Carmel River State Beach — Attraction in Monterey

This beach is not one star bad, the beach is lovely. I'm giving a one star for the "highlights" google has listed; hear me out: the Lagoon side of the beach is safe. It smells a little weird, and I wouldn't go in the Lagoon myself these days, but I do run my dogs in the Lagoon and when I was a kid I swam in that water many, many times (I can't remember the last time I saw a human in the Lagoon so maybe don't?) The beach side of the beach I wasn't allowed to go to as a kid, and even now as an adult I won't go. The undertow is quite literally fatal. I have lived here my whole life. Between Carmel River Beach and Ribera Beach there have been multiple fatalities from people being sucked out and drowning. And with that said, I have never seen a lifeguard on duty. Now, do I go everyday to check? No. But as a local who has gone frequently for years, I've never seen a lifeguard. If you want a beach that is good for kids, try Lovers Point in PG. And as far as a lifeguard goes anywhere along the coast here PG/Monterey/Carmel.. I maybe recall one sighting at Ribera Beach. Maybe. But other than that one time that I can't even confirm, I've never seen a lifeguard...

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...

What's not to love about Carmel? The beaches are gorgeous and generous with shells😎 just watch out for a parking ticket 😖 no wonder very few vehicles were parked in the lower circle. I didn't realize that the lights cut back at a certain hour, I got lost in my thoughts, was alone on the beach (with a seal in tow) and my phone had died. When I found my way back, I was 10 minutes late climbing back up to my car. I noticed an officer took the opportunity in printing out an invite for me to contribute revenue to this beautiful city/A PARKING TICKET. I immediately tracked the officer down to explain what happened, but the hostility that he put forth was so unnerving, it threw me. Hard to believe an officer with such a smug personality is to represent such a beautiful...