Copper Roof House


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Architecture lovers will know it as the Clinton Walker House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright but divers know the distinctive green roof as a landmark for the small beach to the north which is a public access to the water and some some lovely kelp beds.

Quick Info

Copper Roof House
Coordinates 36.544734, -121.930692
Depth 5 feet to 50
Skill Level Intermediate
Access Method Shore
Protection Status Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area

Recreational fishing permitted hook and line, or spearfishing. Recreational take of fin-fish permitted, take of invertebrates prohibited.

Entry & Access

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Ample street parking stretching from the Clinton Walker House all the way to the other end of the beach. The parking is free and beach side. Multiple stairs are placed along the beach providing multiple points of access. Parking spots do fill up fast, especially during the weekends or summer seasons. The shore is primarily fine white sand with a gradual slope into the water. During high tide, the water can reach all the way up to the wall. During low tide, the water can recede far back to expose the first rocky reef. During low tide, large amounts of drifting sea flora is left on the beach, careful not to slip. The swell comes directly into the Carmel beach with wide slow waves. The swell height is larger in the center of the beach while smaller and breaking earlier on the sides. Most divers approach the site either on the southern end of the beach where the rocky reef is.

Attractions & Wildlife

See what species were observed by visitors to Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area via iNaturalist.

Amenities

There are two unisex bathrooms and two water fountains north of the Clinton Walker house. City approved fire pits are installed on the beach during Mid-May and then removed in October.

This site is about a ten minute walk north to downtown Carmel where there are many shops and restaurants.

Skill Level & Hazards

Beginner (on a good day)

Intermediate (on a bad day)

Be mindful of swell and water movement wherever you are at this site.

At shorebreak: When entering or exiting, be mindful of set patterns and look out for any rogue waves. The long stretch of beach makes for an awkward segment of water being too shallow to kick out, but too submerged to quickly run out. Learn how to duck under waves or brace for waves if you plan on diving this area.

On a reef The site has a reef with multiple areas of high relief; some areas almost touching the surface of the water.

Nearest Emergency Medical Facilities

Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula 23625 pacific Grove-Carmel Hwy, Monterey

EMS activation by boat: Notify Coast Guard boat crew on channel 16 or call 911. Patient transfer at Fuel Dock or at sea.


Notes


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