Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach

Located 18 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel, Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach is a half-mile long beach in the Big Sur coastline. Situated below coastal bluffs and part of the expansive Garrapata State Park, this beach features light brown sand and a scenic meeting point where Garrapata Creek merges with the ocean near its southern end. The beach's waters are known for their cold temperatures and extremely strong currents, which make them unsafe for swimming.

Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach does not have any lifeguards or other amenities, but it allows dogs on leash. The lack of facilities is compensated by the park's natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach offers numerous recreational opportunities such as beachcombing, wildlife watching, sunbathing, and hiking. The water near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach is unsafe for aquatic recreational activities like surfing, swimming, and kayaking due to its frigid temperatures and hazardous waves. Visitors might spot seals, sea lions, otters, and migrating grey whales, especially between December and April. The beach's northern and southern ends are popular with clothing-optional visitors, but caution is advised as local authorities may consider this act of indecency punishable.

Exploring Garrapata State Park is a highlight, featuring over 3,000 acres of diverse terrain that includes grasslands, redwood forests, and coastal scrubs. Hiking trails like the Soberanes Canyon Trail, located on the side of Highway 1 and about 6.7 miles south of the beach, wind through magnificent redwood groves and offer picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. The park's blufftop areas are ideal for watching migrating grey whales. While hiking, visitors should be mindful of potential hazards like ticks, mountain lions, poison oak, and snakes.

Accessing Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach is straightforward. Although several rocky trails descend to the beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, the safest entry point is near the southern end close to 35500 Cabrillo Highway / Pacific Coast Highway. Free parking lots are conveniently available nearby.

There are many attractions near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach. The Center for Photographic Art hosts intriguing photography exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. The Tor House and Hawk Tower, constructed by poet Robinson Jeffers, feature Tudor-style architecture and have been visited by notable figures like Charlie Chaplin and Sinclair Lewis. The Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation offers guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays, which can be reserved by calling (831) 624-1813. Another nearby point of interest is the Mission Trail Nature Preserve, a 34-acre park with diverse habitats including a Monterey pine forest, oak woodland, wetlands, and coastal grasslands, all of which can be explored via its walking trails. Additionally, visitors might enjoy watching whales pass by from the cliffside vantage points, especially around mile marker 19.5, as they migrate along this stunning stretch of the California coast.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach. California Market at Pacific’s Edge is an upscale restaurant that offers delicious Californian cuisine and has glass panel walls that offer incredible views of the Big Sur coastline. TreeHouse Cafe has a beautiful outdoor dining area that is set on a terrace and serves delicious dishes from Mediterranean, Greek, and Thai cuisines including green curry, Greek salads, and paella. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach, the modestly priced r.g. Burgers offer a variety of outstanding burgers that are served in generous portions and also serve excellent hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, soups, and chili.

If you are looking for a hotel near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach, there are many great options. The 4-Star Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club offers many amenities including a restaurant, a pool, three hot tubs, and a fitness center that is open 24 hours. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Carmel Mission Inn that offers many amenities including a restaurant that offers live music performances on weekends, a pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Garrapata State Park - Garrapata Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Carmel River Inn offers many amenities including a pool and a garden with walking paths.