01
Best in-town pick
Lovers Point Beach
Pacific Grove Waterfront • Compact, Lively Cove • Best For Sunrise And Quick Dips
A sheltered sandy pocket right in town, with calm water, lawns, and big views across Monterey Bay.
Lovers Point is the beach locals mention first: it is small but scenic, with an easy walk from central Pacific Grove and plenty of spots to spread a towel. Early mornings can be glassy calm for cold-water swims and launching kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. Parking fills fast on warm weekends, so aim for weekdays or earlier in the day if you want a relaxed visit.
02
Best coastal walk
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar Area, Pacific Grove • Rugged Dune-Backed Shoreline • Best For Tidepools And Sunsets
A long, rocky-sand shoreline with boardwalks through the dunes and classic wild Pacific views.
Asilomar feels wilder than an in-town beach, with wind-twisted cypress trees, granite outcrops, and a boardwalk that threads through protected dunes. It is ideal for slow walks, sunset photography, and exploring tidepools at lower tides rather than all-day swimming. Bundle up: even on sunny days, the breeze can be brisk and the surf powerful, so treat it more as a scenic shoreline than a casual swim spot.
03
Most dramatic shoreline
Spanish Bay Beach
Pebble Beach Coastline • Scenic, Windswept Strand • Great For Sunset Strolls
A broad, often windswept beach framed by dunes and golf-course greens, with a long coastal trail just above the sand.
Spanish Bay Beach offers that classic Pebble Beach drama: shifting fog, crashing waves, and a wide sweep of sand backed by dunes and fairways. A paved path parallels the shore, making it easy to wander, stop at overlooks, and watch surfers work the outer breaks. Wind can pick up in the afternoons, so many locals time their visits for calmer mornings or the golden hour before sunset.
04
Easiest all-purpose day
Del Monte Beach
Monterey Waterfront • Wide, Relaxed City Beach • Best For Laid-Back Beach Time
A long, gently sloping beach in Monterey with room to spread out, mellow waves, and a casual neighborhood feel.
Del Monte Beach is a go-to when you want a straightforward sandy stretch without much fuss. The waves are usually manageable, the slope is gradual, and there is space for everything from sandcastles to beach games. Walk a bit away from the main access points and you will quickly find quieter pockets that feel far from the bustle of Cannery Row.
05
Worth-the-drive icon
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea Shoreline • Iconic White-Sand Beach • Best For Classic California Scenery
A sweeping white-sand bay at the edge of Carmel-by-the-Sea, framed by cypress trees and distant views of Pebble Beach.
Just a short drive south, Carmel Beach delivers the postcard version of the Monterey Peninsula, with bright sand, a curving bay, and gnarled cypress silhouettes. The main access at the end of Ocean Avenue is lively, but you can find quieter stretches by walking north or south along the waterline. Bring layers: fog can roll in quickly, but on clear afternoons this is one of the most memorable spots to end the day.