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The best family beaches in Monterey are Monterey State Beach and Asilomar State Beach, and they do different jobs. Monterey State Beach is the sand day, a wide beach for castles and kites, with restrooms by the entrance, a paid lot close to the sand and one lifeguard tower that opens in summer. Asilomar is for looking, not swimming, with tide pools at low tide and a stroller-friendly path along the dunes. Monterey water is cold and the wind picks up, so pack layers even in summer.
| Beach Name | Key Amenity | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey State Beach | Restrooms & Showers | View Details → |
| Asilomar State Beach | Visitor Center | View Details → |
| Del Monte Beach | Picnic Tables | Booking.com Expedia VRBO |
| Carmel Beach | Restrooms | Booking.com Expedia VRBO |
Monterey State Beach
Monterey State Beach is wide and open, the place for a classic day of sandcastles and kites.
- Lifeguards: California State Parks opens a single seasonal lifeguard tower here in summer, backed by roving vehicle patrols. Outside those hours and away from the tower, keep small children at the water’s edge (California State Parks).
- Key Amenities: Includes convenient restrooms, showers, and picnic tables right by the entrance.
- Tip: Use the paid lot at the entrance and skip the long carry with the gear.
Good to know: It is roomy but often windy, so bring extra layers for the kids.
Top-rated family hotels in Monterey
Asilomar State Beach
Perfect for curious kiddos who love exploring tide pools and walking along the beautiful coastline.
- The Beach: Rugged and scenic with incredible tide pools that appear during low tide.
- Key Amenities: Offers stroller-friendly walking paths along the dunes and a helpful visitor center.
- Tip: Park along Sunset Drive, and come early for a spot.
Good to know: The water here is for looking at, not swimming, so leave the swimsuits for another day.
Top-rated family hotels in Monterey
We kept our ranked California list to the southern half of the state, where the water is warm enough that families actually swim, and covered Monterey separately as the northern pick. The full rundown is in our California beach towns guide.
FAQs About Family Beaches in Monterey
Are these beaches safe for toddlers?
Monterey State Beach is the better choice, close to the one tower that opens in summer. Keep toddlers at the water’s edge, because this is cold open ocean.
Do I need to pay for parking at these beaches?
It varies, with some offering free street or small lot parking, while others like Monterey State Beach require a fee for the main lot.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Yes, Carmel Beach is famously dog-friendly, making it a great choice if you are traveling with a furry family member.
More Family Travel Guides for Monterey: