Monterey, California County Beaches

San Carlo Beach
MacAbee Beach
Lover's Point
Pfeiffer Beach
Garrapata State Park Beach
Carmel River State Beach

Monterey State Beach -

Framed by the Window on the Bay Park, Monterey's most expansive beach, stretches from Wharf #2 to Seaside. Since the soft sand shelves gently into Monterey Bay, Monterey State Beach is one of the safest beaches for swimming, paddling, beach volleyball, kayaking, and canoeing. The beach and park feature restrooms, snack bars, restaurants and parking. Walk along the beautiful beach to Seaside or on the Monterey Recreation Trail.

San Carlo Beach -

Marking the end of Cannery Row, adjacent to the Coast Guard Pier, San Carlos Beach is a popular jumping-off point for scuba divers heading for the ruins of cannery gear. The beach's shallow grade and soft sands are a perfect spot for families looking for a place to cool their toes. Despite chilly waters, underwater divers make a pilgrimage to these waters to view over 70% of the world's invertebrate life. A grassy area, picnic tables, ample parking, and an outdoor shower make this beach a diver's hot spot.

MacAbee Beach -

Located in the midst of Cannery Row, Monterey's MacAbee Beach is a tiny stretch of sand that attracts families and divers. The beach is popular with kayakers, scuba divers occasionally and kids who frolic in the gentle waves. Stroll a few blocks inland for restaurants, bars and shops galore.

Seaside -

The beautiful, dune-fringed beach at Seaside is a playground of kites, sand buggies, and kids playing in the surf. The long beach features soft, white sands that shelve gently into the bay waters and stretch for miles from Monterey to Sand City. Beach goers find refreshments and beach gear in the shopping plaza just across Highway One.

Lover's Point -

Enjoy the tranquility of the ocean, beach and a lovely park with magnificent views of the Monterey Bay. Lovers Point Beach is paradise for scuba diving, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Just a short walk from the hotel, Lover's Point is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a romantic picnic, and watch a beautiful Monterey sunset.

Big Sur Coast Beaches -

Hikers can easily access the pristine, wild beaches along the Big Sur coast. The 4,800 acres of Andrew Molera State Park are laced with hiking and biking trails, and the Big Sur River Bobcat Trail is an easy 3-mile hike that passes the Cooper Cabin, Big Sur's oldest structure, and ends at a pleasant, sandy beach. State park admission fees include parking.

Pfeiffer Beach -

One of Monterey County's most beautiful and popular beaches, Pfeiffer Beach is located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in the heart of Big Sur. After renovations, the beach offers easier access, increased parking, and new restrooms. There is a $5 entrance fee.

Asilomar State Park and Beach -

Following Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Park and Beach is a stunning destination for swimming, surfing, kite flying, and exploring the tidepools that flow into the sweeping stretch of pale sand at Spanish Bay. Explore the intimate, sheltered coves, linked by paths and boardwalks, and tidepools that are idyllic spots for wildlife-spotting and watching sunsets. Stroll the scenic boardwalk that connects Asilomar to 17-Mile Drive.

Garrapata State Park Beach -

Seven miles south of Carmel, Garrapata State Park offers 2879 acres of Big Sur beauty, with coastal hiking trails leading through piney forests to two miles of awesome beach front. Brave the 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Pacific and the outstanding coastal headlands at Soberanes Point - a favorite spot for its panoramic vistas. The park offers diverse coastal vegetation with trails running from ocean beaches into dense redwood groves. The rocks at the south end of the beach are a haven for rock climbers. Watch the sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and gray whales that frequent the coastal waters at this beach.

Carmel River State Beach -

Known as Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve, Carmel River State Beach is a tranquil strand for watching birds and wildlife and playing in the beach's shallow lagoon. A small overland trail leads to Monastery Beach. A modern cross marks the spot where Gaspar de Portola erected a cross in 1769.

Carmel Town Beach -

Carmel Town Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is a local favorite with great surf, excellent dog-walking areas and soft silvery sand punctuated by outcroppings of rock. The level beach is home of an annual sandcastle contest that attracts throngs of locals and tourists. Restaurants and shops are a short walk up the steep hill in town.

Marina State Beach -

Marina State Beach offers 170 acres of protected dunes and beautiful sandy beaches. This state beach is a local hangout for surfing, kite flying, hang-gliding, and surf-casting. Although surfing is permitted, the shoreline waters are dangerous for wading or swimming. A boardwalk leads across the dunes to the beach, where dogs are allowed off leashes. The beach also offers a relaxing café and an observation deck.

Moss Landing State Beach -

Moss Landing features a sand beach, a pier and a jetty for activities like surfing, wind-surfing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, horseback riding, surf fishing and overnight camping. This beach is a busy spot for birdwatchers.