Sand, Seagulls, & Seashells: Monterey Bay's Best Beaches

As I write this, my computer-widget-thermometer-thingy is reading a toasty 80 degrees. Summer vacation is coming, and with it comes the best part of living along one of the most gorgeous coasts our nation has to offer: the beach. We’ve got a lot of them around here, and as a new resident and even newer scuba diver, I hit the books to learn a bit more about the go-to sandy offerings, as well as a few that may be beyond the usual rotation for seasoned residents.

The looong stretch of beach winding north from the bottom of the bay toward Seaside, Marina, and Moss Landing is subdivided into several individual beaches based on geography and other factors. While the different areas described below are all centrally located, differences in conditions, amenities, and parking/access can be worth noting. For those looking to swim, the surf is typically calmer to the south, becoming more active the farther north you go.

MONTEREY MUNICIPAL BEACH

We begin our tour at Monterey Municipal Beach, just east of the wharf. Owned by (surprise) the city of Monterey, this beach essentially blends into the first of several state-owned beaches that progress north up the coastline. The municipal beach is a good spot for smaller children, as the wharf offers some degree of protection from aggressive surf. Continuing just a bit up the shore will put you at Windows on the Bay Beach, directly across from the park of the same name. This is where municipal property ends and the state beach system begins. Shade from the park’s trees offers relief from the sun, and non-motorized access via the bike path makes the area accessible on busier days — of which there are many. Throw in a few local scuba divers and kayakers launching from the beach, and you’re looking at arguably the busiest beach in Monterey Bay.

AMENITIES: Rentals, restrooms, park, bike path, and proximity to the fishing pier.

PETS: Dogs allowed on leash.

PARKING: Fee lot and street parking if available.

DEL MONTE BEACH

If the Municipal Beach area is crowded, head north/northeast along the bay toward the creatively named Del Monte Beach just off Del Monte Avenue. Popular as an after-work strolling spot for locals, this beach is a bit more protected from wind and quieter in general than its predecessor. A boardwalk winds around a good section of the area, offering a civilized tour of the dunes. Surf levels are average and are good for capable swimmers and/or those with supervision. Head up the hill on Casa Verde Way and park anywhere on the street.

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, benches, boardwalk, toilets.

PETS: Dogs allowed on leash.

PARKING: Free on-street.

HOUGHTON M. ROBERTS BEACH

Rounding out this section of coastline is Roberts Beach, also part of the state beach system. Popular with beachcombers, surfers, and strollers the strong surf and consistent rip tides make this an area best left to capable enthusiasts.

AMENITIES: Toilets

PETS: Leashed dogs allowed up to Seaside town border (essentially south of the hotel parking)

PARKING: Parking can be found just south of the Monterey Tides Hotel via Sand Dunes Drive.

From this point, one can essentially follow the sand north as far as their legs will carry them past the beaches of Seaside, Sand City, Ford Old, and others. The beach will become less and less crowded the further you go, and the water in places can be very rough – perfect for surfing, but not for learning how to swim. However, those looking for space to play, relax, and enjoy the sun will find plenty of elbow room. Opportunities for collecting sea glass, fishing, and general beach combing are off the charts. Pets are welcome on-leash throughout this area, with the exception of Seaside Beach.

Monterey / Pacific Grove

Working north/northwest along Cannery Row toward Pacific Grove, there are several sandy spots that, while small, can be perfect for those looking to introduce small children to the world of saltwater. Best of all, these beaches are within walking distance to other attractions, making them less committing if it turns out the kids aren’t going to channel Jacques Cousteau anytime soon.

SAN CARLOS BEACH

If you have small kids, this is a great spot. Well-protected from rough surf by the breakwater and surrounding wharves, San Carlos Beach is also a popular spot for scuba diving. Hundreds of divers earn their initial certification at this beach, and seeing them all trussed up in their gear can be a point of glee for young kids. 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.

LOVER’S POINT PARK BEACH

While also on the smaller side, the view doesn’t get much better than this. Rock outcroppings line all sides of this picturesque cove beach, where sheltered water provides diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming opportunities for all ages. Get there early to enjoy the sunrise due to the beach’s unique eastern aspect. Flanked by a beautiful, shaded park and a coffee shop mere feet from the sand, this is a perfect spot to enjoy one of Monterey’s many sunny days.

AMENITIES: Playground, grass park, restrooms, benches, bike path, equipment rentals

PETS: Dogs allowed on leash

PARKING: Free on-street, which can be tricky on busy weekends.

ASILOMAR STATE BEACH

Sandy respites strung together with sculptured rock outcroppings and small coves make it a no-brainer that Asilomar is a protected area. A one-mile wheelchair-friendly boardwalk winds its way through numerous coves and dunes, making an excursion feel much longer than it actually is. Roughly translating to “refuge by the sea,” Asilomar is perfect for exploration, but the rocky geographical features that make it so inviting also create several dangerous rip tides. Swimming with small children should be sought elsewhere.

AMENITIES: Trails, boardwalk, bike path, tide pools. No restrooms.

PETS: Dogs allowed on leash

PARKING: Free on-street

Pebble Beach / Carmel

CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH

This large, protected state park offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities and a beach large enough to really spread out on. Plenty of trails and options for exploring are around, and you’re basically guaranteed to see a variety of 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

SPANISH BAY BEACH

Just south of Asilomar, this is a great way to experience life within the boundary of Pebble Beach without actually going to Pebble Beach. Access via Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove and park along the street. This also cuts out the long walk from the main parking lot in Pebble Beach proper, handy if you brought your surfboard – which is the main attraction here. Heavy rips preclude swimming for most, but be sure to turn around when facing the ocean — see the golfers? Now you can really say you’ve been to Pebble Beach.

AMENITIES: Trails, dunes tide pools. No restrooms.

PETS: No dogs allowed

PARKING: Free on Sunset Drive

FANSHELL BEACH

If you’re willing to shell out (get it?) for the 17 Mile Drive through the kingdom of Pebble Beach, you owe yourself a stop at this little nugget. While it is closed in April and May due to harbor seals, viewing is still allowed from one of several pullouts.

AMENITIES: None

PETS: No dogs

PARKING: Free pullouts

Off the beaten path

Often, the nature of a coastline is that there are always little nooks and crannies squirreled away, waiting to be discovered by those willing to poke their head around a corner or two. Load up the family and truck out to a few of these different destinations if you are looking for solitude or a change of pace.

FORT ORD DUNES STATE PARK

As mentioned above, if you were to keep walking up Monterey State Beach for…ever, basically, you would eventually cross over into Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a lovely four-mile stretch of dunes, surf, sand, and no people to speak of. Paragliders can often be seen enjoying the wind – which is a bit elevated compared to the bay proper. The quiet, remote feel and undisturbed nature make for excellent beachcombing as well. Gaining 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

GIBSON BEACH

Though you might see it referred to as “Sandy Beach” occasionally on maps, the southernmost beach of the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is indeed a sandy oasis from the rocky outcrops in the northern parts of the reserve. Parking can be a challenge, as one can access several trails from here, but the beach is often uncrowded.

AMENITIES: Restrooms, walking trails, and picnic tables

PETS: Dogs are not allowed anywhere in the Point Lobos Reserve.

PARKING: Fee lot

MCABEE BEACH

This is the definition of hiding in plain sight. This small beach in the hub of Monterey is actually a great way to wind up a visit to the Aquarium just next door. With just enough sand, 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.