Carmel River State Beach Tours

Photo by Aleks Slijepcevic


If you've got time to stop for a while in Carmel, Carmel River State Beach is a good place to start your exploring. This stretch of coastline is one of many attractions that'll keep you on the hop here. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and Carmel Beach are also waiting for you close by.

Plan a trip to see Carmel River State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Carmel Bay View Inn
Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Carmel River State Beach

Carmel Mission Inn

Carmel Mission Inn

3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Beach Hotel

Carmel Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
San Antonio Ave & 13th Ave, Carmel, CA
Carmel Beach Hotel
Carmel River Inn & Cottages

Carmel River Inn & Cottages

3 out of 5
26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA
Carmel River Inn & Cottages
Villa Mara Carmel

Villa Mara Carmel

4 out of 5
2408 Bay View Ave, Carmel, CA
Villa Mara Carmel
3867 Dolce Tempo - Quiet Area, Walk to Town & Beach

3867 Dolce Tempo - Quiet Area, Walk to Town & Beach

Carmel
3867 Dolce Tempo - Quiet Area, Walk to Town & Beach
Carmel Modern Hacienda walking distance to town W / 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths

Carmel Modern Hacienda walking distance to town W / 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Modern Hacienda walking distance to town W / 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths
Isabella: Beautifully Remodeled Home Two Blocks from Carmel Beach

Isabella: Beautifully Remodeled Home Two Blocks from Carmel Beach

Carmel
Isabella: Beautifully Remodeled Home Two Blocks from Carmel Beach
Stunning views, Walk to Ocean Ave Carmel-By-The-Sea, Private, Gated grounds

Stunning views, Walk to Ocean Ave Carmel-By-The-Sea, Private, Gated grounds

Carmel
Stunning views, Walk to Ocean Ave Carmel-By-The-Sea, Private, Gated grounds
Steps To Carmel Beach, in the golden rectangle. The perfect location!

Steps To Carmel Beach, in the golden rectangle. The perfect location!

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Steps To Carmel Beach, in the golden rectangle. The perfect location!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carmel River State Beach

At Carmel River State Beach, enjoy birdwatching and breathtaking sunrises while soaking in the natural beauty. Engage in beach trips and explore nearby hiking trails for an adventurous experience. If you're visiting during the football season, check out local events, and don’t miss the car events that may be happening around Labor Day for a taste of community spirit and excitement.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, visit Carmel Plaza and The Barnyard, both just 1 mile away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops. Del Monte Shopping Center, located 4 miles from the beach, also features a diverse selection of stores for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Pebble Beach Golf Links offers stunning ocean views and challenging holes, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For a tranquil experience, Jacks Peak County Park features peaceful trails and scenic vistas, ideal for relaxation. Poppy Hills Golf Course combines beautiful landscapes with an invigorating outdoor atmosphere, making it a golfer's paradise.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, located 10 miles from Carmel River State Beach, where adrenaline meets speed. For outdoor fun, visit the Waterfront, 4 miles away, offering stunning views and fresh air. Hike the scenic Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead, 30 miles distant, for adventure and breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Enjoy an evening at the Sunset Center, just a mile from Carmel River State Beach, for a vibrant performance in a charming setting. Alternatively, catch a show at the Forest Theater Guild or the Golden Bough Playhouse, both offering a delightful mix of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque beach, explore the scenic jetty, and wander through nearby reserves. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or a relaxing day by the water, this area caters to all. Don't miss the chance to discover Carmel River and nearby attractions, as well as find comfortable hotels in Carmel to enhance your stay.

  • Carmel Beach: A stunning stretch of sand just 1 mile from Carmel River State Beach, Carmel Beach offers a quintessential California beach experience. Enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball, or simply strolling along the shore while taking in the breathtaking ocean views and vibrant sunsets.
  • 17-Mile Drive: Located 3 miles away, this scenic route is famous for its stunning coastal views and luxurious homes. Experience the picturesque landscapes, iconic golf courses, and memorable photo opportunities, making it a perfect drive for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Fisherman's Wharf: A lively jetty located 5 miles from Carmel River State Beach, Fisherman's Wharf is perfect for seafood lovers. Explore charming shops, enjoy fresh catches at local restaurants, and soak in the lively atmosphere along the waterfront.

Best time to go to Carmel River State Beach

The best time to visit Carmel River State Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Carmel River State Beach falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Carmel River State Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April53.4°F (11.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.2°F (12.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
July60.1°F (15.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October60.1°F (15.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyLowSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carmel River State Beach

Carmel River State Beach is a budget-friendly destination with free entry. To save on your trip, consider visiting from November to January when prices are lower, avoiding the more expensive summer months. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also help reduce costs compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels and explore package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide additional discounts and rewards for future bookings, making your visit to Carmel even more economical.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carmel River State Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carmel River State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Carmel River State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Carmel River State Beach with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.