Top Beaches in Monterey and Carmel: A Coastal Paradise

Monterey County’s varied coastline makes for lots of beaches to visit. Whether you’re visiting the town of Monterey, going to Pacific Grove or seeing charming Carmel, you’ll find plenty of beach options that will delight you.

Monterey beach water quality is good, but in case you’re concerned, you can check the latest water quality warnings at the county website. You should also know that all of these beaches are subject to seasonal fog that’s so predictable it has a name: June Gloom. If you plan to visit in the summer, find out when June Gloom happens.

If you are interested in clothing optional recreation at the beach, there’s a list of Monterey County nude beaches to explore.

Monterey State Beach: Two Miles of Scenic Ocean

Monterey State Beach stretches approximately from Wharf #2 in Monterey (near Fisherman’s Wharf) all the way north to the town of Seaside, covering about 2 miles. It’s a beautiful, sandy beach with stunning views of the Monterey Bay.

The most popular sections of the beach are near Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey and just off California Highway 1 in Seaside near the Monterey Beach Resort.

Between these two areas is Del Monte Beach, accessible from the intersection of Casa Verde Way and Del Monte Avenue. Parking is available at the intersection, and it’s a four-block walk from there to the beach.

You can also travel along the beach on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. This 18-mile-long, paved trail stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove, following the old Southern Pacific railroad tracks that once ran to Cannery Row.

What is There to Do at Monterey State Beach?

Near Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take part in activities like fishing and kayaking, or simply play in the sand. The beach gently slopes in this area, making it a preferred location for water recreation.

Paragliders often launch from sand dunes at the Seaside end of Monterey State Beach. You may notice them flying as you drive along Highway One.

The Seaside section of the beach can have strong rip currents, making swimming, wading, and surfing potentially unsafe. Lifeguards are typically on duty; however, the area is better suited for walking, building sand castles, beachcombing, or flying a kite.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Monterey State Beach

Even though it’s a state park, there is no entrance fee at Monterey State Beach. You may, however, need to pay for parking if you visit the area near the wharf.

Beach bonfires are not allowed.

• In Seaside: Dogs are not permitted north of the Monterey Beach Resort hotel, which is to the right of the hotel if you’re facing the ocean.
• Vault toilets (porta-potties) are available at the parking lot.

• Near Fisherman’s Wharf: Dogs on a leash are allowed all the way up to the Monterey Beach Resort.
• Restrooms and a variety of places to eat are nearby at the wharf.

How to Get to Monterey State Beach

For additional information, visit the Monterey State Beach website.

To reach the Seaside section, set your GPS for the Monterey Beach Resort and park in the lot next to it, or in town on Wharf #2 or in lots near Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Carlos Beach, Monterey

San Carlos State Beach is a small beach situated in Monterey, nestled between Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf, adjacent to the Coast Guard station and breakwater.

This beach is very popular for scuba diving, hosting numerous diving classes each year, thanks to the vibrant kelp beds just offshore teeming with sea life. You’ll frequently spot sea otters bobbing around the surface as well.

What is There to Do at San Carlos Beach?

The draw for most visitors to San Carlos Beach is scuba diving. Many enjoy the area as certified divers while numerous diving classes also take place here. Breakwater Scuba is close by on Cannery Row, offering guided dives, equipment rentals, and scuba classes.

Due to the numerous divers, there aren’t many other activities, although there are picnic tables in the grassy area above the beach that provide a great vantage point to watch the action.

At low tide, tide pools reveal colorful sea creatures such as anemones, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. Late in the day, once the divers have left, it transforms into a serene spot to enjoy the view.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to San Carlos Beach

There is no entrance fee; however, all nearby parking spots are metered.

Restrooms are along the walking path just above the beach, but there are no showers. You will find ample dining options in proximity to Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Though dogs are not permitted on the beach, some individuals still allow their pets to roam there.

How to Get to San Carlos Beach

San Carlos Beach is located at the foot of McClellan Street and the eastern end of Cannery Row. The most convenient parking is available in the lot above the beach, or you can seek limited street parking spaces along Cannery Row just past the beach.

Asilomar Beach, Pacific Grove

Asilomar State Beach features a narrow, gently sloping sandy beach accompanied by low coastal cliffs. Rocky areas offshore offer excellent tide pooling. A scenic walking path runs along the clifftops, providing stunning views.

What is There to Do at Asilomar Beach?

Visitors mostly enjoy leisurely activities at Asilomar Beach, such as sand play and walking. Exploring the tide pools at low tide presents an exciting opportunity as well. Portions of the walking path are flat and easily accessible.

Sought-after for its beauty, Asilomar Beach’s curving shoreline and breaking waves attract surfers. If you’re interested in surfing, be sure to check the surf forecast ahead of time.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Asilomar Beach

The beach has no entrance or parking fees. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms present on the beach; the nearest facilities are across the road at the Asilomar Conference Center, so plan accordingly for restroom facilities. There are no showers either.

It’s advisable to bring snacks and water or make a stop at the Asilomar Conference Center.

Dogs are allowed on the beach but must remain on a leash at all times. It’s worth noting that Asilomar Beach frequently experiences fog due to its location at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula.

How to Get to Asilomar Beach

For additional information, visit the Asilomar Beach website.

Although Asilomar State Beach lacks a specific street address, it can be easily located via most mapping apps. The available parking is along Sunset Drive, adjacent to the road, and on busy days, finding a spot can be challenging.

Lovers Beach, Pacific Grove

Don’t miss Lovers Beach while enjoying the breathtaking scenery at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. It’s easy to overlook, but it consistently ranks among the best-reviewed beaches in California. Visitors often rave about the stunningly clear water and picturesque surroundings.

Lovers Point is a busy location due to its scenic views, making it a favored spot for engagements. This phenomenon didn’t happen overnight; local lore suggests it was first named “Lovers of Jesus Point” when the town of Pacific Grove served as a Methodist church retreat.

Facing east, Lovers Point offers one of the rare opportunities along the West Coast to witness a sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

What is There to Do at Lovers Point Beach?

Most activities involve visitors standing on the cliff tops, marveling at the beach.

When heading down to the sand, you can engage in beach volleyball, sunbathing, or swimming. Fishing is also possible, though you will need a license. If you want to explore tide pools, visit during the lowest tide possible. Check the tide forecast here.

Scuba diving to explore the kelp forests offshore is popular, and some may also try surfing or kayaking.

Lovers Point Beach serves as the starting point for the “Kelp Crawl” segment of the Pacific Grove Triathlon held in September. Additionally, late July sees the Feast of Lanterns Festival hosting a Feast Day in the park.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Lovers Point Beach

Entrance and parking are free; however, parking can be limited on busy days.

Restrooms are available, and visitors generally report they are well-maintained.

Picnic tables are situated atop the cliffs above the beach, making it convenient for enjoying a meal with a view.

Food options are available at the snack bar above the beach and a restaurant situated across the street.

The walking path on the cliffs above the beach provides wheelchair accessibility.

How to Get to Lovers Point Beach

For further details, visit the Lovers Point Beach website.

Lovers Point Beach is located at Ocean View Blvd. and 17th Street in Pacific Grove. For GPS directions, use 620 Ocean View Boulevard, situated just above the beach. You can find parking in the nearby lot as well as along Ocean View Blvd.

Carmel City Beach: It’s Like a Dream, Only You’re Awake

With a backdrop of sloping bluffs and cypress trees, Carmel Beach is particularly scenic. The beach overlooks Carmel Bay and Pebble Beach, enhanced by the presence of soft, white sand that is a joy to sink your toes into. A satisfied visitor described it as, “Carmel Beach.. is like having a dream, only it’s real, and you’re awake. It’s like being on another planet.” Consequently, expect it to be quite busy during summer weekends.

Extending about a mile, the beach stretches north from the main entrance on Ocean Avenue to Pebble Beach, and you can walk all the way to Carmel Point to the south.

What is There to Do at Carmel Beach?

Primarily, visitors come to Carmel Beach to engage in various leisure activities. You’ll often see people sunbathing, strolling along the shoreline, or playing fetch with their dogs.

Bonfires are permitted on the beach south of 10th Avenue, provided they are no larger than 3 x 3 x 3 feet and are extinguished by 10:00 p.m. While alcohol is allowed on the beach, it’s not permitted on the streets or in the parking lot nearby.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach does not charge an entrance fee or a parking fee, with restrooms available in the Ocean Avenue parking lot.

Locals recommend arriving before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds and enjoy the beach’s natural beauty undisturbed.

The limited parking spots fill up quickly on sunny days. If you opt to walk from town, don’t overlook the parking time limits—law enforcement is vigilant, and you may receive an expensive parking ticket.

Carmel is a dog-friendly area allowing canines to roam off-leash on the beach, provided they are vaccinated and under voice control. If dogs make you uneasy, it might be best to steer clear from the beach’s busiest sections.

Access to Carmel Beach from town is manageable due to the downhill slope, but save some energy for the return trip as the incline can be tiring.

Be prepared for foggy conditions at Carmel Beach, particularly during the summer.

Pay attention to posted warnings, as undertow and unpredictable currents make swimming hazardous. The stagnant water near the southern end of the beach can emit unpleasant odors due to decaying vegetation.

How to Get to Carmel Beach

For more information, you can refer to the Carmel City Beach website.

Carmel Beach is located just west of California Highway 1 at the end of Ocean Avenue, with the main parking lot situated at the street’s conclusion. Additional parking spaces can also be found along Scenic Road.

Carmel River State Beach: Why You Absolutely Need to See It

Carmel River State Beach offers two stunning beaches within one park, with the Carmel River flowing into the ocean making both equally inviting and enjoyable.

These beautiful beaches are highly rated by nearly all visitors, who appreciate not only the stunning views but also the soft, clean sand.

Carmel River State Beach at Scenic Road is a small stretch of sand situated between the ocean and the Carmel River lagoon. This area is particularly fantastic for birdwatching, as the adjacent lagoon teems with songbirds.

Carmel River State Beach at Highway One is affectionately referred to as Monastery Beach or San Jose Creek Beach, making it a favored spot for scuba diving due to its accessibility— just pull off the highway, park, and walk a few feet. This ease of access, combined with its stunning views, often results in a busy beach.

What is There to Do at Carmel River State Beach?

The highlight at both beaches is undoubtedly walking and soaking in the beautiful scenery.

However, be cautious as riptides and unpredictable currents can create unsafe swimming conditions.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Carmel River State Beach

Fog is common at both beaches, especially during the summer months.

Restroom facilities are available at both locations, though no fires or barbecues are permitted. There’s no entrance fee at either beach location.

Be wary of Pacific storms stirring the surf, as they may lead to beach closures.

Dogs are allowed on the beaches but must be on leashes. Please keep the beach clean by disposing of any waste.

How to Get to Carmel River State Beach

For more details, visit the Carmel River State Beach website.

To reach the Scenic Road beach location, take these easy directions: Travel southbound on Highway 1, turn right onto Rio Road, then left onto Santa Lucia, followed by another left onto Carmelo.

The Highway One location is located slightly south of Rio Road if you are headed south out of Carmel, and you can identify it by watching the mileage markers between Mile Markers 71 and 72.