Here’s a roundup of upcoming beach-focused volunteer events in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Whether you’re into data-driven litter surveys, invasive-plant removal or just getting your hands dirty picking up trash, there’s something for every schedule and interest. Be sure to check details before heading out because events are subject to changes for holidays, weather, and other reasons. Some of the clean ups are open to families with children, check the organizer’s website for details.
Monterey County Beaches
- Surfrider Foundation Monterey Chapter Monthly Beach Clean-up
WHEN: Fourth Saturday of each month, 10 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Rotating beaches around Monterey County (check the Surfrider site for location details)
WHAT: Organized trash pick-up with all supplies provided; free beach yoga at 9 AM beforehand. Open to all ages. monterey.surfrider.org - CA State Parks – Asilomar State Beach
WHEN: Every Friday, 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove
WHAT: Invasive-plant removal, habitat restoration, litter pickup. Tools and training provided; ages 8+ welcome with adult. parks.ca.gov - CA State Parks – Carmel River State Beach
WHEN: Second Saturday of each month, 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Southern Carmel River State Beach (Ribera Rd & Cuesta Way)
WHAT: Beach cleanup and habitat work. parks.ca.gov - CA State Parks – Fort Ord Dunes State Park
WHEN: Third Saturday of each month, 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Fort Ord Dunes State Park main parking lot (end of 8th St, Marina)
WHAT: Invasive-plant removal to support endangered species habitat. parks.ca.gov - CA State Parks – Garrapata State Park
WHEN: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Garrapata State Park (exact meet-up TBA)
WHAT: Weed pulls and native plantings along the scenic coastal bluffs. parks.ca.gov - Save Our Shores – Del Monte Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Del Monte Beach, 285 Figueroa St, Monterey
WHAT: Join local volunteers to remove trash and debris; registration required. Check website for upcoming dates. saveourshores.org
Santa Cruz County Beaches
- Save Our Shores – Pollution Prevention Outreach
- July 4, 2025 | 11 AM–1 PM @ Corcoran Lagoon Beach, 20th Ave & E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
- July 4, 2025 | 11 AM–2 PM @ Cowell & Main Beach, near volleyball courts, Santa Cruz
What: Outreach-style beach cleanups to “prevent pollution” on Independence Day; registration required. saveourshores.org
- Save Our Shores – Holiday Cleanups
- July 5, 2025 | 9 AM–11 AM @ Cowell Beach, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
- July 5, 2025 | 9 AM–11 AM @ Corcoran Lagoon Beach, 20th Ave & E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
What: Post-holiday debris removal after the 4th of July weekend; registration required. saveourshores.org
- Save Our Shores – Tribute & Regular Cleanups
- July 23, 2025 | 12 PM–2 PM @ Cowell Beach (Tribute to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols)
- July 26, 2025 | 9 AM–11 AM @ Cowell Beach (Regular cleanup)
What: Special commemorative and routine cleanups; all ages welcome, registration required. saveourshores.org
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