State Park · California

Garrapata State Park

Location: Monterey County, California
Nearest town: 6 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Type: State Park

About Garrapata State Park

Protection of this stretch of Monterey coastline began in 1979, when the state set aside 2,939 acres along the shoreline of Route 1. Coastal waters here draw California sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters, while gray whales pass close offshore during their annual migration. The park spans a long run of coast between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Village, giving it a scale large enough to take in both shoreline and the waters just beyond it.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Garrapata State Park is in Monterey County, California, 6 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Garrapata State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →

Towns near Garrapata State Park

State parks near Pacific Grove, State parks near Salinas, State parks near Watsonville, State parks near Soledad, State parks near Santa Cruz, State parks near Hollister

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.