Carmel River State Beach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carmel River State Beach |
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Carmel River State Beach
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 Carmel River State Beach
Location in California
Carmel River State Beach
Location in the United States
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| Location | Monterey County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Carmel, California |
| Area | 297 acres (120 ha) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Carmel River State Beach is a beautiful state park in Carmel, California, USA. It has a protected beach that stretches for about 1 mile (1.6 km). A special lagoon is formed here by the Carmel River.
This lagoon is a favorite spot for many migratory birds that visit throughout the year. The state beach also includes a place called Monastery Beach, sometimes known as San Jose Creek Beach. This area is very popular with scuba divers. People who enjoy sea kayaking also come here often. They can easily reach the amazing natural areas of Point Lobos from this beach. This park, which covers about 297 acres (120 hectares), was created in 1953.
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Exploring Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River State Beach offers a mix of history and fun outdoor activities. It's a great place to learn about California's past and enjoy nature.
A Glimpse into History
In 1602, a Spanish explorer named Sebastián Vizcaíno landed on this very beach. Later, in 1769, another Spanish explorer, Gaspar de Portolà, camped here. His group was on an important journey called the Portolá expedition. They rested at this beach before deciding to go back to San Diego. They had run low on supplies and could not meet up with Spanish supply ships. Today, a cross stands on the beach to remember this historic landing.
Fun Activities at the Beach
Carmel River State Beach is a popular spot for many outdoor adventures.
Diving and Kayaking
If you love the ocean, this beach is perfect for you. Divers and kayakers often visit to explore the amazing kelp forests nearby. These underwater forests are home to many different sea creatures.
Birdwatching
The beach is also a fantastic place for people who enjoy birdwatching. It is a special stop on the Central Coast Birding Trail. The best times to see many different kinds of birds are during the fall and winter months.
Important Safety Tips for Swimming
While the beach is beautiful, swimming here can be very dangerous. The ocean currents are extremely strong. The water also gets deep very quickly from the shore. This can make the waves look calm, even when the currents underneath are powerful. It is safest to enjoy the beach from the sand.
Where is Carmel River State Beach?
The park is located right next to California State Route 1. You can find it about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Rio Road. It's at the mouth of Carmel Valley, just north of the famous Big Sur coast in Monterey County, California.
