The wide sandy shoreline of Monterey State Beach on Monterey Bay

Beach · Seaside and Sand City

Monterey State Beach in Seaside

Wide, sandy beach and dunes along the curve of the bay in Seaside, with the Coastal Recreation Trail running behind it.

Photo: Pimlico27, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Monterey State Beach includes long, open stretches of sand and dunes in Seaside and Sand City, with views back across the bay to Monterey and Pacific Grove. It is a good spot for long walks, kite flying, and sunsets.

The Coastal Recreation Trail runs just inland, so you can walk or ride from here toward downtown Monterey.

Good to know

The water is cold and the surf can be strong. Enjoy the beach, and take care in the water.
Stay on marked paths through the dunes.
This is the closest stretch of beach to Otter's Seaside hotels.

For current hours, tickets, and conditions, check the official source: California State Parks.