01
Best overall pick
Marina State Beach
Marina Coastline • Windy Dune-Backed Strand • Great For Sunsets
A wide, bluff-backed beach with big views, big surf, and some of the best sunsets close to Boronda.
Just a short drive west through Marina, this beach delivers sweeping views of Monterey Bay and towering dunes right off Highway 1. Strong currents and steep shore break make it better for walking the sand, flying kites, or watching hang gliders than for casual swimming. Arrive an hour before sunset to grab a parking spot on busy evenings and watch the light drop over the bay.
02
Most secluded stretch
Salinas River State Beach
North Of Marina Near Castroville • Untouched Wild Shoreline • Best For Quiet Walks
A long, mostly undeveloped beach where you come for wind, waves, and solitude more than amenities.
If you want to trade crowds for open sky, this is the spot: miles of sand, coastal dunes, and very few buildings in sight. Access is via small parking lots off the farm roads, so it feels like a locals’ escape even on nice weekends. Pack layers, snacks, and water—there are limited facilities and the wind can pick up quickly on the open shore.
03
Best for wildlife watching
Moss Landing State Beach
Moss Landing Harbor Area • Working Harbor Beach • Great For Otters And Birds
A harbor-side beach where fishing boats, sea otters, and shorebirds share the scene with surfers and beach walkers.
Set where the harbor meets the ocean, this beach balances rugged shoreline with the constant activity of a small fishing port. Look for sea otters rolling in the channel, pelicans cruising overhead, and surfers catching peaks near the jetty. Combine a beach stroll with a stop at one of the nearby seafood spots for a classic Moss Landing day.
04
Easiest family option
Del Monte Beach
Monterey Waterfront • Sheltered In-Town Beach • Best For Relaxed Family Days
A calmer Monterey Bay beach tucked behind dunes, with an easygoing feel and convenient city access.
Hidden just off the main drag in Monterey, Del Monte Beach feels more low-key than the busier waterfront nearby. The dunes help block some wind, and the gentler slope makes it a pleasant spot for kids to play in the sand while adults walk the shoreline. Street parking fills on sunny weekends, so plan to arrive earlier in the day if you want a short, flat walk from the car.
05
Most scenic day trip
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea • Postcard-Perfect Cove • Great For Classic Coastal Views
A sweeping white-sand beach backed by cypress trees and oceanfront homes, famous for its scenery and dog-friendly vibe.
If you are up for a slightly longer drive from Boronda, Carmel Beach is the payoff: bright white sand, turquoise water on clear days, and a cliff-top path with knock-out views. Locals treat it as a living room for the whole town, from morning dog walks to evening fires in the designated fire zones when allowed. Expect heavier crowds on weekends and limited street parking—this is a beach best enjoyed with a bit of patience and plenty of time to linger.