Ribera Beach is also referred to as ‘Middle Beach’ as it connects Carmel River State Beach and Monastery State Beach. Ribera Beach also encompasses locally identified Carmel Meadows Beach. All of Ribera Beach is within the Ohlone Coast Cultural Preserve. The Preserve is one of 20 such preserves designated by the state of California. In pre-colonialist days the Ichxenta Tribe of the Ohlone Nation lived between San Jose Creek and the Carmel River. Ribera Beach and the land above was the center of their habitat. Today Ribera Beach is visited mostly by locals who can enjoy well maintained walking paths above the beach as well as hundreds of yards of white sand beach. Not known as a surfing or swimming beach Ribera would best be described as a paradise for hikers and a favorite of landscape photographers. The sweeping view north and south of Carmel Bay are unparalleled. Watch waves crash onto the rocky shore of Pt Lobos and adjacent Monastery State Beach south and Carmel River State Beach just north. Many shore birds roost throughout the day on the rock formations and outcroppings at Ribera Beach. You may access Ribera Beach from two coastal access points within the Ribera Road estate scale homes development. Access can be made from either Monastery or Carmel River Beaches as well.
