Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge
Moss Landing, CA
Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge reaches a genuinely remote stretch of beach via a path starting at the north end of Del Monte Boulevard, distinct from the state beach further north despite sharing the same river's name. It's a quieter, more ecologically focused stop than the developed beaches closer to Monterey.
A genuinely quiet, wildlife focused stretch of beach, though the remote walk in and lack of facilities keep it a niche stop.
How we score beachesBring binoculars, this refuge draws a real variety of shorebirds along the walk in that the more developed beaches don't get.
Free parking is available at the trailhead.
A path leads from the trailhead to the remote beach.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the refuge, with the sole exception of hunting dogs during the designated waterfowl hunting season.
Fall and winter bring the most birdlife, while fog is common most mornings year round.
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.