ASILOMAR STATE BEACH
Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove is known for its natural beauty and serene environment. This beach is ideal for families who enjoy exploring tide pools and rocky shorelines. While the water here can be rough for swimming, the beach is perfect for picnics, beachcombing, and watching the sunset. The Asilomar Dunes Boardwalk offers an easy, scenic walk with interpretive signs that provide information about the local ecosystem.
AMENITIES: Trails, boardwalk, bike path, tide pools. No restrooms.
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Free on-street
CARMEL BEACH
Carmel Beach, famous for its breathtaking views and soft white sand, is located at the end of Ocean Avenue. This beach offers ample space for kids to run and play. The gentle waves are ideal for wading and splashing. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset.
AMENITIES: Restrooms
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash, off leash along south end
PARKING: Free but limited
CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH
This large, protected state park offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities and a beach large enough to really spread out on. There are plenty of trails and options for exploring, and you’re basically guaranteed to see a variety of wildlife, birds in particular. Very popular for sunbathing, and the calm water is good for wading.
AMENITIES: Restrooms, wetlands, trails
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Free
DEL MONTE BEACH
Located near downtown Monterey, this beach features rolling dunes and soft sand. It’s a great place for kids to play and for parents to relax. The beach is less populated, making it easier to keep an eye on little ones as they explore. Surfing and bodyboarding are popular here, and the nearby picnic tables and barbecue pits make it a perfect spot for a family cookout.
AMENITIES: Picnic tables, benches, boardwalk, toilets
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Free on-street
FANSHELL BEACH
You’ll have to pay the entrance fee to enter Pebble Beach to access this beach. While it is closed in April and May due to harbor seals, viewing is still allowed from one of several pullouts.
AMENITIES: None
PETS: None
PARKING: Free pullouts
FORT ORD DUNES STATE PARK
Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a lovely four-mile stretch of dunes, surf, sand, and usually few people. Paragliders can often be seen enjoying the wind. The quiet, remote feel and undisturbed nature make for excellent beachcombing and kiteflying. Getting to the beach requires walking a 1,500-foot trail from the parking area, which may complicate access for some parties.
AMENITIES: Restrooms, picnic tables
PETS: Dogs not allowed on beach or non-paved trails; leashed dogs are allowed on paved trails.
PARKING: Lot parking
GARRAPATA BEACH (BIG SUR)
Tucked away in Garrapata State Park is a half-mile of heavenly sand. There are two parking areas running north to south along Route 1 (the southern lot offers the easiest access), and a lack of signage keeps the crowds at bay. While the cold water and currents make swimming a prospect to be considered carefully, this is a great spot to avoid the crowds of central Monterey if you’re after a quiet afternoon of sunbathing and wandering the trails.
AMENITIES: None
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash, beach only
PARKING: Free on-street
LOVER’S POINT PARK BEACH
Lovers Point Park and Beach in Pacific Grove is a fantastic spot for a family day out. This beach features calm, shallow waters, perfect for young swimmers and a large grassy area ideal for picnics. The nearby park has a playground that will keep children entertained, and the rocky outcrops are great for tide pooling and exploring. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to add a bit of adventure to your visit.
AMENITIES: Grass park, restrooms, benches, bike path, equipment rentals
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Free on-street, which can be tricky on busy weekends
MCABEE BEACH
This beach is the definition of hiding in plain sight on Cannery Row. Because of the very small beach, it’s best visited at low tide. Calm waters are perfect for swimming, and shade from the surroundings can make it ideal on particularly warm days—but chilly on cooler afternoons.
AMENITIES: Tide pools, close to downtown
PETS: No dogs allowed on the beach
PARKING: Metered street parking, several garages nearby
MONTEREY MUNICIPAL BEACH
The municipal beach is a good spot for smaller children, as the wharf offers some degree of protection from the aggressive surf. Windows on the Bay Beach offer shade from the park’s trees and non-motorized access via the bike path, making it accessible on busier days. AMENITIES: Rentals, restrooms, park, bike path, and proximity to the fishing pier
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Fee lot and street parking when available
SAN CARLOS BEACH
Well-protected from rough surf by the breakwater and surrounding wharves, San Carlos Beach is also a popular spot for scuba diving. Ample parking is available, but the lots can fill quickly in the summer, especially during peak dive season. The beach itself is small, so those looking to spread out may want to look elsewhere. That said, picnic tables and a nice stretch of grass nearby offer great non-sand options for soaking in the sun. The amenities of Cannery Row are a mere 5–10-minute walk away.
AMENITIES: Restrooms, picnic tables, grass park, bike path
PETS: Dogs allowed on leash
PARKING: Paid lot, hourly and day rates
SPANISH BAY BEACH
Just south of Asilomar, this is a great way to check out a beach within the boundary of Pebble Beach without paying the entrance fee. Access via Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove and park along the street. Heavy rips preclude swimming, but it’s a fun beach for watching surfers.
AMENITIES: Trails, dunes tide pools
No restrooms
PETS: No dogs allowed
PARKING: Free on Sunset Drive
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