CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH: Located on the
central California coast is one of the finest beaches in the state (literally--the
glistening white sand is almost powder-fine). While this is a public
beach, it has the feel of privacy. Even on sunny days, it is never over-crowded
and is an oasis of incredible beauty. Visit in the morning and you'll
share it with only a few gulls, pelicans and gumptuous walkers with
their pups. (It is pet friendly!) The beach merges with San Jose Creek
State Beach for miles of breathtaking public shoreline. Trees line the
distant beaches of Point Lobos, a 1,325-acre nature reserve.to the South
and looking North; edging the sea, is Pebble Beach which offers seven
world-class golf courses, a five star resort, surrounded by nature’s
tranquil beauty.
SURF, TIDES, CLIMATE, WATER TEMP: Wave type/sandbar, direction, right
and left, power/hollow, fast, bottom/sandy with rock. Tide posistion/Mid
to falling and the swell is NorthWest to West. The current climate is:
Bodyboarding only; there is a heavy shorebreak. The Climate in the Central
Coast varies greatly. Areas with more coastal influence experience moderate
temperatures year round with intermittent fog likely from June through
mid-August. Plan your coastal visit in the late summer or fall to ensure
the most ideal conditions for viewing the scenery. Also, occasional
clear days between winter and spring storms are unmatched.
BEACH ACTIVITES: Whether you are on a scenic walk, enjoying the glistening
view of the scenic Pacific, picnicking with family or friends, or hiking
up on the trails above the beach, or wrapping up an evening of fun around
a fire (which are allowed), Carmel River State Beach is a beach filled
with natural variance and a favorite spot with artists and photographers
from all over the world.
Scenery and Wildlife: Carmel River State Beach is also known as Carmel
River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. It is a magnificent place
to watch birds and other wildlife while the children dabble in the shallow
lagoon. Canada geese, willets, herons and egrets are just a few of the
birds that populate the marsh. This is part of the California Sea Otter
Game Refuge that extends down the coastline to San Luis Obispo. A small
land trail leads to Monastery Beach. A modern cross marks the spot where
Gaspar de Portola erected a cross in 1769, making it a historical landmark.
There are trails for hiking surrounding the beach, and three miles south
of Carmel is Point Lobos State Reserve, a extraordinary oasis and one
of the most beautiful places in the world. From day to day, the ever-changing
skies and shifting seas is a kaleidoscope of Nature's most striking
handiwork. The Reserve takes in 750 acres of underwater wonders and
550 acres of protected land full of trails and views. Whales and dolphins
can be seen in the distance, seals bark on the rocks, and a variety
of birds soar over head. There are picnic tables and restrooms. Divers,
photographers, painters and nature lovers frequent this special park.
Local Flavor: While tourism is year round, there is still a serene,
small town demeanor that cannot be missed. In this romantic, quaint
place, with its leaning cypress tress, oak lined cottage filled streets,
Carmel by the Sea has a world-renowned selection of art galleries, quality
dining and natural reservoirs to be enjoyed. Some other attractions
are the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, open year round, during the summer
months, the famous Bach Festival or the Pacific Repertoire Theatre performing
at the famous “Forest Theatre,” designed after the Globe
Theater in England. From September 16 through the 18th, there is the
Monterey Jazz Festival for music enthusiasts, held at the Monterey Fairgrounds.
This is the oldest outdoor jazz festival in the country.
Other Attractions:
-The Carmel Mission/San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
- Golf Courses/Pebble Beach, Spyglass, Spanish Bay, Quail Lodge, Coral
de Tierra, Poppy Hills, Rancho Canada East, Rancho Canada West and Bayonet.
- Laguna Seca Raceway
- Horseback Riding/Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, The Holman Ranch
in Carmel Valley.
PLACES TO STAY AND EAT: Given the fact that Carmel by the Sea is so
widely visited year round, there is a wide variety of lodging to choose
from.
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
