Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Garrapata State Park adventure.
Nature is in abundance on the Big Sur coast, from offshore sea stacks to redwood canyons.
Near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and about seven miles south of Carmel, Garrapata’s coastal trails include miles of ocean beaches. There is no campground at Garrapata State Park, but day visitors can climb the coastal headlands for views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Look for sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, brown pelicans, and California gray whales from Soberanes Point, or take the Soberanes Canyon Trail to explore coastal bluffs filled with California sagebrush, seacliff buckwheat, and other native plants. Coast redwoods dominate the evergreen forest, while oak woodlands are home to 110 species of birds.
The coastal climate at Garrapata State Park is moderate, with a mean average temperature of 50–65°F year-round. Layered clothing is recommended for beachcombing and hiking, since the weather is changeable on the central coast any time of year. Expect cool, foggy mornings and strong onshore winds, but enjoy hot summer days as you explore the backcountry with shade in the deep redwood canyons. This park is open for day use only from 8am until half an hour after sunset.