The Carmel Monastery Beach is absolutely my favorite in the area.Crystal clear water and pebbles sand make this a perfect place to picnic.
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Del Monte Beach Monterey

4.6
·2k reviews·Monterey, United States

A serene stretch of soft sand with gentle waves, boardwalks, and picnic spots, perfect for peaceful coastal escapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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The Carmel Monastery Beach is absolutely my favorite in the area.Crystal clear water and pebbles sand make this a perfect place to picnic.

Del Monte Beach Monterey

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene stretch of soft sand with gentle waves, boardwalks, and picnic spots, perfect for peaceful coastal escapes.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"It's a must-visit if you're in the Monterey area — relaxing, scenic, and perfect for making beach day memories."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Paid parking is available and convenient, often just a minute's walk to the water's edge.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Safer than some other local beaches, with gentle waves perfect for little ones.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,176 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soft Sand and Gentle Waves

Soft Sand and Gentle Waves

Enjoy miles of soft sand perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and relaxing by the water. The gentle waves make it ideal for families.

Instagram
Sunrise and Moonlit Evenings

Sunrise and Moonlit Evenings

Witness breathtaking sunrises casting a golden glow, or enjoy the serene beauty of the moonlit ocean. A truly magical experience.

Instagram
Picnic and Fire Pit Fun

Picnic and Fire Pit Fun

Designated fire pits are available for a cozy evening picnic. Remember to clean up after yourself to preserve the beach's beauty.

Reddit
Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, adding an extra layer of natural wonder to your beach visit.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Stroll

Del Monte Beach is a local favorite, offering soft sand and gentle waves. To truly enjoy its tranquility, aim for early mornings or weekdays. Weekends, especially during events like Car Week, can see parking challenges and increased crowds. Reddit

Parking and Access Tips

While parking is available, it can fill up quickly, particularly on busy days. Consider arriving early or exploring nearby streets. The beach is easily accessible with boardwalk pathways, making it convenient for families and those with mobility concerns. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Stunning sunrise views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends (off-season)
Why
Enjoy the beach vibe
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

sunrise by the sea 🌊🐚 💌#carmelbythesea #california #montereybay #ocean #coastal #creatorsearchinsights
@foodwithliz
2.3M likes • 12.6M views

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Paid parking is available and convenient, often just a minute's walk to the water's edge. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Safer than some other local beaches, with gentle waves perfect for little ones. Instagram

How I miss summer🥺🤍 #montereybay #centralcoast #california #carmelbythesea
@johanadlainez
565.2K likes • 3.8M views
📍 DEL MONTE BEACH, MONTEREY CALIFORNIA Del Monte Beach is a hidden gem known to Monterey Bay locals. It's tucked away from the main streets and located on the back side of a coastal housing. Always a go-to for us when we just want to walk endlessly on a soft sand beach. During my pregnancy, me and my husband would walk hand-in-hand while I waddled, ready to bust! In this video, the, then, bun ...
cravethe831
24 likes • 1.7K views

🔥 Fire Pit Etiquette

Use designated fire pits or dig your own, but always clean up thoroughly afterward. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Boardwalk Walks

Enjoy leisurely strolls along the boardwalk pathways through the sand dunes. Instagram

Embrace Monterey living in this delightful 2BR/2BA apartment. Stroll to Del Monte Beach (5 blocks!), shops, walking trail and vibrant downtown. Enjoy modern updates, a cozy porch, and an attached garage. Experience the ultimate in convenience and coastal charm! #propertymangement #montereybay
singhrealestate
4 likes • 248 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Access

Paid parking is available and convenient, often just a minute's walk to the water's edge. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Safer than some other local beaches, with gentle waves perfect for little ones. Instagram

🔥 Fire Pit Etiquette

Use designated fire pits or dig your own, but always clean up thoroughly afterward. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Boardwalk Walks

Enjoy leisurely strolls along the boardwalk pathways through the sand dunes. Instagram

📸 Perfect Photo Ops

Capture stunning coastal moments, from sunrise to moonlit evenings. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Laughter Yoga Sessions

Join Saturday morning laughter yoga for a unique beach experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Del Monte Beach for its soft sand, gentle waves, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for families and relaxation. The convenience of nearby parking and restrooms is appreciated, though some note that swimming can be inadvisable due to undertow. It's considered a scenic and relaxing escape, though not always the most exciting for children. InstagramReddit

"Nice beach, soft sand. There are a couple fire pits that are first come. Or you can dig a hole and make your own fire pit. Don't forget to clean up after yourself!"

Pink Hat Gypsy

"I visited recently and loved the long stretch of soft sand, clean surroundings, and gentle waves. It's a great beach for families, couples, or anyone looking to relax and enjoy nature. The water was clear, and the view of the ocean was just stunning. Many people were enjoying the waves, flying kites, or just laying under beach tents. The nearby boardwalk and marina filled with boats added charm to the scenery and made it feel vibrant. It’s less crowded than some other Monterey beaches, which makes it perfect for a quiet picnic, beach walk, or even photography. There are restrooms and parking nearby, which adds to the convenience. Overall, it’s a must-visit if you're in the Monterey area — relaxing, scenic, and perfect for making beach day memories."

Uday Ramesh

"Any day at the beach is a good day. This particular spot was right off the street. It has paid for parking, its easy to use, just swipe and you're set. The walk to the waters edge is less than minute. Cant complain at all about quick in and out spots especially with kids. Everything is somewhat close by, have fun!"

Scotty Hillis

What People Like

Soft, clean sand
Gentle waves
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Potential undertow
Can be crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Del Monte Beach is located on the Monterey Peninsula. It's accessible by car, with paid parking available directly on-site. Many visitors find it convenient for quick access to the water. InstagramReddit

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season or local events like Car Week. Arriving early or on weekdays is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

Yes, the beach is accessible via boardwalk pathways, making it a pleasant walk or bike ride from nearby areas. Instagram

While specific bus routes might vary, checking local Monterey transit schedules can provide options for reaching the beach area. TikTok

The boardwalk pathways offer good accessibility, making it easier for those with mobility challenges to enjoy the beach. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Del Monte Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking, however, is paid. Reddit

As a public beach, Del Monte Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific park hours may apply to adjacent areas. Instagram

While you can't reserve specific spots, you can use the fire pits on a first-come, first-served basis. Planning for larger gatherings during busy times is advised. Reddit

While generally open, always check local advisories for any temporary restrictions. Swimming might be discouraged due to undertow on some days. Reddit

No tickets are required for entry to Del Monte Beach itself. Parking fees are the only cost associated with visiting. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy walking, relaxing, picnicking, flying kites, photography, and even laughter yoga on Saturdays. Some visitors note it's good for quiet reading. InstagramReddit+1

While the water can look inviting, some reviews suggest caution due to potential undertow and large waves, with 'no swimming' advisories sometimes posted. Reddit

Restrooms are available nearby, adding to the convenience for visitors. Reddit

Yes, there are fire pits available on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can dig your own. Remember to clean up afterward. Reddit

It's generally less crowded than other Monterey beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. However, it can get busy on weekends and during special events. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the beach itself is more about relaxation, the nearby Old Fisherman's Wharf and downtown Monterey offer numerous dining options, including Paluca Trattoria. Instagram

Absolutely! Del Monte Beach is perfect for picnics, especially with the availability of fire pits for a more elaborate setup. Reddit

Food trucks are not a common feature directly at Del Monte Beach, but you can find various eateries in the surrounding Monterey area. TikTok

Monterey offers a range of cuisine, from fresh seafood on the wharf to casual cafes and international flavors in the downtown area. Instagram

Delivery services might be available, but it's often more convenient to bring your own picnic or dine at nearby restaurants. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour offer stunning light. Moonlit evenings also provide unique photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Capturing the soft sand, gentle waves, coastal dunes, sunrise/moonrise, and the distant Monterey skyline are popular. TikTokInstagram

The boardwalk pathways offer elevated views, and the expanse of the beach itself provides ample space for framing your shots. Instagram

The scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a lovely spot for engagement photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone operation policies before flying. TikTok

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Del Monte Beach Monterey (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide