01
Best overall pick
Monterey State Beach
Monterey Waterfront • Wide State Beach With Room To Spread Out • Best For First-Time Visitors
A long, easily accessed stretch of sand that offers a classic Monterey Bay beach day just minutes from Del Rey Oaks.
Monterey State Beach runs along the bay with multiple access points, so you can usually find parking and a spot on the sand even on busy weekends. It’s a go-to for picnics, casual strolls, and watching kayakers and paddleboarders just offshore. If you want a straightforward, low-stress beach outing from Del Rey Oaks, this is the reliable choice.
02
Iconic white-sand shore
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea Oceanfront • Postcard-Perfect Surf Beach • Top Spot For Sunsets
A famous crescent of white sand backed by cypress trees, ideal for dramatic sunsets and scenic walks.
Carmel Beach feels like a little escape, with soft sand, sweeping views of the bay, and the sound of steady surf. Locals come for evening dog walks and sunset bonfires, while visitors linger along the shoreline and bluffs for the views alone. Plan for a bit more parking patience here, but the scenery more than repays the effort.
03
Rugged coastal classic
Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove Coastline • Rocky Shoreline With Coves And Trails • Great For Tide Pooling
A scenic mix of pocket beaches, rocks, and boardwalks that’s all about coastal views rather than long swims.
Asilomar State Beach is where you go when you’d rather wander than sunbathe, with a shoreline trail and boardwalk weaving through dunes and along the rocks. On calmer days, the small coves invite you to sit and watch the waves, surfers, and shorebirds. It’s a favorite for photographers and anyone who wants that rugged Pacific feel within an easy drive of Del Rey Oaks.
04
Laid-back neighborhood stretch
Del Monte Beach
East Side Of Monterey • Quiet Local Sandy Beach • Local Favorite Morning Walk
A more relaxed, neighborhood-feeling section of shoreline with dunes, mellow waves, and fewer crowds than the main tourist spots.
Tucked just off the main drag, Del Monte Beach has a low-key charm that locals appreciate for sunrise walks and casual hangouts in the dunes. The waves are usually gentle enough for wading and playing near the shore, and the vibe is more residential than resort. From Del Rey Oaks, it’s one of the quickest options when you just want to park, stroll over the dunes, and breathe in the salt air.
05
Wild scenic escape
Carmel River State Beach
Carmel River Lagoon And Dunes • River Mouth Preserve With Dramatic Surf • Best For Peaceful Nature Walks
A quieter, more natural-feeling beach where the Carmel River meets the ocean, popular for birdwatching and contemplative walks.
Carmel River State Beach trades the bustle of town for a more untamed feel, with a lagoon, dunes, and often powerful surf. It’s a great choice if you like wide-open views, fewer people, and the chance to spot pelicans and other seabirds. Bring layers and treat it as a walking and viewing beach rather than a swimming spot, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the area’s most serene coastal corners.