Garrapata State Park
Dramatic coastal park with stunning ocean views, diverse hiking trails, and seasonal wildflower blooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflower season blooms
Garrapata State Park
Best Time
Wildflower season blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal park with stunning ocean views, diverse hiking trails, and seasonal wildflower blooms.
"One of the most incredible places I've ever been. Unbelievable ocean views, easy-to-walk trails, no entry fee."
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is along the road; arrive early as spots fill up quickly .
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Essential for trails, especially longer ones with elevation gain .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calla Lily Valley
Off Highway 1
A magical valley bursting with wild calla lilies, especially vibrant from late January to April.
Coastal Bluff Trail
Along Highway 1
Offers breathtaking ocean views and a bridge over a waterfall, perfect for short, scenic strolls.
Soberanes Point Trail
Inland trails
A more challenging loop hike with significant elevation gain, rewarding hikers with stunning panoramic ocean vistas.
Garrapata Beach
South of Carmel
A beautiful stretch of sand nestled between towering mountains and the Pacific, ideal for beachcombing and dog-walking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is along the road; arrive early as spots fill up quickly.
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Essential for trails, especially longer ones with elevation gain.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Crucial for longer hikes and staying energized.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Leashed dogs are welcome on Garrapata Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Parking is along the road; arrive early as spots fill up quickly.
🥾 Wear Hiking Shoes
Essential for trails, especially longer ones with elevation gain.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Crucial for longer hikes and staying energized.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Leashed dogs are welcome on Garrapata Beach.
💰 Free Admission
Unlike many CA state parks, Garrapata is free to enter.
📸 Drone Views
Spectacular aerial shots are possible, capturing the dramatic coastline.+1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Garrapata State Park's breathtaking ocean views and serene atmosphere, often preferring it over more crowded Big Sur spots. The free admission and diverse trails, from easy bluff walks to challenging canyon hikes, are major draws. Some note parking can be difficult and facilities are minimal.
"Amazing loop hike at Garapatta State Park! We started through the Soberanes Canyon Trail to Doud Peak, then the Rocky Ridge trail. The first part of the trail was a beautiful forest that went up and down; then we hiked up the mountain. The view from the top and going downhill was a beautiful ocean view. We saw a snake! Be very careful of deer tick. Happy trail!"
Amie Sarte
"One of the most incredible places I've ever been. Unbelievable ocean views, easy-to-walk trails, no entry fee, lots of different places to park, not overly crowded.
Everyone said to go to Big Sur or Andrew Molera, but this one blew them both out of the water."
David Stone
"Beautiful, quiet, serene. We took the bluffs trail and it was a quick and easy hike to view the rugged coastline. Not crowded at all later in the afternoon. Just a few minutes drive south from Point Lobos"
Ivetta Abramyan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Garrapata State Park is located along Highway 1, about 6-7 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and 18 miles north of Big Sur.
Public transportation options directly to Garrapata State Park are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are staying in nearby Carmel or Monterey.
The park has multiple access points along Highway 1. Many visitors park and explore different trailheads. Having a car allows you to easily hop between various points of interest within the park.
No, Garrapata State Park is free to enter, unlike many other California State Parks.
Highway 1 can be winding and narrow. Always drive cautiously, be aware of cyclists and other vehicles, and check for any road closures before your visit, especially after heavy rains.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for Garrapata State Park. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
State parks in California are generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for any specific alerts or temporary closures.
There isn't one main entrance. The park is spread out along Highway 1 with various pull-offs and trailheads. You can choose to park at any accessible spot that suits the trail you wish to explore.
No, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis along the roadside. Arriving early in the day is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The park is open to the public. However, always be mindful of posted signs regarding trail closures, sensitive habitats, or any safety advisories.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Coastal Bluff Trail for stunning ocean views, Calla Lily Valley is a must-see in season.
Restroom facilities are limited. Some sources mention no dedicated parking with toilets for the park,
You might spot sea lions swimming offshore, various bird species,
and if you're lucky, even a snake
or deer. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary nearby is rich in marine life.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastline, wildflowers, and ocean vistas make it a photographer's paradise. Drone photography is also popular here.+1
Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Layers are recommended as coastal weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Coastal Bluff Trail offers iconic shots with ocean views and a waterfall bridge.
Drone photography is popular and has been featured in many videos,+1 but always check current regulations for drone usage in California State Parks before flying.
Mornings can be foggy, creating a moody atmosphere, while afternoons often offer clearer skies and golden hour light for dramatic coastal shots. The contrast between the rugged cliffs and the ocean is always photogenic.
The viewpoints along the Coastal Bluff Trail are excellent. For wider vistas, consider the higher elevations accessible via trails like Soberanes Point.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the waves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Shorter, easier trails like the Coastal Bluff Trail are manageable for younger children, offering stunning views without excessive exertion. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be aware that restroom facilities are limited.🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The park's varied terrain, from coastal bluffs to redwood canyons, offers a rich natural experience. Don't miss the seasonal Calla Lily Valley for a unique botanical spectacle.📸 Photographers
+1 The Coastal Bluff Trail offers iconic views and a unique waterfall bridge. Drone photography is also popular here, capturing the grand scale of the landscape.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Garrapata's Trails
For those seeking more of a challenge, the Soberanes Point Trail provides a longer loop, often incorporating sections like Rocky Ridge Trail, with significant elevation gain that rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. Many trails wind through coastal scrub and redwood canyons, offering a varied hiking experience.When planning your hike, remember that trail conditions can vary. Some paths are well-maintained, while others might be more rugged. It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. Always check recent trail reports if possible, especially after periods of heavy rain, as some areas might be affected. The park's layout, with multiple access points along Highway 1, allows for flexibility in choosing your starting point and trail combination.
The Magic of Calla Lily Valley
+1 The vibrant white flowers against the green foliage create a stunning visual, drawing photographers and nature lovers alike. It's a relatively accessible spot, often requiring just a short walk from the roadside parking. Visiting during the peak bloom offers an unforgettable experience. The sheer number of lilies carpeting the valley floor is remarkable. While the valley itself is a highlight, remember that the surrounding park offers equally impressive coastal scenery. Combining a visit to Calla Lily Valley with a hike along the nearby bluff trails provides a well-rounded experience of Garrapata's natural beauty. Be mindful of the delicate ecosystem and stay on designated paths to protect the wildflowers.
Coastal Wonders and Wildlife
+1 Garrapata Beach itself is a beautiful, albeit sometimes steep to access, stretch of sand perfect for a stroll or for dogs to play. The park's location within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary means opportunities for wildlife viewing are abundant. Keep an eye out for sea lions basking on offshore rocks or swimming in the waves.Beyond the beach, the park's rocky coastline offers opportunities for tide pooling during low tide, revealing a fascinating array of marine life. The bull kelp found along the shore is also a unique natural feature, with some visitors even discovering its surprising ability to be cracked like a whip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit