Garrapata Beach
A breathtaking coastal gem offering serene beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the seasonal magic of Calla Lily Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calla lilies in bloom
Garrapata Beach
Best Time
Calla lilies in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal gem offering serene beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the seasonal magic of Calla Lily Valley.
"A gem of a place that seems to be not known to many... 10000% worth it."
🚗 Park Smart
Park along Highway 1. Main beach entrance has more spots. Calla Lily Valley has limited parking.
🌸 Calla Lily Season
Visit Jan-April for the stunning Calla Lily Valley bloom. Arrive early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calla Lily Valley
Off Highway 1, near Gate 18
A magical valley carpeted with white calla lilies, leading to the sea. Blooms from late January to April.
Coastal Trails
Garrapata State Park
Scenic trails offering breathtaking ocean views and access to secluded coves. Soberanes Point Trail is a popular choice.
Secluded Beach Access
Garrapata Beach
Enjoy peaceful walks on the sand, admire dramatic cliffs, and watch the sunset. Dog-friendly and perfect for quiet reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Calla Lily Valley
Navigating Garrapata's Entrances & Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Park along Highway 1. Main beach entrance has more spots. Calla Lily Valley has limited parking.
🌸 Calla Lily Season
Visit Jan-April for the stunning Calla Lily Valley bloom. Arrive early! +1
🥾 Trail Caution
Watch for poison oak on trails. Check tide tables for best beach access.
🌊 Rip Current Warning
Be aware of strong rip currents. Not always safe for swimming.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Park along Highway 1. Main beach entrance has more spots. Calla Lily Valley has limited parking.
🌸 Calla Lily Season
Visit Jan-April for the stunning Calla Lily Valley bloom. Arrive early! +1
🥾 Trail Caution
Watch for poison oak on trails. Check tide tables for best beach access.
🌊 Rip Current Warning
Be aware of strong rip currents. Not always safe for swimming.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Perfect for photography, elopements, and drone shots. Capture stunning coastal views.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach. Responsible pet ownership is key.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Garrapata Beach is widely praised as a majestic, peaceful, and serene escape, often described as a hidden gem. Visitors love its stunning natural beauty, dog-friendly atmosphere, and excellent photo opportunities, especially during the Calla Lily bloom. Some note potential hazards like rip currents and poison oak, and parking can be limited at times.
"A gem of a place that seems to be not known to many. My wife and I went to SF for a little weekend honeymoon getaway but were met with rains all weekend. We decided to drive down to Big Sur and took about 20-30min to find this exact beach and it was 10000% worth it. We just walked in the sand, put our coats out sat and admired the view with each other’s company.
Truly a majestic place and will 100% come again. I’d recommend bringing a beach blanket and some snacks or a book and just enjoy this peaceful and serene location!
P.S: Off season no crowds make this so much better!"
Asad Nawaz
"I'm a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer and I photograph couples here all the time - it's honestly my favorite beach location! It's easy to access (especially compared to Pfeiffer Beach) and has two entrances, one to the main beach entrance and one to Calla Lily Valley. There's a beautiful coastal trail that connects the two, so you can walk from one entrance to the other. It's also a great spot for ceremonies, you can get a permit through Garrapata State Park.
A few helpful things to note:
- From the main beach entrance: Lots of parking on both sides of the highway! In the winter, sometimes the stairs are broken, so you may have to take the Calla Lily entrance if you want to get to the beach.
- From the Calla Lily Valley entrance: Less parking, only on one side of the highway. Sometimes you have to climb over rocks or step over the river to get to the beach, particularly if it has rained a lot lately. It can also get really muddy here!
- There is some poison oak on the coastal trail, particularly near Calla Lily Valley.
- Watch the tide tables. During low tide, you can access a lot more of the beach."
Lynn Lewis (Lynn Lewis Photography)
"One of the most beautiful places in my opinion! Peaceful, quiet, and the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city."
Viatcheslav Lyashenko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Garrapata Beach is located along Highway 1, about 7 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are two main access points: the main beach entrance with ample roadside parking on both sides of the highway, and the Calla Lily Valley entrance with less parking on one side. 
Yes, parking is available along Highway 1 at both the main beach entrance and the Calla Lily Valley entrance. The main entrance generally offers more parking spaces.
Yes, Garrapata Beach is easily accessible by car via Highway 1. It's a popular stop for those driving the scenic coastal route between Carmel and Big Sur.
The main beach entrance provides a more direct path to the sand. However, in winter, stairs might be broken, making the Calla Lily Valley entrance a better option.
Garrapata Beach is conveniently located just a few miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, making it an easy addition to a day trip or scenic drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Garrapata State Park is generally free to enter, and there are no entrance fees for accessing the beach or hiking trails.
Parking along Highway 1 at Garrapata Beach is typically free.
Yes, Garrapata State Park is a popular spot for weddings and elopements. You can obtain a permit through the park for ceremonies.
Garrapata State Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, specific trail access or facilities might have different hours.
No, there is no admission fee for Calla Lily Valley. It is part of Garrapata State Park and accessible to the public for free.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy peaceful walks on the sand, admire the dramatic coastal scenery, watch the sunset, and explore the Calla Lily Valley during bloom season. It's also a great spot for photography and dog walking.
The Calla Lilies at Garrapata Beach typically bloom from late January through April, with peak bloom often occurring in February and March. +1
Yes, Garrapata State Park offers several hiking trails, including the Soberanes Point Trail, which provides stunning ocean views and connects to other trails like Rocky Ridge and Soberanes Canyon.
While beautiful, Garrapata Beach can have strong rip currents, making it potentially unsafe for swimming. It's best to exercise caution and check conditions before entering the water.
Yes, Garrapata Beach is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
Garrapata Beach offers numerous photogenic spots, including the Calla Lily Valley, dramatic coastal cliffs, secluded coves, and the scenic trails. The sunset here is particularly stunning.
Yes, Garrapata State Park is a fantastic location for drone photography, offering unique aerial perspectives of the coastline and Calla Lily Valley.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photography at Garrapata Beach. Midday can be harsh, but the Calla Lily Valley is still beautiful then.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial shoots or events like weddings, permits are required through Garrapata State Park.
You can capture sweeping ocean vistas, intimate shots of the Calla Lilies, dramatic cliff formations, and serene beach scenes. It's ideal for landscape and portrait photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main beach is easily accessible, some trails might be challenging for very young children. Keep a close eye on kids near the water due to potential rip currents. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a fun outing for the whole family, including furry members.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash to respect other visitors and wildlife. Be a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after your dog. The scenic trails also offer great walking opportunities for you and your well-behaved pup.
📸 Photographers & Elopers
Photographers often recommend Garrapata for its accessibility compared to other Big Sur spots. Permits are required for commercial photography and events, so be sure to arrange this in advance through Garrapata State Park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Calla Lily Valley
+2To make the most of your visit, aim for the early morning to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. While the valley is stunning, remember that the surrounding trails can be muddy after rain, and poison oak is present, so wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of your surroundings.
This seasonal spectacle is a highlight for many visitors, offering a unique and beautiful natural display that is a must-see for anyone traveling along the Big Sur coast during the blooming period.
Exploring Garrapata's Hiking Trails
These trails wind through coastal scrub, redwood canyons, and offer access to secluded coves. Hikers should be prepared for varying terrain, and it's advisable to check trail conditions, especially after periods of heavy rain, as some paths can become muddy or experience closures. Be aware of poison oak, which is common along some of the trails, particularly near Calla Lily Valley.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, shorter walks along the coastal bluffs still provide spectacular vistas. The trails are a fantastic way to appreciate the dramatic landscapes that make Garrapata State Park a gem along the California coast.
Garrapata Beach: A Photographer's Paradise
Key photographic highlights include the Calla Lily Valley during its blooming season (late January to April), the expansive sandy shores perfect for sunset shots, and the rugged coastal formations. The park's multiple access points and trails allow for diverse compositions, making it a versatile location for capturing the essence of the California coast.
When planning a photoshoot, it's important to consider the tide tables, as low tide reveals more of the beach and rock formations. While parking is generally ample, it can fill up, especially during peak times. Remember to be mindful of the natural environment and any potential hazards like rip currents or poison oak.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit