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On Carmel Bay, the mile-long beach features a bird sanctuary in a lagoon (just before the Carmel River empties into the sea) featuring a wide variety of waterfowl and song birds. Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is part of the park and is popular with scuba divers. Ocean and swimming and wading are extremely dangerous.
Getting There
Take Highway One southbound. Take a right on Rio Road; left on Santa Lucia; left on Carmelo. The parking lot is located at the end of Carmelo.
Take Highway One southbound. Take a right on Rio Road; left on Santa Lucia; left on Carmelo. The parking lot is located at the end of Carmelo.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please call the park for hours of operation.
Telephone: 831-649-2836
Please call the park for hours of operation.
Telephone: 831-649-2836
Accessible Features
Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Disclaimer
We are working to improve accessibility throughout our parks but we regret that there are currently no (wheelchair) accessible activities at this park. This may be an undeveloped park, or there may be terrain, historic or resource protection issues or other limiting factors. However, there may be some wheelchair accessible features, such as parking areas, restrooms, and routes of travel, that meet some of the current accessibility guidelines. Call the park or email us at access@parks.ca.gov for details.
Nearby Community Trips
I made a return visit to Palo Carona to check on the progress of the trails following the renovations they have been doing recently. Lots of progress (trail name sign posts, cleared gravel trails, etc) on the existing trails. They seem to be creating several new trails too, which will be great once they are complete.Access to the trail if by advance permit only. As a result, you usually see no more...
One of my favorite hikes in the Carmel area. Permits are required (see tips), with the result that there are not a lot of other hikers, which is great. The trail starts off relatively flat through fields and then climbs moderately to the top of the hill at Inspiration Point. The views of Carmel, Point Lobos, Pebble Beach and the Carmel Valley are phenomenal and well worth the uphill hike. Continue from the top...
