01
Best overall beach near Pajaro
Palm Beach at Pajaro Dunes
Pajaro Dunes Shoreline • Wide Dune-Backed Beach • Best Overall Pick
A broad, uncrowded sweep of sand right by Pajaro, backed by tall dunes and mellow surf.
Palm Beach is the stretch most people mean when they talk about “the beach at Pajaro Dunes,” and it delivers classic Monterey Bay scenery without the bustle. Access paths wind through grassy dunes to a long, relatively quiet shoreline that’s ideal for walking, shell-hunting, or flying a kite. There are no storefronts or boardwalks here, just open sand, sea, and a steady ocean breeze.
02
Top family choice
Sunset State Beach
South Of Pajaro Off San Andreas Rd • Family-Friendly State Park Beach • Great For Day Trips
A broad state park beach with picnic areas, campground loops, and long views up and down Monterey Bay.
Sunset State Beach sits a short drive south of Pajaro and feels built for an all-day outing. Picnic tables tucked into the pines, nearby campgrounds, and easy access to the sand make it an easy choice for families and groups. The beach itself stretches for miles, so you can spread out near the main access or walk a bit to find your own quieter pocket of shoreline.
03
Go-to surf stretch
Manresa State Beach
North Of Pajaro Above La Selva • Classic Central Coast Surf Beach • Best For Surfers And Long Walks
An open, bluff-backed strand that draws local surfers and walkers looking for miles of uninterrupted sand.
Manresa State Beach, a short hop north of Pajaro, has a more open-ocean feel than some neighboring spots. Gentle to moderate waves bring out local surfers and bodyboarders, while the wide, firm sand is great for long walks at low tide. The bluffs above give a sweeping overview of the coastline before you drop down to the water’s edge.
04
Quiet escape
Zmudowski State Beach
Near Pajaro River Wetlands • Remote Fishing And Birding Beach • Top Spot For Solitude
A windswept, less-developed beach where anglers and birders outnumber sunbathers.
If you prefer your beach time on the quieter side, Zmudowski State Beach, just south of the Pajaro River mouth, is worth the detour. The access road leads to a simple parking area and a broad, often windswept shoreline with few amenities and plenty of open space. Nearby wetlands and the river mouth attract shorebirds and migratory species, making it a good stop with binoculars in hand.
05
Wildlife-focused pick
Moss Landing State Beach
Harbor Area At Moss Landing • Scenic Harbor And Wildlife Beach • Best For Wildlife Watching
A sandy beach and jetty walk near the harbor, with frequent sightings of sea otters, seals, and seabirds.
Moss Landing State Beach, a short drive down the coast from Pajaro, adds working-harbor character to the typical beach day. From the sand and jetty you can often spot sea otters bobbing in the water, harbor seals hauled out on sandbars, and pelicans cruising overhead. It’s an easy place to pair a shoreline stroll with a look at the fishing boats and a casual bite in the nearby village.