State park officials in Monterey County, California, are closing or restricting access to several coastal areas this weekend as dangerous northwest swells, high tides, and coastal flooding advisories create hazardous conditions along the shoreline. The restrictions are expected to affect portions of Asilomar, Point Lobos, Carmel River State Beach, and Garrapata Beach, with forecasters predicting that surf conditions will peak on Saturday.
The closures and access limitations are intended to reduce the risk of injuries as powerful waves reach areas that may ordinarily be considered safe for visitors. State park officials are warning beachgoers to avoid the shoreline, rocks, and other exposed coastal areas, particularly as wave activity and changing tides increase the potential for unexpected surges.
Joe Stoffers, state park lifeguard supervisor, said visitors should not assume familiar coastal locations will remain safe under the current conditions.
“So there’s going to be spots that normally are safe that are going to be unsafe,” Stoffers told KSBW. “Don’t go down near the shoreline. Don’t go out on the rocks.”
He also cautioned visitors who plan to watch the waves or photograph the coastal conditions to maintain a considerable distance from the water.
“If you’re coming down to look at the waves, stay way, way back away from the immediate coastline. It’s going to be really dangerous,” he said.
Despite the warnings, the coastline continues to attract visitors interested in viewing the waves and sunset scenery. Alexandra Eller, who was visiting Pacific Grove, said the conditions prompted her to head outside after noticing the coastal views from her window.
“We saw the beautiful colors from our window and threw some shoes on and came out here so we could see the beautiful sunset, but also the beautiful waves,” Eller said.
However, local residents emphasized that the visual appeal of the ocean can make it difficult for visitors to recognize the potential danger. Lori McDonald, a Pacific Grove resident, said powerful surf can create hazardous conditions even when the water appears relatively calm.
“The waves are much more powerful than people realize,” McDonald said. “You never go in the ocean when it looks like this, because it looks calm and peaceful and beautiful. But it will show you what’s power very quickly. And it is terrifying and beautiful all at the same time.”
State park rangers are also reminding visitors that lifeguard coverage is limited across the affected coastline. Stoffers said public awareness and individual responsibility are particularly important when hazardous conditions extend across multiple beaches.
“We only have so many lifeguards. It’s a long stretch of coastline, and it’s really on you as the public to kind of be aware of your surroundings and to keep you and your family safe,” he said.
The situation also highlights operational considerations for campgrounds, RV parks, and other outdoor hospitality businesses located near coastal recreation areas. Properties in regions affected by high surf, flooding advisories, or temporary beach closures may need to monitor official weather and park announcements, communicate changing access conditions to guests, and update recommendations for nearby recreational activities.
For operators promoting beach access, coastal walks, sightseeing, or water-based recreation, providing timely safety information can help guests make informed decisions and reduce exposure to hazardous conditions. Staff may also need to clarify which nearby beaches remain accessible and whether alternative activities are available during periods of restricted access.
With dangerous surf conditions forecast to peak Saturday, visitors and outdoor recreation businesses in Monterey County are being urged to follow state park instructions and remain alert to changing coastal conditions throughout the weekend.