The Golden Coast, or in other words, the Coast of California, is where you can expect to find some of the most beautiful beaches the world has to offer. From the crystal clear blue water at Asilomar, crashing waves at Garrapata, or even with the serene stillness present at Carmel-By-The-Sea, the California Coast has a wide range of beach options for anyone looking to have a relaxing day in the sand. Just ask Brad Pitt, who recently bought a 40 million dollar “shack” in the Carmel Highlands, just so he can have a piece of the world renowned beauty along the Pacific Ocean. Below are some of best beaches between Monterey and Half Moon Bay California, and how they contribute to being some of the most gorgeous nature icons of the West Coast and the world.
Asilomar State Beach
Located at the tip of Pacific Grove near Monterey, you will find Asilomar Beach, a long strip of rocky landscape that extends out into the sea from sandy beaches that are full of tide pools, otters, seals, rocks, and greenery. Depending on the tide of the day, you can explore the tide pools by maneuvering over the rocky portions of the stretch with caution where you can find all types of wildlife ranging from starfish, anemones, sea urchins, crabs, fish, and more. For the days when the tide is high, and the tide pools are covered, simply pull up to the beach in your car along one of the on-road pull offs where you can just sit with your windows down watching the enormous waves crash into the rocky landscape along Asilomar Beach. If you are a fan of Big Little Lies, it is Asilomar Beach that is actually used in a lot of the opening shots of waves crashing in the credits, such as the main one seen below.
Carmel Beach
This dog friendly, surf hot-spot is an ideal location for anyone looking for a relaxing beach that has the vibe of a coastal community. With scenic paths along the top of the beach, beautiful homes to drive past, and beach fire accessibility, Carmel Beach offers a wide range of activities that aren’t necessarily limited to stricter regulations that limit the amount of physical activity you can do. With that said, bring your dogs! Bring your wetsuits! And bring stuff to make campfire s’mores because you can do it all at Carmel Beach where all these activities and opportunities on the water are met with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, and the neighboring Pebble Beach Golf course which holds the widely acclaimed Pro-Am Golf Tournaments. Once you’re done at the beach, take a stroll in downtown Carmel where every building is themed to blend into a cottage-like fairy tale vibe that truly transports you into another world.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Approximately 30 minutes South of San Francisco, is the home of the famous Mavericks Surf Waves, which is also known as Half Moon Bay. This coastal town is a complete 180 from the city life in San-Fran, with a small town community that is full of cute shops, restaurants, and beautiful beaches stretched across the whole bay. Half Moon Bay State Beach in particular, is a gorgeous sandy stretch that is accessible from a parking lot that also allows for camping and wheelchair access. This is the perfect beach to relax at, after a day of shopping downtown or eating by the harbor, where you can experience views all the way from the South to up North where you can see the Point Pillar Air Force Station which holds what we call “the big golf ball” (visible in the photos above).
Lovers Point
The ideal location for picnics, lounging, and safe beach activity. Connected to 17th St in Monterey, Lovers Point is a grassy gathering with a total of 4.4 acres. Situated above the water is where you will find the grass park, where you can then walk the steps down by the restaurant to be greeted by a small cove that is perfect for more relaxed activity especially with children. The cove is blocked off from the main part of the Pacific Ocean making the waves smaller and more accessible to every type of beach goer looking to take a swim. Stop by the beach snack bar, or beach house restaurant after your day at the beach to soak in those spectacular views of the Monterey Bay, with a beverage and meal to satisfy your long-day cravings. For fans of, Big Little Lies, several filming locations took place along the Monterey/Pacific Grove coastlines which is where you can see some of the actual sets they used at Lovers Point, such as the constructed coffee shop set shown above.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
A personal favorite, Fort Ord Dunes State Park is a long stretch of beach and dunes that is situated in front of Marina, CA where CSUMB is located. This is my favorite beach to go to and just relax as it is not super crowded and most of the people there are just locals or students. There are several spots to access the dunes, where you can park and walk down to the beach along the sand dunes that are covered in the invasive yet beautiful ice plant. More inland towards Monterey at the end of the Sand Dunes is The Tides, a beachfront hotel with a bar where you can grab a quick cocktail to enjoy the oceanfront floor to ceiling windows overlooking the waves crashing right in front of you. My favorite thing to do however, is to find a nice place situated at the top of the dunes and where you can just sit, watch the waves crash, and enjoy the sunset over this lookout that oversees all of Monterey Bay up to Santa Cruz.
Garrapata Beach
Right off of PCH just above Big Sur, is Garrapata Beach, a somewhat hidden gem accessible by a small cliffed path that is surrounded by gorgeous greenery. With a tulip patch and stream that meets you as you reach the bottom of the trail at the opening to the ocean, is where you will enter the mile long sandy stretch that also has a hidden waterfall that is at the very end of the beach. To find it, simply follow the beach up North until the rocks and sand start to meet the ocean, and you’ll find the small hidden cove tucked away behind the cliff formations. Set up some chairs and relax, as this location truly is serene with very few people being on this beach at a given time, making it feel like it’s all yours when you are there.
Davenport Beach
Davenport Beach is just above Santa Cruz, where PCH starts to become more isolated as you make your way up to Half Moon Bay. More cliffy, prepare to bring your hiking shoes as the iconic arch swings are located on a very secluded beach that requires you navigating down a very steep and rocky cliff that has a rope to guide you along the steep path. But once you do make it, those iconic pillars are there to greet you along with the huge crashing waves that will make for a great photo. If you don’t want to do the intense hike, just grab a chair and enjoy the scenery from up top where there is also a large train track section that is inactive and able to explore. A perfect place to enjoy the sunset after a eventful day spent in Santa Cruz.
Pacifica State Beach
Just above Half Moon Bay and South of San Francisco, is Pacifica State Beach, a community oriented location. Right in the heart of Pacifica just below the pier is this surfers hotspot at a beach that shares the sand with neighboring local residents of the community. Pacifica State Beach is also home of the infamous Taco Bell that is right on the water, where you can order some Tacos and a Baja blast just feet from the Pacific Ocean. On days when it is foggier and more dreary, expect the vibe to be more chill with fewer people crowding the sand. For the days when the sun is shining, set up a picnic and be ready to meet some new friends as this is the location for a warm San Francisco beach day.
So plan your next adventure to experience these Northern California beaches between Monterey and Half Moon Bay for yourself and maybe you will find some new spots along the journey!