California, United States of America

Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park

Located in Garrapata State Park in Carmel, USA, Garrapata Beach is a unique and picturesque beach along the northern Big Sur coastline. The beach is renowned for its distinct beach material and features a half-mile main beach and a small sandy cove at its southern end.

While nudity is no longer allowed on the beach, clothing-optional areas were once permitted. Two parking areas with access down steep dirt trails are available along Highway 1.

Explore top-rated stays near Garrapata Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the northern Big Sur coastline.

Garrapata State Park offers a variety of hiking trails in the inland areas and along the bluff near Soberanes Point. Amenities such as toilets are available on the beach, but visitors should be cautious of snakes and ticks while exploring the inland areas.

What to do at Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park?

Amenities

Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park amenities include toilet.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful state park with great trails and scenic views. Visitors love the variety of wildflowers, cacti, and ocean views. However, visitors complain about the limited parking and the difficulty of some hikes. Some visitors also note the presence of ticks and poison oak.

Where to Stay near Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park?

If you’re planning a trip to Garrapata Beach, consider staying in the nearby towns of Carmel or Monterey, which offer a variety of accommodations. These towns are popular not just for their proximity to the scenic beach but also for their charming atmosphere and additional attractions.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park?

Latitude: 36.4679829 / Longitude: -121.9074861

Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park is located in California. The following map of Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park shows the exact location.

Garrapata Beach at Garrapata State Park: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
This is a poor day for a beach visit, so you are better off planning your coastal trip for another time. The morning starts with thick fog obscuring the sky, making for a dim and gloomy atmosphere that persists. While the air feels quite chilly, the water is definitely not suitable for swimming, as the temperatures are far too low. Additionally, the strong waves crashing against the shore create hazardous conditions that are not appropriate for entering the water. With a high UV Index of 7.3, the sun remains strong despite the clouds, so remember to protect your skin if you are near the coast. Steady breezes and occasional stronger bursts of air will make it feel even cooler than the air temperature of 15.9 °C suggests.
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Air

Low / High11.3°C/15.9°C
Feels Like (High)16°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature13.0 °C
Wave Height2.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance2%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:49/20:24
Sunshine Hours12.9 hrs
UV Index7.3
Cloud Cover52%
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Wind

Speed17.7 km/h
Gusts32.8 km/h
DirectionN

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