Monterey, in the state of California, is a holiday destination for families that is on the “bucket list” of travelers from all over the world due to its reputation for having stunning beaches and a rugged coastline. But in order to get the most out of a visit to the beaches and peninsula of Monterey, you need to be prepared for what you’ll find there.
When people come to this section of the California Coast for the first time, they are often taken aback by the diverse beach options that Monterey has to offer. The following is some essential information regarding the beaches of Monterey, as well as a beach-by-beach tour to some of the most well-known beaches in the area.
Important Information Regarding Monterey County’s Beaches
1) Monterey is a county in addition to being a city.
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Monterey, you have two options: you can either narrow your search to beaches in the city of Monterey itself, or you can broaden your search to include beaches in the surrounding cities and towns of Monterey County, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Moss Landing, and Big Sur. Either way, you’re sure to find a beach that fits your needs.
2) The climate in Monterey is frequently cool.
Even in the middle of summer, thick fog and gusty winds are not uncommon. In spite of this, Monterey County, California, has an annual average of about 270 sunny days, and the temperature stays in the upper 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit throughout the whole year.
3) The water is frigid and frequently poses a threat.
If you are looking for a Pacific Ocean beach vacation with your family that includes activities like sunbathing and swimming, you should look further south along the Central Coast to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, or further south still to a destination in Southern California like Los Angeles or San Diego.
It is possible to go swimming in several of Monterey’s beaches; nevertheless, it is essential to pay attention to the posted signs and to take any safety cautions carefully. The magnificent offshore submarine canyon of Monterey is home to an astonishing variety of marine life; but, due to the underwater geology, many of Monterey’s beaches are characterized by strong rip currents and undercurrents.
4) If you visit Monterey, you won’t run out of things to do.
The Monterey Peninsula is home to some of the most picturesque sections of coastline on the whole continent. As a result of the area’s favorable conditions for the survival of a diverse array of birds, mammals, and other forms of flora and fauna, visitors have enough possibilities to observe creatures in their natural habitats.
The activities of kayaking, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving are all very popular, and there are local outfitters that will not only lend you the necessary equipment but also take you out on the water. Because there are so many trails along the shore, going from one beach to another and walking around the coastline is a breeze.
Monterey’s Best Beaches
Whether you’re looking to hit the beach in the city of Monterey or want to explore farther afield in Monterey County, you’ll be sure to find some of the most picturesque sand in the country in this Central California coastal wonderland. Monterey County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the county. The following is a list of some of Monterey’s most beautiful beaches.
1. Del Monte Beach, Monterey
An authentic sense of the community
Surfing, beachcombing, picnics, walking, and on-leash dog walking are some of the activities that locals like doing at Del Monte Beach, which is located just off the main route. The boardwalk walkway that winds across the dunes of the beach is kept in good condition, and the beach also features seats and picnic tables.
Those that frequent this beach point out that, in comparison to some of the other beaches in the area, it is somewhat more sheltered from the effects of the wind due to its location. If you plan on driving here, you should allow yourself some more time, as well as patience, because parking can be difficult.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of Del Monte Beach
Monterey’s premier boutique hotel, the Hotel Pacific, can be found in the city’s heart. Included in the amenities of the all-suites are fireplaces, free Wi-Fi, patios and balconies, as well as a complementary continental breakfast.
2. The beach at Lovers Point, in Pacific Grove
Best for: A unique sunrise and artistic inspiration.
The fact that Lovers Point Beach faces east gives it the distinct advantage of being one of the few locations along the West Coast from which it is possible to see the sun rise over the ocean. This is an excellent incentive to get to the beach as early in the day as possible.
This beach in Pacific Grove is well known among those who enjoy plein air painting and nature photography because of its creative atmosphere. A large number of surfers, kayakers, swimmers, and scuba divers can be found here. Picnicking, strolling, and simply taking in the scenery are just some of the activities that people like doing at Lovers Point Park, which is adjacent to the beach. In addition, there is a pool for children to swim in, a snack bar, and a beach volleyball court at this park.
Locations of Overnight Lodging Near Lovers Point Beach
The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa has earned the title of being ranked as the best hotel in all of Monterey on Tripadvisor. This hotel can be found perched on the water’s edge between Del Monte Beach and Lovers Point Beach. Outstanding views, a convenient location, and rooftop hot tubs are just a few of the features that contribute to its high rating.
3. The beach at Spanish Bay, in Pacific Grove (Pebble Beach)
Best for: Making a pit stop along the 17-mile trip to browse dunes and stack boulders.
Spanish Bay Beach is a secluded beach that can be found within the gated community of Pebble Beach, which is most famous for its championship golf course. Along the renowned 17-Mile Drive is where you’ll find this public beach, which is sandwiched between Moss Beach to the south and Asilomar State Beach to the north. It features a wooden boardwalk that winds its way through the dunes.
The water at Spanish Bay Beach is not suitable for swimming, despite the fact that it is a favorite spot for surfers. Keep an eye out for the cairns, which are little stacks of rock, that visitors to the beach have left behind; you can make your own or contribute to the ones that are already there.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of Spanish Bay Beach
Staying at the Inn at Spanish Bay will provide you with the most authentic Pebble Beach experience. The guests frequently comment on how much space there is in the rooms, how nice the views are, and how close they are to excellent golf courses.
4. Municipal Beach in Monterey, which is located in Monterey
Ideal for: Going for a swim and then having lunch at a restaurant.
The beach that is owned by the city and located close to Wharf 2 Pier is called Monterey Municipal Beach. This beach is also referred to as Monterey City Beach and Monterey Municipal Beach at the Wharf. The Monterey State Beach chain of beaches in Monterey, of which this beach is a part, comes to an end here. Its orientation to the north makes it one of the more secure beaches in Monterey for swimming, and this, combined with its location in the geographic center of the city, means that it is frequently rather popular.
This beach in Monterey is one of the few in the area that allows dogs, and it also features eateries and rental shops for kayaks along its pier. A parking lot with paid spots is available, and there is also the possibility of finding parking on the surrounding streets.
Where to Stay Close to the Municipal Beach in Monterey
The family-friendly Merritt House Inn is not located on the beach, but it does offer a central location as well as amenities such as free Wi-Fi and free breakfast, and it has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Asilomar State Beach and Pacific Grove are ranked fifth.
The location is ideal for spending the night near the beach.
There are a lot of activities taking place at Asilomar. This is due to the fact that Asilomar State Beach is also home to a summer camp turned conference facility that was developed by Julia Morgan in the 20th century and also hosts overnight guests visiting for recreational purposes. In addition to being a state beach and conference center, Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve is also a part of the complex.
On the beach itself is where you’ll find the Asilomar Coast route, which is a moderately easy hike that takes visitors down the sandy stretches of beach, across the rocky coves, and through the tidepools. You have the option of going on a self-guided tour or participating in one of the cultural and natural history walks that are offered by the park staff at Asilomar. Due to the fact that this beach is located within a marine protected area, neither fishing nor collecting is permitted on it.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of Asilomar State Beach
The Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds is a seaside retreat that is located amid pine forests and sandy beaches. This seaside refuge offers historic rooms in addition to its tranquil position.
6. McAbee Beach, Monterey
The best use for this beach is as a rest stop along your Monterey sightseeing itinerary because it requires no effort.
It should come as no surprise that the minuscule McAbee Beach, which is only a short distance away from the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, is typically packed with tourists in search of a respite from their exploration of Cannery Row. The tides play a significant role in this situation: when the tide is high, there is only a thin strip of sand, but when the tide is low, there is a little bit more space to move around. In addition, this location serves as a launching point for kayakers who wish to explore the Monterey Bay, which is home to a diverse array of animals. The entrance to McAbee Beach may be found near the bottom of Hoffman Avenue, which runs parallel to the south side of Cannery Row.
McAbee Beach is an ideal spot to visit if you want to combine your touring with a short break at the beach. If, on the other hand, you want to bask in the beauty of the Pacific coast while also having plenty of room to sprawl out, you’d be better off going elsewhere.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of McAbee Beach
The Holiday Inn Express Cannery Row provides its guests with a convenient location close to Monterey’s most well-known attractions, as well as complimentary Internet access, parking, and breakfast.
7. Moss Landing, located on Salinas River State Beach
At the beach, the best activity is bird viewing.
Salinas River State Beach is a favorite destination for people who want to see a variety of birds, including white-crowned sparrows, American kestrels, western snowy plovers, red-tailed hawks, California brown pelicans, and red-shouldered hawks, among others. A portion of the Salinas River Mouth Natural Preserve as well as the Salinas River Dunes National Preserve are included in the state beach.
The parking lots and the places of access to the coast are connected by a dune trail. In addition to being a popular swimming site, Salinas River State Beach is also known for its fishing. A rip current and offshore drop-offs make this stretch of coast an especially dangerous place to swim. Even though you might see some surfers out in the ocean, keep in mind that the beach is not designated as a swimming area.
Locations of Overnight Lodgings Close to Salinas River State Beach
The Captain’s Inn in Moss Landing is ideally suited for couples or families with children who are older because of its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of natural features. The SpringHill Suites in the nearby city of Marina provides suitable guest suites for families traveling with younger children.
8. Monterey State Beach, located in Monterey, California
Swimming with children is highly recommended.
Monterey State Beach, which is the city’s most popular beach, is located on the same stretch of shoreline as Monterey Bay Waterfront Park and the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail. When combined, the beach, park, and trail provide numerous open stretches of sand, sand volleyball courts, picnic tables, BBQ pits, and running and walking pathways. The sand shelf at Monterey State Beach gently dips into Monterey Bay, creating tide pools and making wading in the water an enjoyable experience for children. The beach is made up of three independent beaches that are spaced about a mile apart.
In point of fact, it is one of the few beaches in the Monterey area that has been approved for swimming and other forms of aquatic activity (swimming). Dogs are permitted on the portion of the beach located south of the Roberts parking lot, however they are not allowed on the portion of the beach located north of the Seaside parking lot. You may rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles in the area immediately surrounding the beach.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of Monterey State Beach
The Hampton Inn Monterey is a hotel that welcomes families and provides amenities such as a central location, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and a fitness facility.
9. The beach of San Carlos in Monterey
An easy beach stop is what this spot is best for.
You can reach Monterey’s San Carlos Beach by strolling to the end of Cannery Row on the western side of the harbor. Take a seat at one of the picnic tables, the sandy beach, the grass, or one of the benches. Both families, who come to this beach for the wading, and scuba divers, who use this beach as an entry point to explore the underwater ruins of the cannery industry that formerly flourished in Monterey, are frequent visitors to this beach.
Although San Carlos is not the most stunning beach in the area, it is very convenient to get to from the main shopping and entertainment district of Monterey, and it provides stunning vistas of the bay.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of San Carlos Beach
The boutique Wave Street Inn provides unpretentious comfort and style that is welcome to families, couples, and anyone else searching for a cool coastal vibe in their hotel. The Wave Street Inn is located on Wave Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Carmel-by-the-Carmel Sea’s River State Beach comes in at number ten.
The beach is ideal for picnics and hikes with your dog.
Visitors visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea will find that the sandy and expansive Carmel River State Beach is the ideal location for a picnic. The Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve is a part of this area, which makes it a stop on the Central Coast Birding Trail as well. In addition to terns and egrets, visitors have the opportunity to see Great Blue Herons, Virginia Rails, and a variety of other migratory and coastal species.
Divers flock to the region of Carmel River State Beach known as Monastery Beach due to its proximity to the kelp forests that are home to a diverse array of marine life (note, though, that the beach can have severe rip tides). The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve can be reached quickly and easily from this beach in Carmel, making it a popular launching location for kayakers who want to explore the area. This dog-friendly stretch of sand in Monterey is a popular destination for people who bring their dogs.
Locations of Overnight Lodging Close to Carmel River State Beach
Near Carmel River State Beach, the town of Carmel, California, is home to a quaint collection of modest hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns. The lovely Carmel Bay View Inn is one of the options that guests have that is also one of the more economical hotels.
11. Garrapata State Beach, located in Carmel, California
The place to go if you want to find a secret wonderland all to yourself.
Garrapata State Beach, which is located in Garrapata State Park and is located south of Carmel at the northern end of Big Sur, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in California. To unearth this well-hidden treasure, you need to be aware of where to look: Other than the three numbered turnouts that are located along the route, there are no signs that designate the site.
The path that leads to this beach is covered with wildflowers in the spring and summer, and once you get there, you’ll find a number of interesting things to explore, such as little caves, waterfalls, and creeks that flow directly onto the shore. This beach is not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents and waves, but you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit it.
Places to Stay in the Neighborhood of Garrapata State Beach
The Carmel Mission Inn, which has received many positive reviews, is located a short distance from Garrapata State Beach and provides guests with a boutique hotel atmosphere as well as a heated pool.
Carmel’s Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is number 12 on the list.
The ideal duration for this trip is a whole day spent exploring the coast.
There are beaches in Point Lobos, but the area also offers a great deal more. The Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is known for its unusual geology, numerous animals, archeological sites, rare plants, and rich maritime ecosystems. It is also home to some of California’s rarest plant species.
A few miles south of Carmel, on the northern tip of Big Sur, is where you’ll find Point Lobos. The reserve has been referred to as the “crown gem of the State Park System.” [Crown jewel of the State Park System] It is one of the few places in the region where the famous Monterey Cypresses grow in their natural habitat, and it is also one of the few places in the region where it is possible to observe whales from the shore during certain times of the year. The nature preserve is home to eight separate beaches, the most well-known of which is the entrancing emerald-green China Cove. Other beaches in the preserve include Gibson Beach, Headland Cove, Hidden Beach, Moss Cove, Sea Lion Cove, Weston Beach, and Whalers Cove.
Locations of Overnight Lodging Close to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The well-liked but costly Tickled Pink Inn is the motel that is located in the closest proximity to Point Lobos. If you are ready to make the detour to Carmel, you will find a wide variety of options, including the Best Western Carmel’s Town House Lodge, which is suitable for families.
Accessing Monterey and Its Beautiful Beaches
It takes around two hours to get to Monterey from San Francisco, and approximately one hour and twenty minutes to drive from San Jose Airport to Monterey. Even though there is a shuttle service between San Francisco International Airport or San Jose International Airport and Monterey, the majority of guests choose to rent a car so that they have the freedom to explore the surrounding area at their own pace.