01
Best overall pick
Moss Landing State Beach
Moss Landing Harbor • Windy Working-Harbor Shoreline • Best For First-Time Visitors
A wide, blustery stretch of sand steps from the harbor, with classic Monterey Bay views and an easy, straightforward access point.
For most people staying in or near Elkhorn, this is the natural first stop. You can park close to the sand, watch fishing boats come and go, and walk north or south for as much beach as your legs can handle. Expect cool temps and steady wind, so bring layers and a hat rather than treating it like a warm Southern California beach day.
02
Best long-walk escape
Salinas River State Beach
South Of Moss Landing • Remote Dune-Backed Strand • Best For Long Walks
A quieter alternative to the harbor beaches, with long, open sand and dunes that quickly thin out the crowds.
This is where locals go when they want to walk for an hour with hardly any interruptions beyond shorebirds and the crash of the surf. There are a few separate access points; each feels slightly removed from the highway once you crest the dunes. Swimming is not the draw here—treat it as a place for walking, beachcombing, photography, and clearing your head.
03
Wildlife-rich pick
Zmudowski State Beach
North Of Elkhorn • Wild And Windswept Surf Beach • Best For Anglers And Birders
A raw-feeling stretch of coastline at the north end of Monterey Bay, popular with surf casters, birdwatchers, and people who like their beaches on the wild side.
Reached by back roads through farmland, Zmudowski feels farther from town than it is. The beach is broad, with strong surf, lagoon areas, and plenty of bird activity, especially in migration seasons. It is more about space, solitude, and fishing than about swimming, so plan on sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, and time to wander.
04
Best family day trip
Sunset State Beach
South Of Watsonville • Campground-Friendly Family Strand • Best For Camping Families
A long sandy beach backed by camp loops and picnic spots, with enough space for kids to run wild while adults settle into a day-long hangout.
Slightly farther from Elkhorn than the Moss Landing beaches, Sunset is still an easy drive and rewards the effort with a more classic day-use setup. There are designated picnic areas, restrooms, and a campground tucked into the pines above the dunes, which makes it ideal if you want to turn a beach visit into an overnight. Expect a mix of local families, RV campers, and sunset watchers spread out along the sand.
05
Best for big-sky sunsets
Marina State Beach
Marina • High-Dune Overlook Beach • Best For Dramatic Sunsets
Known for its tall dunes, hang gliders, and wide-open sky, Marina State Beach is where you go when the main goal is a memorable end-of-day view.
From the tops of the dunes, the coastline curves out in both directions, giving you a broad sweep of Monterey Bay that is hard to beat at golden hour. Down on the sand, it feels expansive and slightly wilder than beaches closer to town, though access paths keep it manageable. Wind can be strong and the surf is powerful, so plan more for strolling, kite-flying, and photography than for swimming.