The Monterey Peninsula is ringed with beaches, and locals know which ones are for what. Some are for sunset, some for tide pools, some for actually getting in the water, which out here takes nerve, since the bay rarely climbs out of the fifties.
Carmel Beach is the postcard, a wide crescent of white sand below Ocean Avenue, best at sunset. Lovers Point and Asilomar in Pacific Grove are the tide-pool coves, calmer and rockier, good for kids and for watching otters. Del Monte Beach in Monterey runs long and flat, the dog-and-jog beach, with the recreation trail alongside.
For drama, head south. The beaches below Highway 1 toward Big Sur, Garrapata and the coves past Point Lobos, trade easy access for scenery that stops you cold. Mind the surf, since this coast has real rip currents and cold water year round.
Bring layers whatever the forecast says, because the marine layer can turn a warm afternoon grey in minutes, and check the tide before you go tide-pooling. See what else is on outside on our events calendar, and our guide to getting around the Peninsula covers reaching the coast. For conditions and access, California State Parks is a good reference.
