Eolian Dunes Preserve
Sand City, CA

Eolian Dunes Preserve protects a small stretch of dune habitat in Sand City, reached by on-street parking rather than a dedicated lot. It's a modest, low key stop between the bigger named beaches of Monterey and Marina.
A modest dune preserve that's genuinely easy to combine with a stop at the bigger beaches nearby, though it doesn't have much to draw a dedicated trip.
How we score beachesThis is a quick stop rather than a destination, good for stretching your legs between the bigger beaches on either side.
Free on-street parking is available.
A path leads from the street 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.
