Dress in layers. Visitors are often surprised to discover how cool and breezy Monterey Peninsula beaches can be even in the summer (the hottest months are often September and October). But they’re beautiful no matter the weather – not to mention sunny and warm for most of the winter months.
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, http://www.parks.ca.gov/asilomar
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 one of the few beaches where dogs are allowed to run off the leash, and there are even three beach volleyball courts for setters and spikers. At the end of Ocean Avenue, Carmel, http://www.carmelcalifornia.com
Where the Carmel River meets the Pacific Ocean lies a grainier, less-populated strip of sand frequented by locals, especially bird watchers. Swimming in the surf is not advisable because of 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, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=567
The perfect family spot for a lazy day on the beach. The waters are calm and shallow, thanks to the protection from the breakwater and nearby Fisherman’s Wharf. A boardwalk winds through sand dunes with picnic tables conveniently located throughout. No bonfires, however, and dogs must be on leashes. Off Del Monte Boulevard at Casa Verde Way, Monterey, http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/parks-reg/delmnty-bch.html
Located within Point Lobos State Reserve, these beaches are perfect for viewing otters and sea lions in their wild habitat. Both beaches lay at the bottom of a steep set of wooden stairs but are well worth the trek down and back. 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 south of Carmel, http://www.pointlobos.org
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. Beach volleyball and a snack bar are also available. Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/recreation/p-loverspt.htm
This 171-acre beach features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the sand dunes and a hang-glider launch pad. Sweeping views of the Monterey coastline provide a great place to watch rippling waves. Marina Beach is frequently windy. Reservation Road, Marina, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=581
This newly opened park has a short trail to 4 miles of beautiful beach. Don’t worry, shrapnel has been removed from this former Army shooting range. Lightfighter Drive exit from Highway 1, Marina, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=580
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 a scary undertow means experienced water-lovers only. Highway 1, Carmel, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=567
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, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=576
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 road just south of Big Sur Station. The mystical scenery once enhanced Beat writers’ prose. Sycamore Canyon Road, 32 miles south of Carmel off Highway 1, Big Sur, http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/beaches.html
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, 9 miles south of Lucia, Big Sur, http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/beaches.html
This breezy beach is remarkable for its long, walkable stretches of sand and beautiful dunes below blue skies often populated with colorful kites. Check out the native plants and wildflowers at the dune restoration project. Canyon Del Rey Boulevard at Highway 1, Seaside, http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/parks-st/seaside-bch.html
Monterey County’s northernmost beach is a popular fishing and surfing spot, with more than 177 acres open for exploring. Jensen Road and Highway 1, Moss Landing, http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=572
