beaches
Asilomar State Beach
This rustic stretch of soft white sand beaches and rocky promontories offers a variety of activities for the family, from kite flying to tidepooling. Asilomar also has a long boardwalk traversing restored coastal dunes laced with delicate vegetation. A popular place for sunset strolls. Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove.
Carmel Beach
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more picture-perfect beach anywhere on the West Coast. Fine white sands ringed by bluffs set off the aquamarine waters of Carmel Bay, making this famous beach a popular weekend and sunset-hour destination. It’s also one of the few beaches where dogs can run off the leash. At the end of Ocean Avenue, Carmel.
Carmel River Beach
Where the Carmel River meets the Pacific Ocean lies a grainier, less populated strip of sand frequented by locals, especially birders. Swimming in the surf is not advisable due to strong currents, but the lagoon formed by the river offers more protected wading and swimming. Parking lot and restrooms available. At the intersection of Scenic and Carmelo, Carmel.
Gibson Beach And China Cove
Located inside Point Lobos State Reserve, these beaches are perfect for viewing otters and sea lions in their wild habitat. Both lie at the bottom of a steep set of wooden stairs but are well worth the trek down and back up. Jewel-like China Cove has emerald green water and hollowed-out rocky tunnels to swim through. Gibson Beach, located a bit farther back in the park, is usually less populated. Highway 1, Carmel.
Lovers Point Beach
A protected cove makes Lovers Point a great place for a family swim. Picnic on the grassy bluff above the beach to keep the sand out of snacks and drinks. Snack bar and restrooms available. Ocean View, Pacific Grove.
Marina State Beach
This 171-acre beach features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the sand dunes and a hang glider take-off ramp. Spectacular views of the Monterey harbor provide a great place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. Marina beach is frequently windy. Reservation Road, Marina.
Monastery Beach
There’s excellent scuba diving off the beach just north of Point Lobos and across from the Carmelite monastery. The steep slope is great for skimboarding, but scary undertow means experienced water-lovers only. Highway 1, Carmel.
Monterey State Beach
Monterey’s long, conveniently located stretch of coastline is accessible at many points along Del Monte Avenue, from Municipal Wharf up the coast to Seaside. An ideal place to jog or stroll. Del Monte Avenue, Monterey.
Pfeiffer Beach
The only National Forest beach in California is found in Big Sur about 45 minutes south of Carmel. Keep your eyes open for an unmarked dirt turnoff just past the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on Highway 1. The scenery is spectacular, but the surf can be dangerous. Sycamore Canyon, 32 miles south of Carmel off Highway 1, Big Sur.
Sand Dollar Beach
Home to Jade Cove, this is one of the few accessible beaches in the southern part of Big Sur. It’s a good place to park your RV and find the pretty sand dollars for which the beach is aptly named. Highway 1, two miles south of Pacific Valley, Big Sur.
Seaside Beach
This breezy beach is remarkable for its long, walkable stretches of sand and beautiful dunes. Check out the native plants and wildflowers at the dune restoration project. Canyon Del Rey at Highway 1, Seaside.
Zmudowski State Beach
Monterey County’s northernmost beach is a popular fishing and surfing spot, with more than 177 acres open for exploring. Jensen and Highway 1, Moss Landing.
