Monastery Beach

Monastery Beach (MB) is a ±½ mile, crescent moon-​shaped stretch of coastline that is actually part of the Carmel River State Beach system. MB is sometimes called San Jose Creek Beach, but it’s more infamously known by locals as «Mortuary Beach.» MB’s reputation as a killer beach is well-​deserved, as ¹⁄₃ of all 2014 drowning deaths in Monterey County occurred here. The rapid elevation drop (±15′ in ±40′) to the shoreline is one safety concern as it causes the waves to literally break on the shore instead of a dozen yards out like at most standard beaches. This also makes MB more susceptible for rogue, or sleeper, waves to surprise unsuspecting beachgoers who may not be paying attention. Couple those factors up with an extremely strong undertow and you have yourself a recipe for impending disaster. Had I known these facts beforehand I never would have come here; I actually wasn’t planning on visiting MB, but my visit to Point Lobos was canceled because of an unusually high-​tide and I needed somewhere to go. Here’s a quick rundown of what MB has to offer:
–Decent amount of free parking alongside the west side of the PCH.
–Restroom on-​site
–NO fishing
–NO fires (as of Sept ’14)
–Dogs on a leash are OK
–Scuba Diving is allowed but only recommended for highly-​skilled, experienced divers.
–Kayaking is allowed
While MB is a gorgeous section of CA Coastline, I don’t recommend anybody visiting as the potential for danger outweighs the view. Plus, Point Lobos is only a stone’s throw south and the main section of Carmel River State Beach is just north. Those two locations have equally – if not better– views and with a better safety record. As an avid nature lover, it pains me to give a beach a 2-​star rating, but it is what it is. Not recommended for anyone – especially families with young children.

What an amazing experience it was to stay on this beach for 6 days. Every day we saw Humpback whales, dolphins and seals. When the sun is out, the water turns incredible shades of cerulean blue and turquoise. There are gorgeous rocks you can crawl on to watch the various sea mammals and birds enjoy their feeding frenzy. I was here in August and it blew my mind. People warn against swimming due to the rip tides, but I went in and swam with the seals during a calm moment.

How can you not 5 star the free things nature has to provide? My friend and I came here just before sundown and had a little picnic here. We were the only ones here and the view was amazingly gorgeous. It was peaceful, calm, and and clean. Loved it.

If your looking to avoid the crowd and just enjoy the view of the ocean then you come to the right place.
If your looking for fine sand go to Carmel City Beach Park.
You won’t find fine sand here instead, pebbles. The view is just breath taking. Just park along Hwy 1 on either side. There is a restroom on the south side. Bring a blanket and some snack, relax and enjoy the view.