Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Monterey Municipal Beach marks the beginning (or end) of the Monterey State Beach chain. From here, it is possible to walk the beach or take the recreational trail all the way to Seaside, CA. The beaches are wide open, with plenty of room for a broad range of activities.

A park setting offers grassy areas for sprawling out, picnic tables with barbecue pits, and a volleyball net. The waters at Monterey Beach are fairly calm, so it is a good location to launch your kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Kayak rentals are available onsite. The beach is connected to the Fisherman's Wharf, where you can find restaurants, shop for souvenirs, watch for whales, or go fishing.

This beach is located near the heart of Monterey, so expect large crowds of people. You have to pay to park in the parking lot, but you may also find parking along Del Monte Blvd. 

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Convenient location.

Cons

High congestion.

Features

Fishing
Picnic tables
Surfing
Whale watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

Nearby Adventures

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