This little beach is stunning and clean. We drove nearly 4 hours to come here so my son could play his guitar by the ocean. That's how peaceful it is. Plenty of sand to set up for the day while the family plays in the water. People enjoy building structures with driftwood. It's small and quaint with clean bathrooms and free parking. Parking is quite limited. I did have to circle several times until someone finally left. We arrived around 4 pm so you'll have better parking availability if you go early..You have to drive through neighborhoods to get here. Enjoy the stunning architecture and landscaping of all the individual homes as you drive through. I think I enjoyed the houses more than the beach!

A gem of a beach at the end of scenic drive. It's changed somewhat for what I am guessing climate change. The river now runs through the sand. So there's not much room as there was. Parking lot is small. It's not overloaded with tourists like the other end of scenic. Still a nice place to hang out. Pics from 2020

We had two amazing days at this beach with our toddlers. The hike down is easy, as there are stairs, and the beach isn't far from parking. The tide pools at the beach are full of amazing sealife and provide hours of exploring. An artist was there painting both days and I captured some truly marvelous photos. It's a really great spot.

Although parking is tricky at this location (roughly 20 spots) it is worth making the trip. I recommend avoiding weekends at all cost. This beach has Carmel river access AND beach access. The river side is shallow and is perfect for children and new swimmers to get their feet wet. The beach may not be suitable for smaller children as the warnings are posted due to the drop off close to the beach. A lifeguard tower is present, but it wasn't manned on a Monday. There is no shade so bring a beach tent or umbrella. It can get very windy so tie them down well. I saw people with kites, canoes, boogie boards, and even some on paddle boards to explore a little up river. Water depth varies by season and when the river is actually flowing it deltas into the ocean and currents may be too strong. Currently (early August) the river and ocean are separated by a large sand dune. We enjoy coming here to soak up the sun and let the children play risk free in the shallow waters of the river.

The beach was great it's on the smaller side but not as busy as there other beach. Parking is small but not hard to find. They only have two bathrooms so be prepared to wait a bit. They do have a life guard on duty so that's pretty Kool.

In spite of the leash ordinance, this is still a good place to bring your dog where he has access to calm water. My dog dove in (while on his leash) to he river lagoon there for his first time swimming. (Still stays far from the ocean waves though). This is a nice big uncrowded beach with the river on one side and ocean on the other.

Absolutely breathtaking. Perfect spot for a visiting family to spend a day at the beach. Not many shells, but tons of cool rocks for kids to "discover". Wildlife is plentiful, large rocks to climb, and perfect weather make it a great spot!!

Beautiful Beach. The bathrooms have a solar panel on top, that was pretty cool. There is a nice short walk up to a cross that people have put some roses around. The sound of the ocean here was perfect. On one side is the ocean and there is a lagoon across the sand.

Saw so many pelicans, and a seal! Stayed a safe distance to give them space. :) Cool wooden hut structures made of drift wood.

This is one of the best parks in the area to have an elopement! You get so many different landscapes within a short distance. Every single couple I've taken here absolutely loved the scenery and their pictures. Please be aware you 100% need a special event/photo permit in order to get married here! 💙

This place is at the end of the scenic road and what an amazingly beautiful place it is to be. Absolute turquoise waters and the milky waves the river meets the ocean right there and that’s beautiful sight

At last , I found a great beach : nice coarse sand no sticking to cloths, spectacular views and we can constantly watch parked cameras; well enjoyed with family playing our childhood games with my kids

This place is formed at the end of the carmel beach and a lagoon formed by the carmel river. It's a very beautiful seaside place for a picnic. Parking is always busy as the scenic road is 1 way and the parking lot will be full most of the time

This park is perfect to walk and enjoy the waves and the beach. I visited in October 2022. - Not kid friendly, as the waves can be bigger. - Not dog friendly as they must be leashed at all times. - Does get quite breezy here, so be prepared. - Facilities are quite clean and seem well maintained. - FYI, lot and lots of Seagulls and Pelicans.

Amazing inlet where the river meets the ocean. Walk along the beach to the left of the parking lot and then cut into the paths among the dunes on your left which will run you into brackish pond you can walk along back to the beach near the parking lot. You almost worry about alligators but of course there aren’t any in California.

Visited this little gem for the 2nd time. Parking is limited so get there earlier or go during a less crowded time during the week rather than the weekend. Great spot for watching waves. Typically nicer white sand and nice vibrant water. Check it out if you like a less crowded beach.

Nice beach on the far end of the Carmel. Limited parking. Beach is close by to the town. It can get very windy and chilly in summers. Overall beautiful beach with lifeguard on duty.

Really perfect place for kids to play. The water is warm and clean, and there are a lot of pelicans resting in the river. Besides, you may explore the sea creatures in the rock such as crabs, hermit crab, fish, and sea ​​urchin. You can also relax and enjoy the sea view through the fun trail. The kids set the crabs and urchin free before we leave. The parking lot is with limited spots, but you can park along the street. The restroom is quite clean. The most important thing is that the signal here is strong.

Such a calm and scenic beach. You can walk for hours without getting tired.

I've been coming here for 20 years, and it's a great place to walk on the beach and take your kids to swim in the lagoon. The beach can be treacherous to swim in.

1600 feeding frenzy at the beach. Monestary Beach. See this amazing place, but do not take your eyes off the surf in proximity to the beach. Be safe, please. It is amazing and beautiful.