Carmel River State Beach
river-mouth
lower-intermediate
South-facing cove with shifting bars at the Carmel River mouth.
Beach facing
SW-facing (205°)
Evening access
Short walk from lot; respect protected areas.
Sunset sessions in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Sunset and golden hour times for planning your evening session.
After-work glass-offs in Carmel-by-the-Sea can rival dawn patrol on good days. Afternoon thermals die, the crowd thins, and these 2 west-facing breaks catch the last clean sets of the day.
Sunset
7:28 PMGolden Hour: 6:28 PM – 7:28 PM
Day length: 12h 29m
+3 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:59 AM
First light: 6:29 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Last light: 7:58 PM
Data from Carmel River State Beach · Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:59 AM | 7:28 PM | 12h 29m |
| Tomorrow | 6:57 AM | 7:28 PM | 12h 31m |
| Wed, Apr 1 | 6:56 AM | 7:29 PM | 12h 33m |
| Thu, Apr 2 | 6:54 AM | 7:30 PM | 12h 36m |
| Fri, Apr 3 | 6:53 AM | 7:31 PM | 12h 38m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:59 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Day Length
12h 29m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:57 AM
Sunset
7:28 PM
Day Length
12h 31m
Wed, Apr 1
Sunrise
6:56 AM
Sunset
7:29 PM
Day Length
12h 33m
Thu, Apr 2
Sunrise
6:54 AM
Sunset
7:30 PM
Day Length
12h 36m
Fri, Apr 3
Sunrise
6:53 AM
Sunset
7:31 PM
Day Length
12h 38m
Best sunset surf spots in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Featured Beaches
2 spots
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Featured Beaches(2)
Sunset session picks in Carmel-by-the-Sea
West-facing beaches with golden hour potential and evening access.
Garrapata State Beach (southern coves)
beach
intermediate
Series of coves offering angle variety on open-coast Big Sur.
Beach facing
W-facing (260°)Golden hour
Evening access
Use signed trails; some steep stairs.
Sunset session tips
- West-facing beaches for stunning sunset views
- Often cleaner afternoon conditions
- Golden hour photography opportunities
- After-work session favorites
Surf Guides for Carmel-by-the-Sea
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- The best sunset sessions in Carmel-by-the-Sea are at Carmel River State Beach, Garrapata State Beach (southern coves). These spots offer stunning golden hour views while you ride.
- Yes! Afternoon often brings cleaner conditions as morning onshore winds die down. Plus, the golden hour light and fewer crowds make for magical sessions.
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