Monastery Beach: A Beautifully Dangerous Stretch of Carmel Coast

Monastery Beach, part of Carmel River State Beach, is located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea along Highway 1. The beach gets its name from the Carmelite Monastery Mission, which was established nearby in the early 1930s. While offering picturesque views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monastery Beach is also known as 'Mortuary Beach' due to the hazardous conditions that have led to numerous fatalities. The beach's beauty is deceptive. Its steep slope and deep shore trough cause waves to break directly on the shore with considerable force. This creates a powerful undertow and rip currents, making swimming, wading, and even walking close to the surf line extremely dangerous. Rogue waves can also unexpectedly surge onto the beach, sweeping unsuspecting visitors into the ocean. Despite the dangers, Monastery Beach remains a popular spot for experienced scuba divers. The Monterey Trench is a short swim from the shore, offering access to the diverse marine life of the Monterey Canyon. Divers can explore kelp forests, rock formations, and a variety of fish and invertebrates. However, even experienced divers should only attempt this dive on calm days and with a buddy familiar with the site's challenging conditions. For those who prefer to stay on land, Monastery Beach offers opportunities for picnicking, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery from a safe distance. Dogs are allowed on leash. The beach is also a great spot for photography, with dramatic sunsets and stunning views of the coastline.