Plan In onX Backcountry

Sandy beach

Yes

Hike-in Required

No

Surfing

No

Snorkeling / SCUBA

Yes

Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Monastery Beach, also called San Jose Creek Beach, is a wide sandy beach in a bay within Carmel River State Beach. The beach is bound by Point Lobos State Natural Reserve on its south side, and the scenic Carmel Meadows Trail on its north side.

Monastery Beach, set just across Highway 1 from the monastery it is named after, has free parking along the widened highway shoulder. The beach is popular amongst divers, however the steep sandy slopes and often powerful surf frequently make it a dangerous location for swimmers and waders. A lifeguard tower is manned during the Summer months.

There are flush toilets and bicycle racks on the beach's south side. On a sunny day, the area's white sand makes this an incredibly scenic spot.

Monastery Beach is open daily from sunrise to 10:00 PM. Aside from the bathroom and trash cans, there are no amenities located at this beach.