Looking to create lasting summer memories that you’d want to do over and over again? Think along the lines of basking under the warmth of the sun, treading barefoot along stretches of fine sand, and splurging in water sports like kayaking, surfing, or plain old volleyball. Yes, we’re talking about beaches, and there are at least 14 best Monterey County beaches in California that you shouldn’t miss!
Among the best Monterey County beaches are Carmel Beach for its annual sandcastle contest, Lovers Point Park & Beach to catch the Kelp Crawl of Pacific Grove’s Triathlon, and Del Monte Beach for a quaint beach experience.
Here are the 14 best Monterey County beaches in California:
- Carmel Beach
- Monterey State Beach
- Lovers Point Park & Beach
- McAbee Beach
- Asilomar Beach
- Del Monte Beach
- San Carlos Beach
- Marina State Beach
- Moss Landing State Beach
- Zmudowski State Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Point Lobos
- Jade Cove
- Partington Cove
Whether you’re looking to hike, dive, hang glide, or capture memorable beach experiences, this article will cover the adventures in store for you at each exciting travel destination.
14 Best Monterey County Beaches, California
Dive into the water and distinctive experiences on the following Monterey County beaches:
1. Carmel Beach
Your visit to Monterey County won’t be complete if you don’t check out Carmel Beach. Probably included in most travel agencies’ itineraries, this Monterey County beach is at the foot of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California. Surf its waves, then be among the spectators of its breathtaking sunset, a community event highly attended by locals and tourists alike. Want to relive your childhood sandcastle building? Carmel Beach hosts an annual sandcastle contest where you could mold the beach’s silvery sands into a work of art. Carmel Beach has also been hosting life milestones all year round. If you want to pump up your next birthday celebration from a house to a beach party, just reach out to Carmel Beach’s city office and start planning.
2. Monterey State Beach
Sharing a waterfront with other municipal beaches, the Monterey State Beach offers an experience that lands it a spot as a Monterey County beach worth returning to every summer. The long stretch of public access sand from the Monterey Municipal Wharf to the Seaside gives you an easy pass to preserves and local parks adjacent to the beach. And if you’re fond of nature trails, pencil in a visit to the Fort Ord Dunes State Park, where you could even indulge in cycling and skating. There are no campgrounds, though, nor are bonfires allowed (strictly implemented in California State Parks since September 16, 2014). Pet lovers may also not be too pleased to know that dogs aren’t allowed, but only on the north side. The south part doesn’t mind as long as they are on a leash.
3. Lovers Point Park & Beach
Once called ‘Lovers of Jesus Point’ when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp, this park-and-beach destination is a must-try option if you’re looking for Monterey County beaches. Apart from swimming in its inviting water, boating and surfing are dominate its scene. And since the beach faces east, it’s among the perfect spots to wait for the sun to rest over the water. Indulge in kayaking to navigate the Monterey Bay or possibly get the chance to witness the Kelp Crawl segment of the Triathlon at Pacific Grove.
4. McAbee Beach
If you want to try scuba diving, McAbee Beach should be a Monterey County beach to explore. Proud of its depth that’s approximately up to 50 feet (15 meters), your saltwater dive brings you to a large kelp bed just one minute away from the shore. Be captivated by the marine sceneries as you swim by old pipelines that transformed into artificial reefs.
5. Asilomar Beach
Asilomar’s direct translation ‘a refuge by the sea’ couldn’t be any more apt. Its breathtaking view of over 105 secluded areas of forests and sand dunes indulging in fun activities along its shoreline is an exciting contrast. Jump on a 3-hour electric bike tour along a 17-mile drive of Coastal Monterey. Do you want to stay closer to the sea? Hop on an hour of Monterey and Cannery Row Sea Car Tour with your family and friends. Does your pet tag along wherever you go? Asilomar has lots of little coves that could be a walk-in playground for you and your dog.
6. Del Monte Beach
Experience tranquility in one of the secluded sandy beaches of Monterey Bay – Del Monte Beach. Hidden behind traditional coastal villas, it’s a perfect spot for beachcombers and surfers alike. Fly a kite or set up a picnic table (view on Amazon) while the ocean water whispers in the background. Light and stain-resistant, this set is convenient to transport and store. You also don’t have to worry as to when you could sunbathe along the beach’s stretch of pristine sand because, among the Monterey County beaches, its weather is warm all year round.
7. San Carlos Beach
San Carlos Beach has a park to boot, making it among Monterey’s most frequented outdoor destination. There are also lots of coastal attractions to feast your eyes on while driving to this summer getaway. The most famous landmark is Lovers Point Park, while not falling too far behind is the Sand City. Fancy a picnic or a stroll with your partner or best buddies? A day wouldn’t be enough to cover the three-acre city park that’s just a stone’s throw away from San Carlos Beach. Apart from benches, vista lookout points, and footpaths, there are enticing trails for bikers and hikers alike.
Monterey Dunes Beaches
You could find four Monterey County beaches (Marina State Beach, Moss Landing State Beach, Zmudowski State Beach, and Salinas River State Beach) off Highway 1. While hours vary, all four Monterey County beaches have free day passes. From fishing and surfing to wildlife viewing and horseback riding, you’d get personal fixes of whatever activity you wish to indulge in.
8. Marina State Beach
A 2,000-foot boardwalk will lead you to the Marina County beach with the highest sand dunes on the Central Coast. Halfway through, you’ll even find a wheelchair-accessible observation platform if you’re with someone not up for the long walk. The beach also takes pride in its Marina Nature Preserve with its signature nature trail. Up for a ‘free fall’ adventure? Buckle up and try Marina State Beach’s hang-gliding activity at the Reservation Road entrance.
9. Moss Landing State Beach
Wildlife anyone? Then don’t forget to check out Moss Landing State Beach. Throughout summer and fall seasons, you’d get ‘close encounters’ with bottle-nosed dolphins from one of this Monterey County beach’s overlooks. So, pack a good pair of binoculars (view on Amazon). This pair is made of magnesium and is waterproof, coming in Black and Realtree Xtra color variants. From December to April, you might even see gray whales on the horizon since it’s their migration period. This priceless opportunity is all thanks to Moss Landing State Beach’s nearness to Elkhorn Slough, an ecological treasure right at the heart of Monterey Bay. Up for some bird watching? While-tailed kites, red-tailed hawks, and different shorebirds might be flocking the sky while you’re sunbathing.
10. Zmudowski State Beach
Couldn’t get enough of your fishing hobby? Why not couple it up with clamming, two of the sought-after activities that Zmudowski State Beach offers. Like the rest of the Monterey Dunes Beaches, the sand dunes at Zmudowski State Beach buffer the ocean breeze. You might even get a glimpse of seashore dwellers that have transformed these dunes into their homes. The Zmudowski State Beach is also famous among water and windsurfers, but its strong rip currents could be pretty dangerous for swimming. Are you a fan of nature preserves? Go check out the Pajaro River estuary that sits right next to the beach. You could even gallop a rented horse along the waterline for a movie-like experience.
Big Sur Beaches
Big Sur beaches may not be along California’s easily accessible coastlines, but the adventures awaiting you are truly worth the effort!
11. Pfeiffer Beach
This wide sandy beach is often confused with its near-namesake Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Beach, but both have distinctive charms. Two attractions that would make your Monterey County beach experience unique are the famous rock arch lying offshore and the amethyst-hued pebbles peppering the beach’s shoreline.
12. Point Lobos
Imagine coves, rolling meadows, and headlands, and Point Lobos wouldn’t disappoint! And because of its rich underwater habitats, divers get their fill in exploring the beach’s offshore areas. Satisfy your adventurous spirit by trekking hiking trails that lead to hidden coves along the shoreline. You’d also get a brush with history by checking out the small cabin that’s a remnant of the whaling industry on Whaler’s Cove.
13. Jade Cove
Yes, you might get lucky and find some jade stones along the rocky beach of Jade Cove. Chances are, however, what you’d see after a storm are serpentines, common stones that resemble a jade’s smooth and waxy texture. Don’t let that dampen your interest to visit this day-use beach, though. Rockhounding is an equally exciting experience, along with a hang-glider activity. Boost your adrenaline with this parafoil kite (view on Amazon) with a padded control bar and safety leash for beginners.
14. Partington Cove
Probably frequented by history buffs due to its connection to Big Sur’s 1900 tanbark shipping operation, follow the dirt road that splits into two trails. The right would lead you to the beach, while the left leads to a 60-foot tunnel where Big Sur’s history lies. Hike to your heart’s content at the Tan Bark Trail, although Partington Cove’s main attraction is scuba diving in its rich water.
Conclusion: 14 Best Monterey County Beaches, California
Which Monterey County beaches are worth exploring? Here are our picks once more:
- Carmel Beach
- Monterey State Beach
- Lovers Point Park & Beach
- McAbee Beach
- Asilomar Beach
- Del Monte Beach
- San Carlos Beach
- Marina State Beach
- Moss Landing State Beach
- Zmudowski State Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Point Lobos
- Jade Cove
- Partington Cove
Wondering if you can swim in the oceans in Monterey? Yes, and Lovers Point Park & Beach seems like the best option with its ‘warmer’ water (about 52 degrees). In terms of everything else, though, the Monterey County beaches in this article will give you individualized and unforgettable experiences that are worth saving in your brain’s memory bank.