The Best Monterey Beaches

Monterey County is home to almost 100 miles of spectacular Pacific coastline. Think rolling waves, long sandy stretches and a wild edge-of-the-world feel. Oh, and the surfing is sick, dude.

This rugged stretch of the Big Sur is a beautiful place to visit. Whether you love long coastal hikes, action-packed water sports or a bit of peaceful wildlife-watching, there's a beach with your name on it.

Water sports fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding great surf beaches. Discover secret coves away from the crowds or soak up the atmosphere at the more popular beaches with their buzzing boardwalks and SoCal-cool bars.

Monterey's coastline is a real haven for wildlife. Grab a pair of binoculars and settle in to spot majestic creatures like whales and harbour seals. You'll find a huge variety of landscapes to explore, from golden sands to dramatic cliffs.

Check out some of our top Monterey beaches:

Water Sports Beaches

  • If you love to scuba dive, head straight for McAbee Beach to explore its stunning underwater kelp forests.
  • Marina State Beach is a water sports hotspot. Launch a kayak and paddle along the coast or catch some surf on your board. It's also an amazing place to watch the sun go down.
  • Home to consistently epic waves, Moss Landing State Beach is popular with surfers and windsurfers. Offshore fishing is also very popular here.

Wildlife Beaches

  • Point Lobos State Reserve is an unspoilt beauty, home to a host of both land and sea creatures. Catch a glimpse of sea lions, elephant seals, sea otters and even orcas.
  • Scenic Lovers Point is the place to go if you're hoping to spot whales from the shore.
  • They might not be wildlife exactly, but where would we be without our own furry friends? Carmel Beach is one of the most pet-friendly Monterey beaches.

Quiet Beaches

  • The dramatic rock formations and lavender sands of Pfeiffer Beach are a truly unique sight. Well worth taking the trouble to find.
  • Zmudowski State Beach is one of Monterey's most secret beaches. With soft white sands dunes and gorgeous ocean views, it's no wonder the locals want to keep it for themselves!
  • If you are looking for miles of stunning beach to wander (4 to be exact), don't miss Fort Ord Dunes State Park Beach. For nearly a century, the US Military were the only ones allowed access to this spectacular beach, however now it's all yours to explore and enjoy.

Created in partnership with SeeMonterey.com