs and trailers as it has only five points at which vehicles are able to pass one another in opposite directions.
However, this beach more than makes up for the slight difficulty in getting there in sheer beauty. Its main attraction is… read more »
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9. Andrew Molera State Park
Brian Cantoni Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
This is the largest state park along the Big Sur coast and since it boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, it's the perfect destination for avid trekkers.
Here, you'll find open meadows, high ridges, groves of sycamore and redwood trees, a river, many trails, and one of the best beaches to explore in the area.
The beach itself isn't the most accessible, and takes a little effort to get to, but… read more »
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10. Moss Landing State Beach
Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 0.5 hrs
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11. Santa Cruz Main Beach
David Merrett Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Santa Cruz Main Beach is also known as Boardwalk Beach because it sits in front of the boardwalk amusement park. Dating from 1907, it contains the historic Big Dipper rollercoaster, a swimming pool, mini golf, and restaurants among its attractions.
On the opposite side of the municipal wharf from Cowell Beach, Main Beach faces south and stretches on to the mouth of the San Lorenzo River. Despite its size, Main Beach… read more »
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12. Capitola Beach
Dale Cruse Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Often voted one of the top ten beaches on the US West Coast, this beach of fine sand lies at the northern end of Monterey Bay. It sits in front of the almost-neon homes of the village of Capitola, where you can also find a good choice of restaurants and shops. Very popular on sunny summer days when lifeguards are on duty, Capitola Beach is a south facing beach… read more »
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13. McWay Falls Cove
© Pexels Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Set in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park this beautiful little horseshoe shaped cove is surrounded by high, tree-lined cliffs. Perhaps the beach's most notable feature though is McWay Falls, a waterfall that vertically plunges 80 feet directly into the aqua-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The cove here is one of the undisputed highlights of Big Sur and only a short trip from California's legendary coastal highway, Route 1.
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14. Natural Bridges State Beach
David Merrett Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Located at the end of West Cliff Drive, this sand beach is protected by its status as a 26-hectare California state park and marine reserve. Relatively sheltered, it is named after the natural archways that have formed over time in the rocks, of which only one now remains.
Its marine reserve status means there's a possibility of observing seals and California's famed sea otters, while tidal pools provide a way of… read more »
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15. Seabright Beach
Mike Fernwood Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Situated just along the coast from Main Beach and the boardwalk, Seabright Beach runs from the mouth of the San Lorenzo River to the entrance of Santa Cruz Harbour. The beach is accessed via the western end of East Cliff Drive, near the Museum of Natural History, and where there is free parking.
Seabright Beach is a wide stretch of richly-coloured sands that continue on for around 800 metres, with… read more »
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16. Manresa State Beach
Naotake Murayama Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
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17. Lighthouse Field State Beach
Don DeBold Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Lighthouse Field State Beach lies at the north end of Monterey Bay in downtown Santa Cruz, and can be accessed via West Cliff Drive. A protected state park covering 15 hectares, it overlooks the famous Steamer Lane surf break, making it incredibly popular with experienced surfers and body boarders.
The beach itself is formed of flat, lightly-coloured sands surrounded by smooth platforms of sedimentary rock that act as the… read more »
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18. Mitchell Cove Beach
David Merrett Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
The Santa Cruz beach of Mitchell's Cove is marked by a pinnacle of sandstone that stands right at the centre of its sands. South facing, much of the depth of the beach is lost during high tide, although there is the possibility of catching sight of migrating grey whales.
Free parking is available at the top of the steps that lead down the cliff to the beach, between the turnings… read more »
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19. Twin Lakes State Beach
Don DeBold Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
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20. Cowell Beach
loboford220 Travel time from Carmel-by-the-Sea: approx 1 hr
Cowell Beach is located on the westside of Santa Cruz's wood-built municipal wharf in the downtown district. Stretching from the wharf to the cliffs overlooked by West Cliff Drive, this broad sweep of golden sand is popular for a number of reasons.
Beyond the delights of its sands, it is close to the amusements of the boardwalk, and is also popular for those looking to be a little more active than… read more »
