01
Best overall pick
Sand City Beach
Sand City Shoreline • Wild, Dune-Backed City Beach • Best Mix Of Views And Solitude
A broad, uncrowded stretch of sand backed by towering dunes, just minutes from Sand City’s businesses and warehouses.
If you want the pure Sand City experience, this is the place: huge dunes, sweeping views up and down the bay, and plenty of room to spread out. Access roads drop you close to the sand, but once you walk a bit, it feels surprisingly remote for being so close to town. It’s ideal for long walks, decompressing after work, and watching storms roll across the bay.
02
Most convenient family stop
Monterey State Beach
Seaside & Monterey Border • Wide, Accessible Family Beach • Best For Easy Access And Play
A broad, gently sloping beach with parking, restrooms, and a more classic “day at the beach” setup than Sand City’s wild dunes.
Just south of Sand City, Monterey State Beach is where locals go when they want sand castles, boogie boards, and a short carry from the car. The surf can still be powerful, but the wide, open shoreline gives families space to spread out and keep an eye on the water. It’s a good choice when you want straightforward access, facilities, and that familiar beach-day feel.
03
Best for quiet walks
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Just North Of Sand City • Protected Dune And Bluff Shoreline • Best For Long, Quiet Walks
A restored military coastline turned state park, with high bluffs, preserved dunes, and a long, often empty strand of sand.
A few minutes north of Sand City, Fort Ord Dunes feels much wilder than its freeway exit suggests. Trails wind along the bluffs with overlooks and old concrete bunkers, and side paths drop down to a wide beach that rarely feels busy. Come here when you want a long leg-stretcher, birdwatching, or a more contemplative walk close to town.
04
Best for big-sky sunsets
Marina State Beach
Marina • Windy, Dramatic Surf Beach • Best For Kite Flying And Sunsets
A high-dune beach known for strong winds, big views, and some of the best sunset watching on this stretch of coast.
This is the spot locals mention when you ask where to see the sky light up over Monterey Bay. The dunes are steep, the breezes are strong, and the surf is powerful, so it’s more for walking, watching, and flying kites than swimming. Time your visit for late afternoon and stay as the sun drops to get the most out of it.
05
Best for rocky shoreline exploring
Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove Coast • Rocky Shoreline With Tide Pools • Best For Coastal Exploring
A scenic ribbon of small coves and rock outcrops, better for strolling, tide pooling, and photography than for classic swimming.
A short, scenic drive from Sand City around the peninsula, Asilomar trades wide sand for a more intricate coastline. A coastal trail parallels the road, with pullouts leading to pocket beaches, tide pools, and rock shelves where waves crash dramatically on winter swells. It’s a favorite for slow walks, tide-pool missions with kids, and photographers chasing golden light on the rocks.