Down by the River

Carmel River State Beach Hike

Carmel might be one of the best-known enclaves in the Monterey area, but its nearby Carmel River State Beach is much more of a local’s secret—especially the southern end of it. On this short and easy 1.5-mile (round-trip) walk, you’ll be right beside the crashing Pacific until the trail stops at the river. Heading north, follow the bluffside trail alongside blooming ice plant and wildflowers (watch for poison oak), with plenty of entry points to the beach—one of the most beautiful in Monterey County. Along the way past wave-crushed coves and ample swaths of sand, you’ll see hulking rock formations rise from the sand, artfully sculpted by the sea. Keep following the trail north towards the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve, home to bountiful birdlife including the great blue heron, the greater yellowlegs, and plentiful egrets, ducks, and terns.

Sometimes the river is low enough that you can get across it and follow the beach to its end point, but the main trail follows the river upstream and heads inland for a bit, revealing beautiful views of Carmel and Mission Ranch. The trail narrows for a brief section before coming back to the bluffside path where you’ll return the way you came. Late afternoon brings gorgeous light as sea stacks are silhouetted against a burning orange sky.

BOWWOW BONUS: Not far from Carmel River State Beach, downtown Carmel has the popular boutique-style Cypress Inn. Owned by Doris Day—a dedicated animal welfare advocate—the Spanish-style inn not only is pet-friendly, the lounge even features live music—where dogs and their owners get to kick back and enjoy the tunes.

Heading south on Hwy. 1 from Carmel, go 1.2 miles south of the Rio Rd. stop light. On the right (west) side of the highway you'll see a red Bay School sign. Turn in here and park. Follow the beach trail, walking north towards the Carmel River. The main trail is 1.5 miles round-trip. Exercise caution on the beach as sleeper waves rise up unexpectedly and tides change. Dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View