Monterey State Beach

Monterey State Beach extends approximately two miles along Monterey Bay, stretching between the city of Monterey and the nearby community of Seaside. The wide sandy shore curves along the water with waves rolling in from the open ocean.

During the 1800s, this shore was central to Monterey's fishing and shipping industries that built the city. The waters here were vital to merchants and fishermen who shaped the region's economy.

The beach serves as a gathering place where locals spend their days swimming, walking, and watching the water meet the sky. The scene reflects how the community lives with the ocean as part of daily life.

You can find parking areas, restroom facilities, and picnic spots spread along the shore, accessible from Highway One or Highway 218. Check the tides and weather before your visit, as conditions change with the seasons.

The waters here are home to sea otters that float on their backs and use rocks as tools to open shellfish. These playful animals are easy to spot along the shoreline if you look carefully in the shallow water.

Location: Monterey

Address: Monterey State Beach, Monterey, CA 93955, USA

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=576

GPS coordinates: 36.60717,-121.86308

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:03