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.
Carmel River State Beach Tours
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Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,834, price is now $1,193 per person
$1,193
per person
Nov 5 - Nov 9
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Monterey (MRY)
8.8/10 Excellent! (143 reviews)
The property and the staff were amazing.
Reviewed on Oct 4, 2025
Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,911, price is now $1,365 per person
$1,365
per person
Nov 5 - Nov 9
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Monterey (MRY)
8.4/10 Very Good! (786 reviews)
The area is very nice, ocean view and pine trees. The building lacks good sound proofing - you can hear people on both sides walking, like they are walking upstairs. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and there no restaurants close-by. Parking is a bit far from rooms, so it's a walk up and down hills.
Reviewed on Oct 5, 2025
Alila Ventana Big Sur - Inclusive Resort
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Price was $3,183, price is now $2,293 per person
$2,293
per person
Nov 6 - Nov 8
found 22 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Los Angeles (LAX) to Monterey (MRY)
9/10 Wonderful! (337 reviews)
The resort and grounds are absolutely stunning — the perfect place to relax and reset with a peaceful, restorative atmosphere.
Most of the staff were a pleasure and made our stay feel special, though we did have 1–2 interactions where it felt like we were a bother for asking for anything. That’s disappointing anywhere, but especially on a $3k+ per night trip.
When booking, I chose a suite specifically for its forest view. We came to Big Sur to be surrounded by giant trees. At check-in, we were told we’d been “upgraded” to a Pacific view suite. While well-intentioned, it wasn’t what we came for. From the suite we couldn’t see the water, the outdoor furniture wasn’t comfortable enough to enjoy, and it lacked the lounge chairs/hammock the original suite had advertised.
We asked to move back to our booked room but were told the property was fully committed. I understand that happens, but it was frustrating to have our experience shifted by a change we didn’t request.
Overall, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a breathtaking property with (mostly) a wonderful team. But if you’re going for a specific experience — like the forest views we wanted — make sure your reservation is honored as booked. At this level, the details really matter.
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025
Popular places to visit
Tor House
Be inspired by this fairytale stone cottage on the dramatic Carmel Big Sur coastline, built by one of America’s legendary poets.
Carmel Mission Basilica
This tranquil 18th-century stone mission and museum offers a fascinating look into 200 years of spiritual and everyday life in Monterey County.
Monastery Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.
Sunset Center
Catch local up-and-coming acts and international superstars in one of America’s most intimate theaters.
The Barnyard
You can search for that perfect souvenir at The Barnyard during your stay in Carmel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the golf courses.
Forest Theater Guild
Enjoy a classic play or film beneath the pine trees and stars at this century-old outdoor theater in historic seaside Carmel.
Best Lodging Options Near Carmel River State Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River Inn & Cottages
26600 Oliver Rd, Carmel, CA
Villa Mara Carmel
2408 Bay View Ave, Carmel, CA
Carmel Bay View Inn
Junipero Street Between 5th And 6th St, Carmel, CA
Carmel Beach Hotel
San Antonio Ave & 13th Ave, Carmel, CA
3867 Dolce Tempo - Quiet Area, Walk to Town & Beach
Carmel
Stunning views, Walk to Ocean Ave Carmel-By-The-Sea, Private, Gated grounds
Carmel
Garden home a block from the beach
Carmel
Carmel Modern Hacienda walking distance to town W / 3 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Isabella: Beautifully Remodeled Home Two Blocks from Carmel Beach
Carmel
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.
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 Month |  Temperature |  Precipitation |  Cloudiness |  Occupancy |  Pricing |
| January | 52.5°F (11.4°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Low | Slightly Low |
| February | 51.8°F (11.0°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| March | 52.3°F (11.3°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly Low |
| April | 53.4°F (11.9°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| May | 55.2°F (12.9°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| June | 58.3°F (14.6°C) | No Rain | Sunny | High | Average |
| July | 60.1°F (15.6°C) | No Rain | Sunny | High | Slightly High |
| August | 61.2°F (16.2°C) | No Rain | Sunny | High | Slightly High |
| September | 61.9°F (16.6°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Slightly High |
| October | 60.1°F (15.6°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Average | Average |
| November | 55.9°F (13.3°C) | No Rain | Sunny | Low | Average |
| December | 52.2°F (11.2°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Low | Slightly Low |
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- Tor House
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