Garrapata State Park Beach, Big Sur California


Garrapata Beach: The second of the two main attractions of Garrapata State Park is beautiful Garrapata Beach, surely one of the best on the whole Big Sur coast, yet despite the picturesque surroundings, not many people visit, perhaps as there are no facilities. The beach has easy access, is wide and sandy, clean and scenic, with isolated rocks out to sea, big surf and low, colorful cliffs at the edge that provide plenty of places to shelter if the wind is blowing. The mile-long golden sands are unspoilt by litter, covered in places only by washed-up kelp. Access is from two short paths starting from points 18 and 19, one of which crosses the small stream of Doud Creek. The larger Garrapata Creek also flows into the ocean across the beach, forming quite a large, shallow lagoon just inland, good for paddling. A little way upstream, Highway 1 crosses high above the creek on an arched bridge, just one of many graceful spans along the coastal road. As with most beaches along Big Sur, the Pacific Ocean is too rough for swimming, but several hours could be spent at the beach, relaxing or exploring. The sands are generally out of sight of the road though just a few minutes walk from it. Nude sunbathing is tolerated here.

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