Summer is here and it's time to take a dip and soak up some sun. It's no surprise that the Monterey area makes for a great beachy getaway, but it's best to know ahead of time which of the beaches to hit while you're here. In no particular order, here's our top 5 beaches to visit on the Monterey Peninsula!
Del Monte Beach
The closest beach to the Portola Hotel & Spa, reachable via the Monterey Recreation Trail, Del Monte is a long sandy beach starting just past Wharf II and stretching up the coast. It's famous for being in HBO's Big Little Lies, and its gently lapping waters make it perfect for young families. Not only that, the attached Monterey Bay Park features public volleyball courts, and rolling grass perfect for a picnic.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach is a stunning, soft, white sand beach, with jaw-dropping sunsets accentuated by the surrounding coast. The five first-come, first-served fire pits are highly coveted, but even if you don't snag one you won't be disappointed. Dog owners will be happy to know this pet-friendly beach allows their pups to run off-leash.
Beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach
Moss Beach
Moss Beach (not to be confused with nearby Moss Landing State Beach) is a sweeping cobbled beach within the private Pebble Beach community, accessible by their famous 17-Mile Drive (expect a modest entry fee, currently $11.25 per vehicle). Windy, rugged, and no less striking than the rest, there's a fun tradition of stacking stones into towers. This picturesque area is perfect for strolling, exploring, and lunching with family and friends.
Stacked rocks at Moss Beach
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar State Beach is a rugged coastline with a few sandy, pebbled areas but is best for a walk, run, or bike ride through the weaving sand-dune boardwalks and graveled paths. Visitors and locals alike love to bring beach picnics (did someone say Jacks Monterey?) and eat their fill as the feast their eyes on the dramatic waves, wildlife, and fantastic sunsets.
Asilomar State Beach sunset
Lover's Point Beach
Known for shady picnics, this beach and park is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and biking. A little known fact is that because of its east-facing direction, you can watch the sun rise over the water; a rarity in a state renowned for its fantastic sunsets.
Visit Monterey's Beaches This Summer
Monterey is a world-class destination, but it doesn't hurt to plan which spots seem perfect for you ahead of time. No matter what beach you visit, even if it missed our top five, you're guaranteed to encounter picture-perfect natural beauty and bring back memories to last a lifetime. The Portola Hotel & Spa is centrally located to Monterey's most popular attractions, making it the perfect choice for accommodations. To book your stay today, visit us online or call us at 888-222-5851.
Featured image courtesy of Visit Carmel.