The City of Monterey's Parks Division has temporarily closed San Carlos Beach, located at Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue. A colony of sea lions have arrived en masse to use the beach as a resting spot in their journey from the Channel Islands to the waters of Northern California.

The City of Monterey is working closely with staff at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We will keep the public informed as to the beach's status.

Keep Your Distance

We want residents and visitors to be safe while visiting the coastline, and remind you to enjoy and watch the sea lions from a distance of at least 150 feet. Sea lions are large and can be unpredictable and territorial.

Please remember, we humans are sharing this space with other species. Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time.

Sick or Injured Marine Mammals

To report a sick, injured, or abandoned marine mammal including sea lions, seals, or sea otters, please call the Marine Mammal Center Hotline at 415-280-7325.