10 Places to Watch the Sunrise in Monterey County

Most visitors to California’s coast come chasing sunsets — but Monterey County has a geographical advantage that often goes unnoticed. Because much of the shoreline along Monterey Bay faces east, communities like Monterey, Pacific Grove, Moss Landing, and Seaside are actually ideal spots for watching the sun rise over the water. From the wide sandy stretch of Monterey Municipal Beach to the rugged bluffs of Big Sur and the rolling hills above Salinas at Fort Ord National Monument, the county offers a surprising range of vantage points to catch the morning light. Here are ten of the best.

1. Monterey Municipal Beach — This wide, east-facing stretch of sand along the bay offers an unobstructed view of the sun rising over the water, making it one of the best sunrise spots on the entire peninsula. You can start at Monterey Municipal Beach and walk along the coastal path to get beautiful sunrise views at Fisherman’s Wharf, Sister City Park, and Cannery Row in one morning walk!
2. Lovers Point Park, Pacific Grove — The sunrise from Lovers Point is just amazing, with a great path for walkers and early-morning visitors along the ocean between Asilomar and Monterey. 
3. Cannery Row — The shoreline of Cannery Row faces east, making it the perfect place to watch the sun rise over the bay — and it’s also an ideal spot for moonrises. 
4. Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey — Fisherman’s Wharf is a great spot to see the sun rise over the harbor. Kids love watching the sea lions wake up with the morning light. 
5. Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove — The rugged rocks and crashing waves create a dramatic foreground, and the beach’s orientation makes it a beautiful spot to catch early morning color in the sky.
6. Del Monte Beach, Monterey — One of the lesser-known gems in Monterey, Del Monte Beach’s gentle dunes and soft sands offer a cozy place to watch the golden morning light spread over the water — and it’s rarely crowded.
7. Salinas River State Beach, Moss Landing — This wide, wild beach at the northern end of the county faces east across the bay and offers a peaceful, uncrowded sunrise experience with migratory birds as your company.
8. Sister City Park, Monterey — Sister City Park is an excellent spot to enjoy the golden rays of the sunrise over the waters of the bay, and its central location makes it easy for families to stop by before a morning walk on the recreation trail. Yelp
9. Garrapata State Park, Big Sur — For families up for a short drive south, the park’s dramatic coastal bluffs offer sweeping views as the early light hits the cliffs and ocean below.
10. Fort Ord National Monument, Salinas — Fort Ord offers spectacular 360° views of the Salinas Valley and the Pacific Ocean, and sunrise gives ideal lighting for photographing the monument’s rolling hills and oak trees. It’s a unique inland alternative — perfect for families who want a quiet hike with a stunning valley panorama as the sun comes up over the Gabilan Mountains.