Most vacationers to Monterey include a stop at the various beaches in Monterey as part of their travel itineraries. Monterey beaches are vast and beautiful. There are many beaches to choose from and each has its own special qualities. Swim, sunbathe, surf, build sandcastles, or bury a family member in the sand along the shores of Monterey beaches. With ninety-nine miles of beach along the shores of Monterey, no one need skip the beach activities of a Monterey vacation (or day trip for residents).

Asilomar State Beach

Starting alphabetically, Asilomar State Beach is first on our list. Located in Pacific Grove, this beach is a great place for a variety of reasons. Many people who venture here enjoy kiting, nature strolls, surfing, kayaking, and other beach-related activities. Gorgeous views along the sandy, mile-long stretch make for romantic getaways as well. Featuring a boardwalk and a nature preserve, this location has been dubbed a National Historic Landmark.  The best part? This beach features dog-friendliness. As long as you keep your animal leashed, they can come along.

Less Developed Beaches Make Adventurous Getaways More Fun

Dramatic, rocky coastlines make up the beaches of Big Sur. Garrapata State Park Beach, Andrew Molera State Park Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Beach, Sand Dollar Beach, and Jade Cove make up the beaches of Big Sur. Some of these beaches are rugged and untouched. Getting to some of them is not always easy for first timers, but locals can point the way. If you want to experience less crowded, less developed terrain, Big Sur beaches are the way to go.

Carmel River State Beach: Dangerous for Swimming, Great for All Else

Carmel River State Beach features panoramic sunset vistas, but that is not all. Kayaking, diving, surfing, and birding are very popular activities among guests to this Monterey beach. Beaches in Monterey are gorgeous, but few compare to this one. A lagoon and nature preserve are also found on the site. Though the beach is scenic, one must be aware that dangerous riptides make the beach less desirable for swimming.

Surf, Sand, and Sun Available at Monterey Beaches

Known for its four-mile beach and four miles of hiking/biking trails, Fort Ord Dunes State Park was once a training area for the military. Its history is marked by signs throughout the park. The home of the endangered snowy plover, this park requires that you follow the parkís rules carefully. This is another beach were caution is necessary due to dangerous undercurrents. Camping here is popular among visitors to Monterey beaches, and a campground is found on site.
Moss Landing Sate Beach is another popular site among the beaches in Monterey. Featuring activities such as surfing, wind surfing, surf fishing, and hiking, guests will find tons to do. Ride horses in the surf, as many romantics do or simply enjoy the many bird species found on the premises.

While this list is not comprehensive, it does exemplify the many aspects of Monterey beaches. Gorgeous views, windswept cliffs, and the area necessary for activity are provided by the beaches in Monterey. You will discover that fun has many faces on Monterey beaches.