Monterey State Beach
Climb down from the historic streets of Fisherman's Wharf and into the Pacific Ocean. Dive beneath the waves and explore the marine-blue depths or test your biological knowledge identifying the myriad of creatures of the shoreline tide pools. Cormorants nest on the stretches of the historic pier while seals and sea lions lay and play on the golden sand beaches stretching from Fisherman's Wharf to Seaside, California. Here, at Monterey State Beach, nature exploration and intense relaxation are one and the same.
While the scenery is what keeps most people coming again and again, there are several options for recreational activities at this glorious state beach. Biking, skating, and nature walks are all popular land-bound activities while water aficionados take to surfing, body boarding, and even surf fishing. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail runs 29 miles adjacent to the beach from downtown Monterey and north to Marina, California, and offers not only scenery but historic landmarks along the way.
While dogs are not allowed on the beach, your group will not want for wildlife. The protected beach leads into the protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, home to multitudes of wildlife including dolphins, humpback and gray whales, sea otters, and more. Simply lay back on the sandy shore with the surf at your toes and watch as those grand animals crest the waves with a feeling of majestic simplicity in your relaxed heart.
