Beaches
Monterey Peninsula’s Best Beaches Are In Pacific Grove
Come and explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located right here in Pacific Grove, California. Crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches are just around the corner from the Sunset Inn. Asilomar State Beach offers plenty of activities for beach goers. Whether you’re looking for a stroll on the beach, a tide pool to explore or a wave to ride – Asilomar Beach has it all! Asilomar State Beach Located just a short walking distance from the Sunset Inn, Asilomar Beach is open to walkers, (leashed) dogs, and cyclists. Across the street from Asilomar State Beach you will find the Asilomar Natural Dune Preserve. If you’re looking for a nice walk, you can take a ¼ mile trail that meanders through the 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem there. While there, be sure to check out the native plant greenhouse where more than 450,000 plants, representing 25 species have been grown and planted in the dunes and coastal bluffs. Lovers Point Beach Lovers Point Beach is one of Monterey Peninsula’s most-popular beaches! As the name might suggest – Lover’s Point is a popular destination for engagements, weddings and honeymoons. With its spectacular blue waters, tide pools and sand, it’s no wonder why people flock to this beach from all around. Lover’s Point Beach a great beach to take the kids to as well! The beach has a kiddie pool, volleyball court, snack bar and Café.
Monterey Peninsula’s Best Beaches Are In Pacific Grove
The Hopkins Marine Station beach is on private Stanford University property so it is off-limits to the general public. But this beach is still a must-see tourist destination – just look through the fence! You’ll see an amazing number of seals laying around on the sand that call this beach home year-round. The seals are visible from Ocean View Boulevard between Dewey Street and 1st Street.
PERKINS PARK BEACHFRONT
Perkins Park beachfront can be found along Ocean View Boulevard between Lover’s Point Park and Esplanade Park. This is a great place to walk along the trails and explore tide pools along the way. Perkins Park beachfront is known for Pacific Grove’s famous “magic carpet.” Nearly a mile-long stretch of the beach walkway is covered in purple ice plant which blooms during certain parts of the year.
POINT PINOS BEACHES
Known for the Point Pinos Lighthouse that overlooks the beachfront, Point Pinos offers several little beaches and turnouts from the main road along Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive. Tide pool exploration and watching the surf are perhaps what this area is best-known for. This beach is known for much higher than average waves – so be careful! Other Bay Area Beaches To Explore Santa Cruz Beach Just 45 miles north of Pacific Grove, California, Santa Cruz is a surfer’s dream come true! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk boasts free admission and combines old-school amusement park rides like the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster with 21st century entertainment. Be sure to check out their mini golf, lazer tag and free concerts on the beach! Carmel Beach Rain or shine, a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea is not complete without a walk down Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach. Dogs romp, picnickers feast, and the young and young-at-heart play on its soft sands while they enjoy stunning Pacific Ocean and Pebble Beach bluff views. Big Sur Beaches Big Sur’s beaches are famous for showcasing some of California’s most beautiful rocky coastline. Some of Big Sur’s beaches are accessible by car, but most require a short to medium hike.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park’s Beach
- Pfeiffer Beach
Garrapata State Park Beach - Andrew Molera State Park
- Jade Cove