32 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Beaches Dress in layers. Visitors are often surprised to discover how cool and breezy Monterey Peninsula beaches can be, even in the summer. A 65-degree day can mean T-shirts and shorts or a fleece sweatshirt. The warmest months tend to be September and October. Yet area beaches are beautiful no matter the weather. Wherever you go, if you enter the water, be aware of rip currents and changeable ocean conditions—and that the ocean is wild. Note: Check for current rules on whether bonfires or dogs are allowed, as these may change. In addition, natural events may make some of these destinations inaccessible. Asilomar State Beach This rustic stretch of soft, white sand and rocky promontories offers a variety of activities, from kite-flying to tidepooling to surfing. Asilomar also has a long boardwalk along coastal dunes laced with delicate vegetation. A popular place for sunset strolls and dog walks. Restrooms available. On-street parking. Dogs allowed on leash. Seasonal lifeguard. Bonfires and alcohol are prohibited. Beach wheelchair or walker reservations at (831) 372-8016. Adjacent to Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove. parks.ca.gov/asilomar Carmel Beach Fine white sands ringed by bluffs set off the aquamarine waters of Carmel Bay, making this famous beach a weekend and sunset destination. It’s one of the few beaches where dogs are allowed to run off-leash and there are three beach volleyball courts. A good surfing spot, though waves are significantly affected by the tide—note unpredictable rip currents and rogue or sleeper waves. Restrooms available. No wood-burning fires; check website for propane fire rules. No lifeguard service. ci.carmel.ca.us/post/carmel-beach Carmel River State Beach Where the Carmel River meets the Pacific Ocean lies a grainier, less-populated strip of sand frequented by locals, especially birdwatchers. Swimming in the surf is not advisable because of strong currents, but the lagoon on the river side of the sand offers more protected areas. Dogs allowed on leash. Restrooms and limited parking available at the intersection of Scenic and Carmelo, Carmel. parks.ca.gov Del Monte Beach The perfect family spot for a lazy day on the beach—or an active day, as you can walk for miles (Monterey State Beach is on either side). Or play in the sand, or picnic, or go for a jog at low tide. There are numerous access points. Opposite the Naval Post Graduate School, a boardwalk winds through the dunes. The beach follows along Del Monte Avenue. Dogs allowed on leash. Restrooms available. monterey.gov Gibson Beach and China Cove Located within Point Lobos Reserve, these beaches are perfect for viewing otters and sea lions in their wild habitat. Both beaches lie at the bottom of a steep set of wooden stairs but are worth the trek. China Cove has emeraldgreen water and hollowed-out, rocky tunnels. Gibson Beach, located a bit farther back in the park, is less populated. Great for hiking and birdwatching. Picnic tables available. Dogs aren’t allowed. Restrooms available. Limited parking; fee to enter. Highway 1, 3 miles south of Carmel. parks.ca.gov/pointlobos Lovers Point Beach A protected cove makes Lovers Point a great place for a family swim. Picnic on the grassy bluff above the beach to keep the sand out of snacks and drinks. Beach volleyball, a snack It’s not hard to find something to do in Monterey County. The ocean provides everything from strolling on the beach to kayaking or a whale watching adventure and more. The parks offer camping, hiking or mountain biking. There are museums and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. But one can also have fun indoors—at an arcade, say, or a golf simulator. A good time is waiting. Del Monte Beach KAREN LOUTZENHEISER AT PLAY
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