Top Things to do in Monterey County
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10 Beaches in Monterey County That You Shouldn't Miss
Monterey offers a host of historic attractions from Cannery Row to the famed Monterey Aquarium. This incredible sliver of oceanfront offers an amazing bounty of things to do, with marine, floral and vine-fresh delights to savor. Monterey-Salinas Transit and Amtrak let you take your eyes off the road. Charming towns, world-class golf courses and idyllic inns lie at the hem of the glittering Pacific. Whether you're looking for calm or noisy beachside fun, the Monterey Peninsula has it in buckets.
Restaurants in Monterey County
1. Asilomar State Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
This State Beach starts at Lover’s Point and follows Ocean View Blvd around Pacific Grove to Sunset Dr and ends at Asilomar Beach. There is a something for everyone: nice boardwalks, footpaths, expansive tide pools at low tide, large crashing waves, lots of wildlife including sea otters, Pacific harbor seals, and lots of life in tide pools to explore. There are lots of benches to sit on and lots of rocks to climb at the right tide. Off shore you might see Humpback whales breaching, dolphins, or in winter time Gray whales. We have driven along the coast many times, taken many walks over the years and it’s always been an amazing place to hang and out enjoy nature. The weather can change a lot. Take and have with you layered clothing. The day after Thanksgiving was beautiful and sunny with no wind. Other times it has been extremely windy and cold.
2. China Cove and Gibson Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By aliciasM3431NZ - Roseville, United States
We really enjoyed this state park on our visit. We walked almost 6 miles. We were able to see lots of sea life. They have picnic tables in certain spots, great for lunch and a break in between hikes. Clean restrooms. We will be back to explore more. Great for children just be careful if they are small.
3. Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marine Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to Pacific Grove and loved seeing the views, watching the birds, seeing the fishing boats, and seeing the sea lions at Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marina Refuge. We went during the day and also enjoyed sunsets. It was busy as it was Labor Day Weekend. This is also a perfect place to take a walk.
4. Del Mar Beach
5. Lovers Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By krysheila99
This is a definite must place to visit with or without children. A nice place to enjoy one on one time with your soulmate or awful nice place to enjoy with family my grandkids totally enjoyed the beach and also the park they have you can rent bikes you can rent Kayaks. The view is beautiful
6. Carmel River State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,463 reviews
The water is brisk and the surf is hazardous, but the amazing views from the shore will draw you like a magnet to these striking white sand beaches for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Reviewed By yusqueya - Nanaimo, Canada
Amazing spot to watch the sunset - we saw dolphins playing in the water too, which was utterly magical. The beach is lovely to walk on barefoot, which is something I rarely do, but enjoyed here. Lovely to watch the dogs having a great time and you can see all the way to Pebble Beach too. Very laidback vibe here - feels very safe and is a quick walk from the heart of downtown.
7. Breakwater
8. San Carlos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to San Carlos Beach in Monterey. There are several historical plaques here including one for HP founder David Packard. There were also several divers there enjoying going out in the water. We were there on a stellar warm day in early November 2019.
9. Seal Rock Creek beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We took a drive through 17 mile drive. We enjoyed seeing the sandy beach and views at Seal Rock Creek Beach. We had a good time.
10. Carmel Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By LG4KL - Palo Alto, United States
As many reviewers already have pointed out - This is a great place for viewing sunset that for many turn into a beach party. We like like winter better when the sun sets earlier and you actually see it disappearing over water (in the summer it sets over the peninsula). A bonus for the restrooms.
