McAbee Beach
A charming beach nestled off Cannery Row, offering clear waters, seaglass treasures, and easy access to Monterey's vibrant attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
McAbee Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming beach nestled off Cannery Row, offering clear waters, seaglass treasures, and easy access to Monterey's vibrant attractions.
"Awesome little beach with crystal clear water right between El Torito and Monterey Bay Aquarium. It reminded me of being in The Caribbean."
🤫 Seek Serenity: Go Early
Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays or early mornings for a peaceful beach experience.
🤿 Dive Smart: Check Conditions
Visibility can vary; check water conditions before snorkeling or diving.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
McAbee Beach
Experience Caribbean-like clear waters, perfect for a refreshing dip or a peaceful moment by the sea.
Seaglass Hunting Ground
McAbee Beach
Discover the joy of finding tiny, sparkling treasures washed ashore – a beloved pastime for many visitors.
Cannery Row Access
McAbee Beach
Conveniently located off the bustling Cannery Row, offering a serene escape amidst the vibrant tourist hub.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Timing is Key
Dive In: Snorkeling & Diving Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Seek Serenity: Go Early
Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays or early mornings for a peaceful beach experience.
🤿 Dive Smart: Check Conditions
Visibility can vary; check water conditions before snorkeling or diving.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Cannery Row
Access the beach via a disabled-access walkway from the main road.
💎 Treasure Hunt: Seaglass
Keep an eye out for beautiful seaglass treasures along the shore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Seek Serenity: Go Early
Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays or early mornings for a peaceful beach experience.
🤿 Dive Smart: Check Conditions
Visibility can vary; check water conditions before snorkeling or diving.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Cannery Row
Access the beach via a disabled-access walkway from the main road.
💎 Treasure Hunt: Seaglass
Keep an eye out for beautiful seaglass treasures along the shore.
🌊 Gentle Waves, Watch Kids
Waves are small but can be strong; supervise young children closely.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McAbee Beach is a charming, conveniently located spot off Cannery Row, praised for its clear waters and seaglass potential, reminiscent of Caribbean beaches. However, some find it awkward due to its proximity to restaurant windows and caution that the waves, while small, can be strong for young children.
"This beach is accessible from the main Cannery Row street thru a sandy park with a subtle but striking large tick painting. We enjoyed the sandy "park" amid the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row and descended the concrete steps to the beach below."
Toni Thompson
"Awesome little beach with crystal clear water right between El Torito and Monterey Bay Aquarium. It reminded me of being in The Caribbean."
larry toder
"McAbee Beach is a nice little beach in Cannery Row that's main purpose is for tourists to be able to take a short walk down the beach without all the hassle of a traditional sized beach. I'm sure it has some historic reason for being there and having it stay the way it was since back in the day, but it serves its purpose well. No waves and a safe place to put your feet in the water without getting swept away. Sometimes there are little seashells and sometimes there are other cool things that washup on shore. This is the same beach where John Denver crashed his plane in 1997 just a little south of this beach (if you don't know who John Denver is, your parents are terrible people)."
Nicholas Shake
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McAbee Beach is conveniently located right off Cannery Row in Monterey, California. You can access it via a sandy park area with a distinctive tick painting, and then descend concrete steps to the beach.
While direct parking at the beach is limited, there are several parking options along Cannery Row, including paid lots and street parking. Be prepared for potential fees, especially during peak season.
Yes, McAbee Beach offers disabled access via a walkway from the main road, making it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
Absolutely! Sunset dinners or strolls along McAbee Beach offer stunning ocean views and a romantic ambiance, perfect for date nights.
Many visitors drive to Monterey for a day trip or weekend getaway. Road trips from Los Angeles or other parts of California are popular.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, McAbee Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. You can visit and enjoy it freely.
McAbee Beach is open to the public during daylight hours. There are no specific closing times, but it's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to access McAbee Beach. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
General public beach rules apply. It's important to be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Alcohol may be restricted in certain areas.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally advisable to check local regulations regarding pets on beaches in Monterey. Many public beaches have specific rules about dogs.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
McAbee Beach is known for its clear waters, making it a good spot for snorkeling and diving, and its proximity to Cannery Row. It's also a popular spot for finding seaglass. +1
Yes, McAbee Beach is recommended for snorkeling and diving due to its plant life and clear waters, though visibility can vary.
You can expect to see various marine life, including fish and kelp forests, especially if you're snorkeling or diving.
While the waves are generally small, they can be strong enough to pull a young child out. Close supervision is recommended.
McAbee Beach has historical significance, with signs detailing its past. It's also noted as the location where John Denver's plane crashed nearby in 1997.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunrise views from McAbee Beach, or photograph the unique tick painting near the entrance. The clear waters and marine life also offer great underwater photo potential.
Yes, McAbee Beach provides beautiful sunset views over the ocean, making it an ideal spot for romantic and scenic photography.
Absolutely! If you're snorkeling or diving, you'll have opportunities to photograph the diverse marine life and kelp forests.
Look for the distinctive large tick painting near the entrance to the beach, which serves as a unique photo backdrop.
Sunrise offers beautiful light for serene shots, while sunset provides dramatic colors. Midday can be good for capturing the clarity of the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The clear, calm waters can be inviting for children to play in, but parents should exercise caution as the waves, though small, can be surprisingly strong and pull a young child out. 🐠 Underwater Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Shoppers
It offers a chance to enjoy the ocean views and fresh air without needing to dedicate a full day to a more remote beach. Grab a bite at a nearby restaurant and then enjoy the scenery from the sand. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling and Diving at McAbee Beach
However, it's crucial to be aware of the water conditions. Visibility at McAbee Beach can fluctuate significantly, sometimes dropping to as low as 5 feet, which can impact the diving experience. It's always recommended to check the latest conditions before heading out and to consider going with a local guide or tour operator who knows the area well.
Despite potential visibility challenges, the ease of access and the unique marine environment make McAbee Beach a worthwhile destination for underwater enthusiasts. It offers a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of Monterey Bay without needing to venture far from the popular tourist attractions.
The Charm of Cannery Row Proximity
This proximity offers a unique contrast: the lively energy of Cannery Row just steps away from the peaceful, sandy shores of McAbee Beach. Visitors can enjoy a meal with ocean views from restaurants situated above the beach, or take a short stroll down to dip their toes in the water.
While convenient, this location also means McAbee Beach can attract a significant number of tourists. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, planning your visit during off-peak hours or weekdays is highly recommended to fully appreciate the beach's serene side.
Seaglass Hunting: A Local Tradition
The beach's gentle waves and the nature of the shoreline make it conducive to finding these small, sparkling treasures. It's a delightful activity that adds an element of discovery to a beach visit, turning a simple day by the sea into a treasure hunt.
Finding seaglass at McAbee Beach is a rewarding experience that connects visitors with the natural beauty and history of the coastline. It's a reminder of the ocean's power to transform discarded items into something beautiful.
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