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
8:07 PMGolden Hour: 7:07 PM – 8:07 PM
Day length: 14h 5m
+2 min vs yesterday
Sunrise
6:02 AM
First light: 5:32 AM
Sunset
8:07 PM
Last light: 8:37 PM
Data from Carmel River State Beach· Updated daily
7-Day Sun Schedule
| Day | Sunrise | Sunset | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today(Today) | 6:02 AM | 8:07 PM | 14h 5m |
| Tomorrow | 6:02 AM | 8:08 PM | 14h 7m |
| Sun, May 17 | 6:01 AM | 8:09 PM | 14h 8m |
| Mon, May 18 | 6:00 AM | 8:10 PM | 14h 10m |
| Tue, May 19 | 5:59 AM | 8:11 PM | 14h 11m |
Today(Today)
Sunrise
6:02 AM
Sunset
8:07 PM
Day Length
14h 5m
Tomorrow
Sunrise
6:02 AM
Sunset
8:08 PM
Day Length
14h 7m
Sun, May 17
Sunrise
6:01 AM
Sunset
8:09 PM
Day Length
14h 8m
Mon, May 18
Sunrise
6:00 AM
Sunset
8:10 PM
Day Length
14h 10m
Tue, May 19
Sunrise
5:59 AM
Sunset
8:11 PM
Day Length
14h 11m
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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