01
Best overall pick
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea Waterfront • Iconic White-Sand Town Beach • Best All-Around Day Trip
A classic crescent of bright sand backed by cypress trees and walkable streets full of food and shops.
If you only have one coastal day to spare from Gonzales, Carmel Beach is the easy, crowd-pleasing choice. The sand is soft, the scenery is dramatic, and you can walk straight from the shoreline to coffee, wine tastings, and galleries. Arrive early on weekends for parking and bring layers—fog can roll in even on warm inland days.
02
Best for tidepools and sunsets
Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove Coast • Rocky Scenic Shoreline • Great For Exploring And Photography
A rugged stretch of coast where waves crash over rocks, trails wind through dunes, and tidepools steal the show at low tide.
Asilomar is less about laying out and more about wandering—think boardwalks through coastal dunes, tidepool hunting, and long shoreline walks. It’s a favorite for photographers and anyone who likes their beach time with a side of wind and drama. Swimming is not ideal here due to strong currents, so pack layers and sturdy shoes instead of floaties.
03
Best in-town option
Del Monte Beach
Monterey Waterfront • Wide In-Town Beach • Easy Add-On To Monterey Visit
A long, mellow stretch of sand tucked just off the main Monterey drag, with room to spread out even on busy days.
Del Monte Beach works perfectly when you’re splitting the day between the shore and Monterey’s aquarium, wharf, or Cannery Row. The sand is broad, the waves usually feel manageable for wading and play, and you’ll see plenty of locals walking dogs or jogging the shoreline. Look for the less obvious access points along the neighborhood streets to escape the busiest sections.
04
Best for wildlife watching
Moss Landing State Beach
Moss Landing Harbor • Windy Dune-Backed Beach • Top Pick For Birders And Ocean Watching
A wide, often breezy beach where dune grasses, harbor views, and frequent wildlife sightings steal the spotlight.
Moss Landing is where you go when you want big-sky views and fewer people, not a perfectly sheltered swim. Expect wind, dramatic surf, and a good chance of spotting sea otters, seals, and a lot of bird life near the harbor and slough. It pairs nicely with a stop at the small harbor cafés, but be cautious around the water—rip currents are common.
05
Best sheltered cove
Lovers Point Beach
Pacific Grove Cove • Cozy, Park-Backed Cove Beach • Good For Calmer Water And Picnics
A compact, family-friendly cove ringed by park lawns and paths, with more shelter from wind than most local beaches.
Tucked into a curve of the Pacific Grove shoreline, Lovers Point feels more intimate than the big open beaches farther up the bay. The cove shape often means gentler conditions for wading, kayaking, or simply sitting close to the water while kids dig in the sand. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy park above the beach, then walk the coastal trail for classic Monterey Bay views.