Monterey State Beach Activities

Because of its sheltered location and a sandy beach that descends gradually away from the shore, Monterey State Beach is a popular place for playing in the waves, swimming, and lounging on the sand. Visitors enjoy a variety of activities from kite flying and volleyball to scuba diving and kayaking.

However, conditions can change, so check with lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a paved, 18-mile path that stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove, connecting all the beaches in-between. Among those is the recently opened Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The trail is open to walking, jogging, cycling, skating, and similar activities.

Kayaking

The gentle surf conditions at Monterey State Beach make it an ideal place to launch kayaks. Paddlers enjoy exploring the shoreline west of the beach, passing the harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, and Cannery Row. Kayakers pass kelp beds where they will likely spot sea otters. Other sightings include gray whales, dolphins, harbor seals, and sea lions.

Monterey Bay Kayaks

693 Del Monte Blvd., Monterey, CA
(800) 649-5357   Monterey Bay Kayaks
Kayak rentals, classes
Launch from Monterey State Beach across from Windows on the Bay Park.

Kite Flying

Kite flyers find the steady winds at Monterey State Beach to their liking. Local kite flyers head to the northern section of the state beach. The dunes there provide an updraft that helps keep kites aloft. On weekends you will see people showing off colorful kites and performing stunts.

Diving

Monterey State Beach is popular with divers as a good place to practice diving skills.

The sandy bottom beach slopes out gradually for several hundred yards. Beyond that the water reaches depths of around 70 feet. The sand gives way to a nice reef. Several wrecks are located there which provide habitat for fish.

Spear fishing is good for halibut and other species. Divers often see octopus, sand dollars, sea stars, and flounders in this area.
Aquarius Dive Shop is located at 2040 Del Monte Blvd., close to the beach. They offer beginning to advanced diving classes, equipment rentals, and sales.

Wildlife

Out in the kelp beds is the most likely place to spot a sea otter. Harbor seals are often spotted poking their heads up beyond the surf line. During the fall, winter, and early spring migrating gray whales can be sighted farther out from shore.

Brown pelicans are common along the Monterey coast line.

Surfing

Del Monte Beach is considered one of the best places for beginning surfers to learn. The waves along the entire state park beach are usually quite gentle and the shallow sandy bottom has few hazards. The best surfing is often in September and October. More advanced surfers seek out places like Asilomar Beach and Carmel Beach.

On the Beach Surf Shop

693 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, CA
(831) 646-9283   On the Beach Surf Shop
Rents surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, surf racks.