The sand here is a courser rocky sand, like the bottom of a fish tank. Good news is it doesn't blow around quite so bad in the strong winds. Not a good swimming beach, but nice for a break out of the car, and enjoy the views.

Great beach right on Highway 1. You can park right by it, but watch out, it is very steep with a drop off. Read the warning signs as the beach is also treacherous.

This is a wonderful beach if you want to enjoy a picnic, a sunset, or if you are a VERY EXPERIENCED cold water SCUBA enthusiast. Part of Carmel River State Beach, it is known as Monastery Beach because of it's location across form the Carmelite Monastery. The beach is beautiful but extremely dangerous. We live very near this beach and... More

Be careful if you plan to visit this beach. I almost got drowned here. My husband(who also almost got drowned) and a friend of ours saved us. The waves were gigantic which pulled me off and I fell down near the shore calling for help. Many people have drowned here and it is well known as 'Mortuary Beach' which I... More

A beautiful beach just south of Carmel and across Highway 1 from the Carmelite Monastery, the beach is attractive to tourists driving on Highway 1. While it's a beautiful sandy beach, the tides and undertow is dangerous with the ocean bottom dropping off deeply. Known to locals as mortuary beach due to the high incidences of drownings of tourists stopping... More

Monastery Beach is a deceptive beach. It is beautiful in it's half moon shape, white almost pebble sand, roaring waves and scenic looks out of a postcard. Growing up in Monterey, C.A. fourth generation now living near Reno, N.V. I have been to all of the central coast beaches as far down as Pismo Beach C.A.I only touch the shore... More

This beach is a favorite of locals (us) and visitors. The sand is fine and the view is spectacular. The beach is rarely crowded; HOWEVER, please observe the warning signs and do not venture into the ocean. Not even up to your ankles. The rip current here is a killer - literally. Too often there have been tragic losses at... More

It's a very small beach, but it's beautiful! Your dog must remain leashed, but you'll want to keep them leashed due to the proximity to the highway and the dangerous water conditions. Even so, it was perfect! I took my pup there twice. Once we had it to ourselves. The other time there were only 3 other people. The best... More

My husband and I stopped by Monastery Beach during our drive down South on Highway 1. The beach is covered with small pebbles! Great beach! I hate sand in my car! Great place to have lunch and relax!!