Title: Garrapata Beach in Carmel | Expedia.co.uk [Garrapata Beach Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Garrapata-Beach-Hotels.0-l6327844-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Carmel](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Carmel.d6026.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Carmel](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Carmel.d6026.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Garrapata Beach Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Garrapata-Beach.d6327844.Car-Hire-Guide)[Carmel Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel.d6026.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Garrapata Beach ![Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327844/d681088b-4b36-4824-806e-17ad07b978bc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline, general coastal views and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327844/d681088b-4b36-4824-806e-17ad07b978bc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Garrapata Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327844/b94fd610-f99c-46ad-876f-e33acbdd418a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Garrapata Beach which includes rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327844/972af748-5ca9-4c37-8ed2-115fe480d8e6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Garrapata Beach which includes rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327844/5c652834-c3ae-4829-9ed2-814abee8990d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Garrapata Beach Activities [Carmel travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel.dx6026) --- --- #### Search for wildlife in the abundant rock pools and be at one with nature at this wild and untamed stretch of perfect white sand. Garrapata Beach is the only sandy stretch along the rugged coastline of the Garrapata State Park. Relax for a day here poking around rock pools, spotting wildlife and picnicking on the sand. Located at the southern end of the spectacular Garrapata State Park in California’s Big Sur, Garrapata Beach is the jewel in the park’s crown. While the surf here is considered highly dangerous, and even wading is hazardous due to the cold water and strong rip tides, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beach outside of the water. When the tide is right, stroll along the sand and discover little caves, coves and nooks in the rocks. Doud Creek tumbles over the bluff and winds through the middle of the beach to the ocean, while Garrapata Creek weaves through the southern end of the 0.5-mile-long (1-kilometre) beach. Paddle in the creek and enjoy the blossoming of the spring and summer wildflowers. The white calla lilies lining the fertile edges of the streams are particularly pretty. The state park is home to an abundance of wildlife, which you might spot from the beach. Whales pass during the winter months along their migration routes. Otters are regular residents look for them in the kelp beds. Sea lions also gather here in big noisy colonies and may pass by on their way to the offshore Lobos Rocks. Turn to the skies to see over 100 species of coastal birds, including brown pelicans. Garrapata Beach is 10 miles (16 kilometres) south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and 2 miles (3 kilometres) south of Soberanes Point, a popular lookout from where you might spy whales. Find free parking lots off Highway 1, each with a trail leading down to the beach. From the central parking lot, several trails lead along Doud Creek, down steps to the beach or along the top of the bluff. Some parts of the beach are popular with nudists though it is not considered an official nudist beach. ### Popular places to visit ![While driving South between Monterrey and Big Sur along the rugged coastal highway 1, Lynn and I saw a picturesque trail winding down to the ocean cliffs. This is one of the 100s of pictures we took along this short hike. Perched on this bluff was a nesting seagull and the flowers were blooming along the entire coast. #Nature #Trovember](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555594963/f5fa1123-41f7-4ff0-9d5d-c33e246893cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Garrapata State Park Enjoy a trip to Garrapata State Park and popular activities such as golfing in Carmel. Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and seafood restaurants. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Garrapata-State-Park-Carmel.d553248621555594963.Attraction) ![Carmel_GibsonBeach_553248621555836430-5](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621555836430/9de0159b-1c91-460e-9ffe-cf3fc421a871.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Gibson Beach If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Gibson Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carmel. Visit the area's shops or amble around its seaside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Gibson-Beach-Carmel.d553248621555836430.Attraction) ![A road from Carmel to Big Sur](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635983992802/66e6b48e-f00c-4c46-8f2c-35a8f1e921f2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hidden Beach Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hidden Beach during your trip to Carmel? Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hidden-Beach-Monterey.d553248635983992802.Attraction) ![Monastery Beach offers a stunning view towards Carmel Point, showcasing California's serene coastal beauty, perfect for relaxation and exploration.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6327773/58f4ce00-2494-45c5-be8e-237e9311085f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Monastery Beach Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Monastery Beach during your travels in Carmel? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Monastery-Beach-Carmel.d6327773.Attraction) ![Point Lobos State Reserve showing landscape views, a bay or harbour and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089199/960f5bf4-b7a4-4f8e-9715-ca71786e767b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Point Lobos State Natural Reserve This wildlife sanctuary, a magnet for nature lovers and artists, is a jewel of the California State Park system. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Point-Lobos-State-Natural-Reserve-California.d6089199.Attraction) ![San Fran, you’ve been groovy, as always 🤘🏼Big Sur, if you look as sexy in the daytime as you look in the nighttime 🤣 I’ll come back and check you out again ✌🏼Until soon! #travel #yogi #photography #vibes #blessings #thankyou](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6089211/11ee54a5-1c6a-4a4f-b5ff-d27f7f5a91f8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Carmel River State Beach If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carmel River State Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carmel. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-River-State-Beach-Carmel.d6089211.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Garrapata Beach [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6327844&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Hyatt Carmel Highlands](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8500/8495/ed62b6eb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Carmel Highlands 120 Highland Dr Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Hyatt-Carmel-Highlands.h8495.Hotel-Information) ![Nirvana by the Sea - Expansive Ocean Views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88940000/88932300/88932277/fb0030bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Nirvana by the Sea - Expansive Ocean Views Carmel-by-the-Sea CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Nirvana-By-The-Sea-Expansive-Ocean-Views.h88932277.Hotel-Information) ![3955 Coastal Cove - Luxury Ocean View Estate](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110480000/110476000/110475926/f6a19f48_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3955 Coastal Cove - Luxury Ocean View Estate Carmel California [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-3955-Coastal-Cove-Luxury-Ocean-View-Estate.h110475926.Hotel-Information) ![Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101790000/101781800/101781786/fc45a6c0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Vacation Club At Highlands Inn 120 Highlands Drive Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Hyatt-Vacation-Club-At-Highlands-Inn.h101781786.Hotel-Information) ![3921 Eyas - Secluded Big Sur Retreat, Ocean View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102670000/102666600/102666514/02936a44_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3921 Eyas - Secluded Big Sur Retreat, Ocean View Carmel California [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-3921-Eyas-Secluded-Big-Sur-Retreat.h102666514.Hotel-Information) ![3920 Red Tail Hawk - Stunning Big Sur Ocean View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102670000/102666600/102666511/69035671_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3920 Red Tail Hawk - Stunning Big Sur Ocean View Carmel California [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-3920-Red-Tail-Hawk-Stunning-Big-Sur-Ocean-View.h102666511.Hotel-Information) ![3707 Pacific's Edge Sanctuary ~ Ocean View Estate](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21650000/21648900/21648834/35c369a4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3707 Pacific's Edge Sanctuary \~ Ocean View Estate Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-3707-Pacifics-Edge-Sanctuary-Ocean-View-Estate.h21648834.Hotel-Information) ![Ocean View Carmel Private Home Across from Point Lobos Park & Monastery Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121720000/121711300/121711216/e84a6ee2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ocean View Carmel Private Home Across from Point Lobos Park & Monastery Beach Carmel CA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Carmel-Hotels-Luxury-Ocean-View-Rental-Short-Walk-To-Point-Lobos-State-Park-Monastery-Beach.h121711216.Hotel-Information) [See all 1,156 properties in Garrapata Beach](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6327844) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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