Discover the Natural Wonders of Garrapata State Park
Explore Garrapata State Park: A Coastal Haven of Hiking Trails, Scenic Views, and Wildlife Encounters in California.
Garrapata State Park is a breathtaking coastal sanctuary located along California's scenic Highway 1. This picturesque park offers stunning ocean views, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a tranquil stroll or a challenging hike, Garrapata provides a perfect escape into nature for tourists and locals alike.
A brief summary to Garrapata State Park
- 34500 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, 93923, US
- +1831-624-4909
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the quieter trails and breathtaking sunrise views along the coast.
- Don't forget to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking the longer trails.
- Check the weather before your visit, as coastal fog can roll in quickly, sometimes obscuring views.
- Look for the wildflowers in spring; they create a beautiful contrast against the rugged landscape.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly along the coastal trails where seals and otters can often be spotted.
Getting There
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Public Transit
From downtown Monterey, head to the nearest bus stop for the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus. Take the MST Route 1 or Route 2 towards Carmel. The bus will take you along scenic Highway 1, and you should get off at the Garrapata State Park stop. This stop is located on the highway, so be prepared for a short walk to the park entrance.
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Bicycle
If you are comfortable cycling, rent a bike from one of the local shops in Monterey. Start by heading south on Ocean View Boulevard, which will take you to the Coastal Recreation Trail. Follow the trail towards Carmel-by-the-Sea. Once you reach Carmel, continue on Highway 1 southbound until you reach Garrapata State Park. The ride offers stunning views of the coastline but be cautious of traffic as you approach the park.
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Walking
For the adventurous traveler, you can walk from downtown Monterey to Garrapata State Park. Begin at Cannery Row and head towards Ocean View Boulevard. Follow Ocean View Boulevard south until you reach the intersection with Highway 1. You will then need to walk along Highway 1, which may be challenging due to traffic. Make sure to stay on the shoulder and use caution as you approach the park entrance.
Discover more about Garrapata State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
D L James “Seaward” House
4.8 km
Discover the D L James 'Seaward' House, a historic landmark in Carmel-By-The-Sea, showcasing stunning views and rich architectural heritage.
Kasler Point
6.3 km
Explore Kasler Point, a historical landmark in Monterey, CA, with breathtaking ocean views and a rich tapestry of maritime history.
Butterfly House
8.5 km
Explore the Butterfly House in Carmel-By-The-Sea: a historical landmark showcasing stunning architecture and nature's beauty in California.
Carmel Sea Cradle
8.9 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Carmel-By-The-Sea at Carmel Sea Cradle, your perfect coastal getaway for relaxation and adventure.
La Playa Hotel
9.5 km
Experience coastal luxury at La Playa Hotel in Carmel-By-The-Sea, where stunning ocean views and exceptional service await every traveler.
Carmel Green Lantern Inn
9.6 km
Experience tranquility and charm at Carmel Green Lantern Inn, a cozy retreat in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Carmel Color House
9.7 km
Explore the artistic charm of Carmel Color House - a vibrant furniture store in Carmel-By-The-Sea, where coastal elegance meets unique design.
Cypress Inn
9.7 km
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Carmel Visitor Center (Suite 219A)
9.7 km
Explore Carmel-By-The-Sea with the Carmel Visitor Center: Your gateway to stunning landscapes, rich culture, and local insights.
Carmel
9.7 km
Explore the enchanting charm of Carmel-By-The-Sea, where art, nature, and culture come together along California's stunning coastline.
Carmel Jewelry Studio-Richard
9.7 km
Explore the artistry of handcrafted jewelry at Carmel Jewelry Studio, where every piece reflects the beauty of Carmel-By-The-Sea's coastal charm.
Carmel Plaza
9.7 km
Explore Carmel Plaza in Carmel-By-The-Sea for a unique shopping experience, gourmet dining, and breathtaking coastal views.
Doud Arcade
9.7 km
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WWI Memorial Bell Tower
9.8 km
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Carmel Bay Company
9.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Garrapata State Park Vista Point
1.9 km
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Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail
2.0 km
Discover the natural beauty and stunning coastal views at Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail, a must-visit destination along the Big Sur coastline.
Painters Point
2.1 km
Discover the breathtaking views at Painters Point, a serene coastal overlook in Carmel-By-The-Sea, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
China Vista Point
2.4 km
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Soberanes Point
2.5 km
Experience the stunning coastal views and scenic trails of Soberanes Point in Carmel-By-The-Sea, a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Calla Lily Valley
5.2 km
Explore the stunning coastal beauty and vibrant blooms of Calla Lily Valley in Carmel-By-The-Sea, a true paradise for nature lovers.
China Cove
5.4 km
Experience the breathtaking coastal views and wildlife at China Cove, a serene public beach within the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Garrapata Creek Bridge
5.7 km
Discover stunning coastal views at Garrapata Creek Bridge in Monterey, California, a picturesque spot perfect for photography and relaxation.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
6.0 km
Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty and diverse wildlife of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a top destination for nature lovers in California.
Carmelite Monastery
6.3 km
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Big Sur National Scenic Byway (northernmost)
6.4 km
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Whalers Cabin Museum
6.4 km
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Monastery Beach
6.4 km
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Cypress Grove
7.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cypress Grove in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California, featuring scenic hiking trails and stunning ocean views.
Notleys Landing Vistapoint
7.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Pacific's Edge
4.6 km
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The Crossroads BBQ
7.6 km
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SteakCraft
7.7 km
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Rio Grill
7.8 km
Experience culinary artistry at Rio Grill in Carmel-By-The-Sea, where exquisite steaks meet a charming coastal atmosphere.
Allegro Pizzeria
8.0 km
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SUR at The Barnyard
8.1 km
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From Scratch Restaurant
8.1 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel-By-The-Sea—where every meal is made with love and fresh ingredients.
Aabha Indian Cuisine
8.1 km
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Robata Grill & Sake Bar
8.2 km
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Edgar's at Quail Lodge
8.2 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine at Edgar's at Quail Lodge in Carmel-By-The-Sea—where every meal becomes a memorable occasion amidst stunning surroundings.
Mission Ranch Restaurant
8.4 km
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Treehouse Café
9.6 km
Discover the flavors of Greece, Italy, and Thailand at Treehouse Café in Carmel-By-The-Sea - A culinary delight awaits!
Seventh & Dolores
9.6 km
Experience culinary excellence at Seventh & Dolores - where premium steaks meet charming coastal elegance in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
La Bicyclette Restaurant
9.6 km
Experience the charm of European dining at La Bicyclette Restaurant, where French and Italian flavors come together in a delightful ambiance.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
9.6 km
Discover the perfect blend of craft beer and gourmet dining at Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crossroads Carmel
7.7 km
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The Hearth Shop
7.8 km
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The Barnyard Shopping Village
8.1 km
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Big Sur Canna+Botanicals
8.1 km
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Pieces of Heaven
8.1 km
Experience the bliss of artisanal chocolates, candies, and ice creams at Pieces of Heaven in charming Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Carmel Rancho Shopping Center
8.3 km
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Givingtree Benefit Shop at Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula
8.3 km
Discover unique treasures at the Givingtree Benefit Shop, where every purchase supports local charities in Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Wittpenn's Antiques
9.6 km
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Girl Boy Girl
9.6 km
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Mole Hole
9.6 km
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Anthropologie
9.6 km
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The Nut Hut
9.6 km
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Sylvie Unique Boutique
9.7 km
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Ms. Fabulous
9.7 km
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Big Little Boxes
9.7 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sunset Lounge
4.6 km
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O'CALLAGHAN'S IRISH PUB
8.0 km
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Bud's at La Playa
9.5 km
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Bar Napoli
9.6 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Italy at Bar Napoli, a charming bar and wine destination in the heart of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Wrath Wines- Carmel Tasting Room
9.7 km
Explore Wrath Wines in Carmel-By-The-Sea for a memorable wine tasting experience surrounded by breathtaking coastal views.
Barmel
9.7 km
Experience the cozy charm and handcrafted cocktails at Barmel, the perfect bar for relaxation in beautiful Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Mulligan Public House
9.7 km
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Mulligan Public House, Carmel-By-The-Sea's premier bar for craft beers and traditional pub fare.
Galante Vineyards Tasting Room
9.7 km
Discover the exquisite wines and beautiful landscapes at Galante Vineyards in Carmel-By-The-Sea, a true treasure of California's wine country.
Sade's Cocktails
9.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Carmel-By-The-Sea at Sade's Cocktails, where exceptional mixology meets a cozy coastal ambiance.
Del Monte Bar & Grill
14.2 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at Del Monte Bar & Grill, nestled in the scenic beauty of Monterey, California.
Alfredo's Cantina
14.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Alfredo's Cantina, Monterey's favorite cocktail bar with a lively atmosphere and exquisite drinks.
Britannia Arms
14.6 km
Discover Britannia Arms, a lively pub in Monterey offering a delightful mix of traditional dishes and local flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
The Whisky Club (TWC) Monterey
14.6 km
Indulge in artisanal cocktails and a cozy ambiance at The Whisky Club, Monterey's premier destination for whisky lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.
Trident Room
14.7 km
Discover the Trident Room in Monterey, offering a cozy atmosphere, exceptional drinks, and a perfect spot to unwind after your daily adventures.
Compact Disco
14.7 km
Experience Monterey's nightlife at Compact Disco, where classic cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable evenings.
