Cathedral Beach offers scenic river access along the Merced River with picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets available year-round from dawn to dusk.

The sandy beach provides excellent views of El Capitan and water access when levels are low, though the road and footpaths are unpaved with irregular surfaces.

Caution is essential—the river's swift, cold water is dangerous, especially during spring runoff, so visitors should avoid the water when it's flowing strongly.