01
Best overall pick
Marina State Beach
Marina Shoreline • Windy Dune-Backed Expanse • Sweeping Local Classic
A broad, wild-feeling beach backed by high dunes and big skies, perfect for long walks and dramatic sunsets.
This is the signature stretch of sand in Marina, with a wide beach that feels surprisingly quiet given how close it is to town. Expect steady wind, strong surf, and steep drop-offs, so it’s more of a walking, kiting, and photo spot than a swimming beach. Arrive a bit before sunset to watch hang gliders launch from the dunes and the light change over the bay.
02
Best for quiet walks
Fort Ord Dunes State Park Beach
South Of Marina • Wide, Quiet Blufftop Beach • Best For Long, Uncrowded Strolls
Miles of sand and coastal bluff trails offer a peaceful, lightly developed alternative to town beaches.
Just south of Marina, Fort Ord Dunes feels more remote than it is, with long beach views and few buildings in sight. You’ll park above the water and walk down, so it suits visitors who don’t mind a short hike with their beach time. It’s ideal for stretching your legs, watching shorebirds, and escaping summer crowds without driving far.
03
Most convenient in-town option
Del Monte Beach
Monterey Waterfront • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Easygoing Pick Near Downtown Monterey
A mellow, sandy stretch tucked behind a neighborhood, popular for morning walks, casual surf, and low-key hangouts.
Del Monte Beach feels like a locals’ backyard—less busy than Cannery Row, but still minutes from downtown Monterey. Dunes and boardwalks give you options to wander if you don’t want to sit in the sand the whole time. It’s a good choice if you want to pair a beach stop with coffee, lunch, or aquarium time in the same outing.
04
Best for scenery
Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove Coast • Rugged, Rocky Shoreline • Top Pick For Dramatic Coastal Views
Short pocket beaches and wave-battered rocks create one of the most photogenic stretches of coast near Marina.
Asilomar trades long open sand for coves, tidepools, and sculpted granite, with a shoreline trail that’s as much the attraction as the beach itself. It’s great for photographers, sunset watchers, and anyone who likes to scramble around rocks and explore. Pack layers—the Pacific Grove breeze can make even sunny days feel brisk.
05
Best for families and picnics
Lover's Point Beach
Central Pacific Grove • Sheltered Cove With Lawn And Rocks • Family-Friendly Coastal Park
A compact, protected cove backed by grassy picnic areas, with calm water on many days and plenty of people-watching.
Lover’s Point mixes beach and park, so one person can nap on the grass while another wades in the shallows or launches a kayak. The cove is more protected than open-ocean spots, making it popular with families and casual swimmers when conditions are calm. Cafés and neighborhood streets are steps away, which makes it an easy all-afternoon stop without feeling stranded on the sand.