California has an extensive amount of coastline with varying types of access and terrain. There are so many beautiful locations but Garrapata State Park in Big Sur is a reliable location for dramatic coastal photography. 

Hover over any photo for the gate and more detailed information. 

What is Garrapata State Park?

Garrapata State Park is roughly 4 miles long, located just south of Point Lobos State Park.

• There is no park entry fee.
• There is no main entrance or amenities. 
• There is a restroom near gate 8, on the east side of Highway 1, next to a barn.  
• There is no cell phone reception in the park.
• There are very few gas stations in this area, and it is extremely expensive. Gas up before you arrive. 
• There are 21 access points along the park, but very few are marked. You will need to use mile markers as a guide. 
• Be prepared for poison oak and ticks. 

Gate 1This is known to some as the Matterhorn. It is the first access point after you see the Garrapata State Park sign. You must scramble down a path to access this site. It is good in a high tide, but is steep. Use caution!
Gate 4This is looking north at sunrise from the Gate 4 access point, which is about 1.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This requires scrambling down a steep trail, but has some of the best foreground elements (in my opinion)
Gate 4This is looking west at sunrise from the Gate 4 access point, which is about 1.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This requires scrambling down a steep trail, but has some of the best foreground elements (in my opinion)
Gate 4This is looking south at sunrise from the Gate 4 access point, which is about 1.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This requires scrambling down a steep trail, but has some of the best foreground elements (in my opinion)

When is a good time to visit?

This park can be visited any time of year. Spring is great for wildflowers but winter offers the most dramatic sunsets. I have visited in every season and have managed to get good photos on most trips. Because the park faces the Pacific Ocean, the best time to photograph is at sunset; however, I have gotten some nice sunrise shots here, especially when winter storms are rolling through. 

Gate 4This is looking west at sunset from the Gate 4 access point, which is about 1.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This requires scrambling down a steep trail, but has some of the best foreground elements (in my opinion)
Gate 4This is looking west at sunset from the Gate 4 access point, which is about 1.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This requires scrambling down a steep trail, but has some of the best foreground elements (in my opinion)
Gate 7This is a waterfall accessed at Gate 7 access point, which is about 2.2 miles south of Mal Paso Road. This has a well built path and bridges with multiple viewpoints. You used to be able to access the beach, but it is now blocked with fences.
Gate 8

Where is this park?

Garrapata State park is located in Big Sur, which is roughly 10-15 minutes south of Carmel. The closest major city is Monterey, but Carmel has plenty of amenities. 

Gate 19This is the view looking north at late afternoon, from the rocky bluffs accessed from Gate 19. You can access the beach here when the tide is low.
Gate 19The rocky bluffs at Gate 19 offer some cool boulders in addition to the coastline.
Gate 19Wildflowers and colorful ice plants change the hillside in spring. This is looking north, in late afternoon, along the trail at gate 19.
Gate 19This is Garrapata Beach at sunset, accessed from Gate 19. In spring, there are Cala Lilies blooming in the canyon just north of this rock (along Doud Creek). I have visited in spring but haven't hit a stellar bloom yet. Note: there is a lot of poison oak along the creak. Use caution!

Why should I visit?

This park has dramatic coastlines, hiking trails, a waterfall, wildflowers, and wildlife. On most of my visits, the park wasn't terribly crowded but I suspect the beach access can get crowded on summer days and weekends. I have seen Sea Otters on almost every trip. They aren't usually close enough for a great photo, but are easily spotted in the protected coves. 

Gate 19This is some light painting I did at Garrapata State Beach (Gate 19) along Doud Creek after sunset.

Soberanes CoveThis is Soberanes Cove (near Gate 7) shortly after sunrise.

Soberanes PointThis is Soberanes Point, looking north just after sunrise. There is a series of bluff trails along here, and if you look out on the rocks, you will see Peregrine Falcon nests. This is also an excellent spot for viewing sea otters.

Sea Otter, Soberanes CoveThis is not a great shot of an otter, but gives you an idea of what to look for. This one was eating a crab for breakfast!

I hope you enjoyed this post!