Carmel Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W, NW, SW
Wind
E and SE. Somewhat sheltered from NW winds.
Surf Height
Waist high-overhead.
Tide
Incoming to high, but it varies with bottom conditions.
Carmel Beach Surf Guide
One of the prettiest beaches in the world. The sand at Carmel Beach is fine and white and squeaky clean, and sometimes the surf is, too. There are peaks all along this half-mile beach, which change constantly and are best from October to July. The spots are 4th Street, 8th Street and 11th Street. The water is electric blue. Carmel Beach is hit or miss. The kelp and cove protect it from winds, so it can be glassy when everywhere else is blown out. Every now and then, there are serious tubes to be had.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate-advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
A little vibey.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Can get crowded when it's good, but there's a lot of room.
Spot Rating
Fun
Good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Depends on size but generally a lot of paddling, especially when overhead.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean.
Hazards
Getting hit by the heavy shorepound.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Easy, parking at the end of Ocean Avenue, if you can get a spot. Good luck if it's a weekend or holiday.
Bottom
Sand. Very pretty sand. Some rocks.
Best Season
Year-round.
Do you have local knowledge about Carmel Beach?
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