Monterey Beaches: The Complete Expert Guide to California’s Coastal Gems
Monterey, California, is a bucket‑list destination that draws visitors worldwide with its stunning beaches and dramatic coastline. To truly enjoy the peninsula, you need a clear picture of what to expect. Here is an expert‑crafted overview of Monterey’s shoreline and a beach‑by‑beach guide to the region’s most beloved spots.
4 Key Things to Know About Monterey Beaches
- Monterey is both a city and a county – When you plan a beach day, you can focus on the city of Monterey or broaden your scope to include neighboring towns such as Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, Pacific Grove, Moss Landing, and Big Sur.
- The weather is often cool – Even in summer, fog and wind are common. Monterey County averages nearly 270 sunny days a year, with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the low 70s year‑round.
- The water is cold and can be hazardous – For sun‑bathing and swimming, consider destinations further south along the Central Coast or in Southern California. In Monterey, rip currents and an offshore submarine canyon create powerful undertows, so heed all safety signage.
- There’s plenty to do – The coastline hosts abundant wildlife, from marine life to migratory birds. Kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving are popular, and local outfitters provide rentals and guided tours. Coastal paths make walking between beaches effortless.
Monterey’s Best Beaches
Whether you stay in the city or venture into the county, you’ll find some of California’s most scenic shorelines. Below are the top picks, each with its own character and attractions.
- Related: 10 Best Things to Do in Monterey
Del Monte Beach, Monterey
Best for: A local vibe.
Just off the main road, Del Monte Beach is a local favorite for surfing, picnicking, on‑leash dog walks, and beachcombing. A well‑maintained boardwalk threads through the dunes, and benches and picnic tables provide comfort. Its relative wind shelter makes it a pleasant spot, though parking can be tight—arrive early for peace of mind.
Stay Nearby: The Hotel Pacific, a boutique all‑suite hotel in Monterey, offers fireplaces, Wi‑Fi, patios, balconies, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Lovers Point Beach, Pacific Grove
Best for: A unique sunrise and artistic inspiration.
Lovers Point’s east‑facing orientation makes it one of the few West Coast spots where you can watch the sun rise over the water—a perfect reason to arrive early. The beach and adjacent park attract plein‑air painters, photographers, surfers, kayakers, swimmers, and scuba divers. The park also hosts a beach volleyball court, children’s pool, and snack bar.
Stay Nearby: The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, located between Del Monte and Lovers Point, is TripAdvisor’s top‑rated hotel in Monterey, known for its views, central location, and rooftop hot tubs.
Spanish Bay Beach, Pacific Grove (Pebble Beach)
Best for: A 17‑mile drive pause to stack rocks and wander dunes.
Located within the Pebble Beach community, Spanish Bay Beach sits between Moss Beach and Asilomar State Beach along the famed 17‑Mile Drive. A wooden boardwalk meanders through dunes. While swimming is discouraged, surfing is popular. Visitors often leave cairns—small rock stacks—adding to the beach’s character.
Stay Nearby: For the full Pebble Beach experience, the Inn at Spanish Bay offers spacious rooms, stunning views, and proximity to world‑class golf.
- Related: 11 Family Road Trip Ideas Every Kid Will Love
Monterey Municipal Beach, Monterey
Best for: A swim and restaurant lunch.
Monterey Municipal Beach—also called Monterey City Beach—lies near Wharf 2 Pier. Its north‑facing orientation offers safer swimming conditions compared to other local beaches. The central location attracts crowds, but the beach remains dog‑friendly and hosts restaurants and kayak rentals. Parking is available in a paid lot; street parking may also be found nearby.
Stay Nearby: The family‑friendly Merritt House Inn, though not on the beach, offers a central location, free Wi‑Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
Best for: A beach‑adjacent overnight.
Asilomar State Beach is part of a 20th‑century summer‑camp‑turned‑conference center designed by Julia‑Morgan. The beach, dune preserve, and conference facilities make it ideal for overnight stays. A one‑mile coast trail winds along sandy stretches, rocky coves, and tidepools. Staff offer guided cultural and natural history walks; self‑guided tours are also available. The area is a marine protected zone, so fishing and collecting are prohibited.
Stay Nearby: The historic Asilomar Hotel & Conference Grounds provide comfortable lodging in a serene setting.
McAbee Beach, Monterey
Best for: A low‑effort beach stop while sightseeing.
Just a short walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, McAbee Beach is a compact spot that attracts crowds during peak hours. Tides shape its size: high tide reduces the sand to a narrow strip; low tide expands the area. It also serves as a kayak launch for exploring the bay’s wildlife. If you want a brief break, this beach fits the bill; for a more expansive experience, consider other shores.
Stay Nearby: The Holiday Inn Express‑Cannery Row offers a central location near Monterey’s attractions, free parking, breakfast, and Wi‑Fi.
- Related: 12 Affordable California Vacation Ideas
Salinas River State Beach, Moss Landing
Best for: Bird watching.
Salinas River State Beach hosts a rich array of bird species—including American kestrels, western snowy plovers, red‑tailed hawks, California brown pelicans, and white‑crowned sparrows—thanks to its river mouth and dune preserves. The beach also attracts anglers and occasional surfers, though rip currents and drop‑offs make swimming hazardous. A dune trail links parking to coastal access.
Stay Nearby: The Captain’s Inn at Moss Landing offers peaceful surroundings, ideal for couples or families with older children. For younger families, Springhill Suites in Marina provides comfortable suites.
Monterey State Beach, Monterey
Best for: Swimming with kids.
Monterey’s largest beach is a trio of sandy stretches that offer wide open sand, volleyball courts, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and walking paths. The gentle sand shelf makes it one of the few local beaches approved for swimming. Dogs are allowed south of the Roberts parking but not north of Seaside parking. Kayak, canoe, and bike rentals are available nearby.
Stay Nearby: The family‑friendly Hampton Inn Monterey offers free Wi‑Fi, breakfast, and a fitness center.
San Carlos Beach, Monterey
Best for: An easy beach stop.
Located at the western end of Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach provides a relaxed setting with sand, lawn, and benches. Families enjoy wading while scuba divers use the beach as a launch point for exploring submerged relics of the historic cannery. Though not the region’s most scenic, the beach’s accessibility and bay views make it a convenient stop.
Stay Nearby: The newly renovated Wave Street Inn offers casual comfort and style for families, couples, and travelers seeking a coastal vibe.
Carmel River State Beach, Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea
Best for: Beach picnics and dog walks.
With wide sandy stretches, Carmel River State Beach is ideal for picnics and walks. The beach lies along the Central Coast Birding Trail and hosts the Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. Birdwatchers can spot egrets, terns, great blue herons, and Virginia rails. The Monastery Beach area attracts divers thanks to nearby kelp forests, though riptides can be strong. Kayakers launch from here to reach Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The beach is dog‑friendly.
Stay Nearby: Carmel offers charming inns and B&Bs; the Carmel Bay View Inn offers affordable comfort near the beach.
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Garrapata State Beach, Carmel
Best for: A hidden wonderland.
Part of Garrapata State Park, this beach lies south of Carmel at Big Sur’s northern edge. No signage marks its location; three numbered turnouts on the highway lead to the hidden gem. A hike through wildflowers brings you to the beach, where caves, waterfalls, and creeks greet you. The surf is powerful, making swimming unsafe, but the scenery is unforgettable.
Stay Nearby: A short drive up the road brings you to the Carmel Mission Inn, a boutique hotel with a heated pool.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel
Best for: A full day of coastal exploration.
Point Lobos offers more than beaches. Rare plants, archaeological sites, one of California’s richest marine habitats, unique geology, and abundant wildlife define the reserve. Located a few miles south of Carmel at Big Sur’s northern edge, it has been dubbed the “crown jewel” of the state park system. The native Monterey Cypresses grow here, and whale watching is possible during certain seasons. The reserve contains eight distinct beaches—Gibson, Headland Cove, Hidden, Moss Cove, Sea Lion, Weston, Whalers, and the famed emerald‑green China Cove.
Stay Nearby: Tickled Pink Inn is the closest hotel, though pricier. If you prefer Carmel, the Best Western Carmel’s Town House Lodge offers family‑friendly options.
Getting There
Monterey is roughly two hours by car from San Francisco and about 1 hour 20 minutes from San Jose airport. While shuttle services exist between San Francisco International Airport or San Jose International Airport and Monterey, most visitors prefer the flexibility of a rental car to explore the region.
