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If you know me, you know I’m a little obsessed with the beaches here on the Monterey Peninsula. They’re not just beautiful — they’re part of why I fell in love with this place and made it my home. Some are wild and rugged, some feel like hidden little secrets, and others are where you go when you want to be social.
I’m going to share some of my personal favorites with you — the kind of spots I’d tell a close friend over a glass of wine. These aren’t just beaches. They’re places that, if you let them, become part of your everyday life here.
Ribera Beach – Carmel, CA
Okay, this one’s a true local secret. Tucked away in Carmel Meadows, Ribera isn’t the kind of beach you just stumble on — you kind of have to know it’s there. You park in this quiet little neighborhood, find the discreet trailhead, and then suddenly you’re standing on a bluff with the whole Pacific laid out before you.
It’s quiet, it’s dramatic, and it almost always feels like you’ve found your own private hideaway. I love it at low tide — the tide pools come alive, and the beach opens up just enough to wander without another soul in sight.
Ryan’s tip: Bring comfy shoes for the trail down and a picnic from 5th Avenue Deli. Their Beach Picnic package (sandwich, salad, cookie — trust me, order it) is basically made for this spot. Spread a blanket, listen to the waves crash, and you’ll swear you’ve slipped into another world.
Access & parking: Park in the Carmel Meadows neighborhood along Ribera Road or Cuesta Way. The trailhead is easy to miss — look for the small sign and wooden staircase that winds down through the cypress trees. The descent is steep, but the view that greets you at the bottom is worth it.
Carmel Beach – Carmel, CA
This is the postcard beach — the wide stretch of soft, white sand at the bottom of Ocean Avenue. It’s lively, a little chaotic in the best way, and one of the only places where dogs run leash-free like they own the place (spoiler: they kind of do).
Sunsets here are magical. The whole town seems to gather on the sand with wine glasses in hand while bonfires flicker in the distance. It’s social, romantic, and iconic all at once.
Ryan’s tip: Don’t just come for sunset. Mornings here are dreamy, with fog hanging low and only a handful of people out for their coffee walks. And if you want to feel like a local, grab a deli picnic (see a theme here?) and post up with a bocce set. Bonus points if you bring your pup.
Access & parking: The main access point is at the end of Ocean Avenue. Street parking is available along Ocean and Scenic Road, though it fills quickly on weekends. Multiple staircases lead down from Scenic Road.
Asilomar State Beach – Pacific Grove, CA
If Ribera is secretive and Carmel Beach is lively, Asilomar is wild. It’s long and rugged, with tide pools tucked between rocks and a boardwalk that meanders through dunes and wildflowers. I like to come here when I need to clear my head — something about the wind and the sound of the surf just resets you.
At sunset, the whole place glows. Photographers know it, locals know it, but somehow it never feels too crowded.
Ryan’s tip: Wear walking shoes. Do the boardwalk loop and stop to watch the otters bobbing in the kelp beds. Bring a thermos of something warm and your camera. It’s less a “sit and tan” beach and more of a “wander and wonder” one.
Monastery Beach – Carmel Highlands, CA
This one is raw power. The surf here is no joke — you don’t swim at Monastery — but wow, is it stunning. The sand is steep, the waves crash with this incredible force, and across the road you’ve got the Carmelite Monastery with its bells and gardens.
I come here when I want to feel small in the best possible way. It’s one of those beaches that humbles you.
Ryan’s tip: Bring a journal, a camera, or maybe just a moment of quiet. It’s not about activity here — it’s about reflection. Parking is easy here right alongside Highway 1 just south of Carmel.
Garrapata State Beach – Big Sur, CA
Just past Carmel Highlands, Garrapata is what I like to call the “sneaky Big Sur beach.” It’s got all the drama — wide golden sand, cliffs, crashing surf — without the extra hour’s drive. It’s usually less crowded too, which makes it perfect for those long walks where you just lose track of time.
In spring, the bluffs are lit up with wildflowers. In winter, you can sometimes spot whales migrating offshore.
Ryan’s tip: Park on Highway 1 near mile markers 18–19 and look for the hidden wooden staircase. Bring sturdy shoes, a cozy blanket, and maybe a bottle of local Monterey wine for sunset. This is a stay-til-the-light-fades kind of spot.
China Cove – Point Lobos
This one looks like it belongs on a Mediterranean postcard. The water glows this surreal shade of emerald, and seals are often lounging on the sand like they own the place.
Access to the beach itself is sometimes closed to protect wildlife, but honestly? The view from above is worth it alone. It feels like a secret you almost can’t believe exists this close to home.
Ryan’s tip: Go early. Point Lobos fills up fast. Bring binoculars, find a bench, and just watch — the seals are endlessly entertaining. Parking is $10 if available, otherwise you can park along Highway 1 and walk in.
Lovers Point – Pacific Grove, CA
If you want activity, this is your spot. Lovers Point is the hub of Pacific Grove’s coastline — and it’s one of the few safe swimming beaches around. Families picnic on the grassy lawns, kids wade in the calm cove, and locals launch kayaks and paddleboards straight into Monterey Bay.
There’s even a rental spot (Adventures by the Sea) right on the beach, so you can grab a kayak and paddle out among the otters and seals. Honestly, it’s one of the best ways to see the bay.
Ryan’s tip: Come early to beat the crowds and the wind. Rent a kayak, paddle around for an hour, then plop down on the sand with a deli picnic. If you’re more of a morning person, it’s one of the only spots where you can actually watch the sun rise over the ocean on the West Coast.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Beach Day
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Come early: Parking fills fast, especially at Point Lobos and Carmel Beach.
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Dress in layers: Sunshine and fog are constant dance partners here.
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Pack the picnic: Seriously, just swing by 5th Avenue Deli in Carmel. Their Beach Picnic package is foolproof and makes any spot feel special. Other options include Nielsen Brothers for a broader selection and some amazing wines or Bruno's Market & Deli.
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Match your mood: Want quiet? Ribera or Gibson. Want wild? Garrapata. Want social? Carmel Beach or Lovers Point.
Make These Beaches Your Backyard
Here’s the thing: for most people, these beaches are dream destinations. But if you live here? They’re just part of life. Morning swims at Lovers Point, sunset walks at Ribera, spontaneous Garrapata drives when you need to clear your head — this becomes your everyday.
And that’s exactly why I love helping people find homes here. Because when you buy a house on the Monterey Peninsula, you’re not just buying walls and a roof. You’re buying into a lifestyle that’s as rich and layered as the coastline itself.
So if you’re ready to make these beaches your backyard — let’s talk. I’d love to help you find your place here.
