01
Closest ocean access
Palm State Beach
Near Pajaro • Windy, Low-Key River-Mouth Beach • Quickest Coastal Escape From Aromas
A no-frills stretch of sand at the mouth of the Pajaro River, great when you just want salt air and open space without the crowds.
Palm State Beach is often the first patch of ocean Aromas locals hit, tucked at the end of farm-lined Beach Road near Pajaro. Expect big sky, steady wind, and wide, mostly undeveloped sand that feels far more remote than the drive would suggest. It is a solid pick for walking, kite flying, and surf watching, but plan to bring everything you need—services are minimal and the surf can be rough.
02
Best all-around pick
Sunset State Beach
West Of Watsonville • Classic Broad Monterey Bay Beach • Best Mix Of Scenery And Amenities
A sweeping dune-backed beach with picnic areas, campground, and big-sky sunsets over Monterey Bay.
Sunset State Beach delivers exactly what its name promises: long views and reliably good sunsets over the bay. High dunes shelter the picnic areas and campground, while the broad, gently sloping shoreline is ideal for long walks and sandcastle sessions. It stays livelier than more hidden spots but still feels mellow compared with Santa Cruz’s in-town beaches, making it a comfortable choice for mixed groups and visiting families.
03
Best for beach walks
Manresa State Beach
La Selva Beach Area • Open, Uncrowded Bluff-Backed Beach • Great For Long, Quiet Shoreline Rambles
A wide, often quieter stretch of sand below coastal bluffs, popular with walkers, anglers, and surfers who like room to spread out.
Manresa State Beach feels a bit wilder, with stairways dropping from the bluff-top parking to a long, uninterrupted shoreline. It is a favorite for sunrise and late-afternoon walks, when the light flattens the surf and the crowds thin out. Facilities are basic and the currents can be strong, so it suits people more interested in strolling, beachcombing, and watching surfers than casual swimming.
04
Best for birdwatching
Salinas River State Beach
North Of Moss Landing • Quiet, Natural Dune And River-Mouth Shoreline • Top Pick For Wildlife And Solitude
A low-key state beach where dunes, wetlands, and the Salinas River mouth draw shorebirds, anglers, and locals seeking quieter sands.
Salinas River State Beach trades boardwalks and snack shacks for dune grass, driftwood, and coastal birds working the river mouth. Several small parking areas access different stretches of sand, so you can usually find a relatively uncrowded spot even on pleasant weekends. It is a strong choice for those who like to pair a beach walk with birdwatching and photography, but come prepared for limited shade and no nearby shops.
05
Most versatile shoreline
Monterey State Beach
Monterey Shoreline • Accessible Urban-Adjacent Beach • Best For Combining Beach Time With Town
A central Monterey Bay beach with gentler waves in places, nearby paths, and easy access to food, rentals, and the city’s attractions.
Monterey State Beach stretches along the bay between Seaside and Monterey, offering a softer, more sheltered feel than many open-ocean spots. Sections near town often have milder surf, making them popular for families, paddlers, and first-time ocean-goers. With the coastal recreation trail, cafes, and Monterey’s main sights all close at hand, it works well when you want a full day that moves easily between the sand, the bike path, and an early dinner.