01
Best overall pick
Seaside Beach (Monterey State Beach)
Seaside Waterfront • Wide, Windswept City Beach • Local Favorite For Long Walks
A long, open stretch of sand at the north end of Monterey State Beach, with easy access right from Seaside.
Seaside Beach is where many locals go when they just want to park, walk over the dunes, and be on the sand in minutes. The beach runs for what feels like miles, so it rarely feels crowded even on busy weekends. Afternoons can be breezy, so mornings and early evenings are best for strolling, kite-flying, or watching paragliders launch from the bluffs above.
02
Most walkable from Seaside
Del Monte Beach
Monterey, Near North Fremont • Relaxed Neighborhood Beach • Best For Easy Beach Days
A laid-back local beach hidden behind dunes, with a mellow vibe and easy access from the Seaside–Monterey edge.
Del Monte Beach has a low-key, residential feel, with sandy paths through the dunes and a wooden walkway that makes it easy to explore. It is a great spot for unhurried walks, casual sunset hangs, and letting kids dig in the sand while you keep an eye on the waves. Parking is a mix of a small lot and nearby street spots, so it pays to arrive a bit earlier on sunny afternoons.
03
Best pocket beach
Lovers Point Beach
Pacific Grove Shoreline • Small, Sheltered Cove • Great For Picnics And Bay Views
A compact cove tucked below a park, offering calm water and sweeping views across the Monterey Bay.
Lovers Point feels very different from the broad Seaside shoreline, with its curve of sand wrapped by rocks and a park above. The water here is more sheltered than the open coast, and the grassy park, picnic tables, and coastal path make it an easy place to linger even if you do not get in the ocean. Parking and space on the sand are limited, so aim for earlier in the day or shoulder seasons for a more relaxed visit.
04
Most dramatic coastline
Asilomar State Beach
Pacific Grove, Near Sunset Drive • Wild, Rocky Shoreline • Top Pick For Tidepooling And Photos
A rugged stretch of coast with rocky points, boardwalks through dunes, and powerful surf crashing just offshore.
Asilomar is more about scenery than swimming, with a string of small sandy pockets tucked between rocky outcrops and tidepools at lower tides. A coastal trail and raised boardwalks wind through the dunes, giving you big views without trampling the fragile habitat. Bring layers—it is often cooler and windier here—but also a camera, because this is one of the most photogenic stretches of shoreline near Seaside.
05
Classic postcard beach
Carmel Beach
Carmel-By-The-Sea Waterfront • Iconic White-Sand Strand • Best For Classic Sunset Views
A wide, white-sand beach at the base of Carmel-by-the-Sea, framed by cypress trees and rolling surf.
Carmel Beach is the one people picture when they imagine the Monterey Peninsula: soft sand, dramatic surf, and a backdrop of windswept cypress. It is hugely popular at sunset, when locals and visitors spread out along the bluff and sand to watch the light fade over the Pacific. Parking is along Scenic Road and nearby streets, and it is smart to check posted signs for the latest fire and dog regulations before settling in.