Monterey Beach, California Beaches, Best Monterey CA

Romantic beach walks, running along the surf during sunsets and giving your 4-legged friend a walk makes Monterey State Beach the place to be!

Monterey State Beach is one of the best walking Beaches!

We love taking walks along Monterey Beach, especially after a great lunch at Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse which has a great view of the beach from the dining area!

We usually start off at a slow pace, taking in the fresh air, the surf, and the sounds. Eventually this leisurely stroll turns into a full out foot race between myself and my 3 and 8 year old sons.

We weave in and out, racing the surf all the while passing each other and laughing the whole way. My wife is often left in the dust taking pictures

Monterey State Beach is a popular place to build sand castles, boogie board, walk the dog, and so much more!

Monterey Beach is a great place to have a nice relaxing beach walk (or run) with friends and family or just to get some alone time.

There is nothing like walking a stretch of beach with the ones you love while witnessing the sun setting over the Monterey Peninsula.

Monterey State Beach Playtime! The surf here is usually pretty calm, especially if you're close to the pier. The water near the wharf is usually calm due to the protection of the wharf which makes it ideal for a number of water activities for adults and children alike. Keep in mind that this is referring to the beach area closest to the wharf. Always read and follow beach advisory signs on the surf and current.

But one thing you will learn real fast is that the water here in Monterey is cold and I do mean cold. Typically the water is 50-60 degrees. And if you can believe it, Spring and Summers are when the water is the coldest due to upwelling.

Because the water is so calm here, it makes it the perfect spot for first time and novice kayakers alike. Monterey Bay Kayaks is conveniently located here.

Monterey Beach is a Great Place for First Time Kayakers!

Dogs are allowed on the beach, but please clean up after your pet, let’s keep Monterey pristine. There are degradable pick up mitt dispenser machines near the entrances.

The Monterey Beach is a great place to walk your dog but please clean up after your pet, please!

Dogs Are Welcome at Monterey Beach but Please Cleanup After Your Pet

Sunsets at Monterey Beach

Sunsets here in Monterey can be downright breathtaking! It’s one of the most accessible places to see a sunset in all of Monterey but you won’t see the sun set into the Pacific Ocean from here. It will actually dip just behind the peninsula. To see the sun set into the Ocean blue go to Carmel Beach.

Sunsets at Monterey Beach Are Breathtaking!

Where is Monterey State Beach?

If you’re at Fisherman’s Wharf, look to your right and you’ll see a sandy beach that stretches way off into the distance, this is Monterey State Beach. On a clear day, you can view the beach as far as Santa Cruz, about 25 miles.

Walking

From Fisherman’s Wharf: Exit Old Fisherman’s Wharf and veer to the left (the water will be on your left). Follow the sidewalk along the boats in the harbor. You’ll come across Wharf 2 (right next to Sopporros), the beach will be just to the right of the pier.

By Car

Highway 1, Take the Monterey Peninsula Exit. Follow the signs toward the Wharf. Park near wharf 2 for closest beach access.

Some Useful Tips Cruising Monterey Beach:

Bring a Sweatshirt: It can get chilly, especially when you’re close to the water. If nothing else bring it and leave it in the car, just in case.
Wear Sunscreen: Even if it’s overcast be sure to wear sunscreen. Looks may be deceiving but the sun can burn even on overcast days.
Dogs Are Welcome! Bring your four legged friend to this outstanding beach but please clean up after your pet. There are crap bags available near the pier and other entrances to the beach.
Run Monterey Beach!
If you’re a runner then you’ll love running along Monterey Beach with it’s fresh Pacific Ocean air, soothing surf sounds, and beautiful scenery.

Build a Sand Castle!
Seems typical but this is a lot of fun especially if us parents get involved. We like to dig a canal system that leads to a main pool near the surf.

When the water comes in the canals deliver water to the main resevoir where then the kids can play with their toy sharks.

Catch the Sunset:
Taking a walk on the beach while the sun sets is quite a treat. No two sunsets are the same. And just because the sun has set doesn’t mean the show is over. Often times the sky will light up like Pink Cotton Candy after the sun has set.