Del Monte Beach
Monterey, CA
Del Monte Beach is a wide, straightforward stretch of sand reached by turning off Del Monte Boulevard onto Casa Verde, a genuinely convenient in-town option for anyone staying in Monterey. It doesn't have the scenery of the rockier Pacific Grove beaches nearby, but it's an easy, uncomplicated beach day.
A genuinely easy, convenient in-town beach without much fuss, though it lacks the dramatic scenery of the beaches further out on the peninsula.
How we score beachesCome here over the more crowded tourist beaches if a straightforward, easy beach day is the goal, this stretch sees a more local crowd.
Free parking is available near Casa Verde.
A path leads from parking to the beach.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Monterey Bay coast.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.