Carmel River State Beach is popular with divers, kayakers, and birders. Only a mile long, Carmel River State Beach includes the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Reserve, a popular birding area, and Monastery Beach, a popular diving area directly north of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This beach was an important spot for the Rumsien tribe. A cross at the beach commemorates one placed there by Spanish explorers in the 17th century. Swimming is not recommended at Carmel River State Beach, as the water is known for its unpredictable riptides.
