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San Carlos Beach

4.7

·134 reviews·Monterey, United States

A serene coastal escape in Monterey, perfect for wildlife viewing, family picnics, and peaceful strolls along the Pacific.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Sea lions are abundant!

CrowdLow

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San Carlos Beach

Best Time

Winter mornings

Sea lions are abundant!

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene coastal escape in Monterey, perfect for wildlife viewing, family picnics, and peaceful strolls along the Pacific.

4.7

(134 reviews)

"Literally one of my favorite beaches to go to. Especially when this mom is alone with the kids. It's easy beach access from where you park so to unload all my stuff it's easy"

TIP

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking with coin & credit card options. Easy access for unloading gear.

🚻 Clean Restrooms Onsite

Convenient and clean restrooms are available, a big plus for families.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 145 reviews

Type

Beach

Address

San Carlos Beach, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Lion Spectacle

Shoreline

Witness sea lions basking on the sand, a truly memorable sight, especially in winter.

Peaceful Waves

Waterfront

Enjoy the usually low waves, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a dip in the cool Pacific waters.

Family-Friendly Park

Adjacent to beach

A nearby park and grassy area make it ideal for picnics and family fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Avoid peak crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and holidays can get busy, but weekdays offer a more peaceful experience.

Sea Lion Season

Winter months are prime time for spotting sea lions lounging on the shore. Plan your visit during this period for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Best Times

When

Winter mornings

Why

Sea lions are abundant!

Crowd

Low

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Less crowded, perfect weather

Crowd

Low

When

Summer evenings

Why

Cooler temps, beautiful sunset

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I used to think Monterey was always busy until I moved here. I realized I was just visiting during the wrong times #california #montereybay #pacificgrove #loverspoint #beachday #ocean #beachvibes #peaceful #busy #fyp #travel #monterey #beforeandafter #popular #holiday #visitcalifornia #smalltown

@zoeygrewal

118.7K likes • 1M views

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking with coin & credit card options. Easy access for unloading gear.

🚻 Clean Restrooms Onsite

Convenient and clean restrooms are available, a big plus for families.

Share this for your next dog friendly & EV friendly beach getaway! #dogfriendly #getaway #beachvacation #dogfriendlyhotel #montereybay #norcal

@everydaychrisofficial

26K likes • 843.9K views

San Carlos is definitely my favorite beach I’ve been visiting since I was a new born, plus it’s only a 4 hour drive from Arizona (at least where I’m located hehe) 10/10 would swim again🏖️💖

monstra0.o

147.2K likes • 4.1M views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners.

🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot

Ideal for picnics with grassy areas and beautiful ocean views.

Here's our shore diving experience at Playa Piedras Pintas in San Carlos, Mexico. (Also known as Frenchy's Cove.) 🐟 Great location for diving, snorkeling, or kayaking 🐠 Diving is good both sides of the cove 🐡 Tank rental was $9 USD/ Weights $6 USD 🪼 Wetsuits/Skins recommended (small 🪼) 🪸 Free Beach/No Facilities 🐙 Noteable creatures seen: octopus, sting rays, starfish, schools of small tri...

exploreunderhikeover

253 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Plenty of parking with coin & credit card options. Easy access for unloading gear.

🚻 Clean Restrooms Onsite

Convenient and clean restrooms are available, a big plus for families.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners.

🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot

Ideal for picnics with grassy areas and beautiful ocean views.

🚶‍♀️ Walk from the Aquarium

Enjoy a scenic walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to the beach.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(134 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors love San Carlos Beach for its peaceful atmosphere, low waves, and abundant sea lion sightings, especially in winter. The convenient parking, clean restrooms, and nearby park make it a family-friendly spot. Some note occasional trash on the sand, but overall, it's praised as a relaxing and beautiful coastal escape.

"I love that the waves are usually low in this beach. When it’s sunny it does get a little warm, making it the the perfect weather. There are bathrooms located within walking distance not too far away but you do have to walk. There is usually lots of parking in the front and on the sides where you can paid with coins or credit cards."

Sandra Diaz

"This small beach is a lovely spot with a grassy area, plenty of parking, and a clean restroom. There’s also a small park nearby, making it family friendly. While it seems more suited for enjoying the view and watching sea lions, we did see a few people swimming when we went. In the winter, sea lions often gather and lounge along the shore, which is really fun to see. It’s a nice walk from the aquarium to the beach, and it’s a great place for a picnic. Plus, there are restaurants close by if you want to grab a bite after. Overall it was a nice outing coming here!"

R MarKC

"This beach is clean, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing walk or just watching the waves. I saw a happy puppy running around the beach and enjoying the view!"

Lily LI

What People Like

Abundant sea lions

Peaceful and relaxing

Low waves

What People Dislike

Occasional trash on sand

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Carlos Beach is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's also a pleasant walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, making it a convenient stop on your itinerary.

Yes, there is plenty of parking available at San Carlos Beach, both in the front and on the sides. You can pay with coins or credit cards.

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a scenic walk from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to San Carlos Beach, making it a great addition to a day of sightseeing.

Yes, San Carlos Beach is dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome, so you can bring your furry friends along for the beach day.

Many visitors enjoy a relaxing walk along the shore, picnicking on the grassy areas, or simply watching the waves and wildlife. It's also a great starting point for exploring the Monterey coast.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

San Carlos Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You only need to pay for parking if you drive.

As a public beach, San Carlos Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific operating hours for entry.

No, you do not need to book anything in advance to visit San Carlos Beach. It's a public space, so you can visit anytime.

Yes, there are clean restrooms located within walking distance of the beach. There's also a grassy area and a small park nearby.

While the water can be cold, some people do swim at San Carlos Beach. The waves are usually low, making it more inviting for a dip.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the sea lions, the picturesque coastline, and the serene ocean views. Sunsets here can be particularly beautiful.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light for photography. Golden hour during sunset provides a magical glow.

The sea lions themselves are a major photographic draw, especially during winter. The coastline and the nearby park also offer scenic backdrops.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're keen on wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing sea lions.

Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local ordinances and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in this area.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants located close by if you want to grab a bite after your beach visit.

San Carlos Beach is an excellent spot for a picnic, with grassy areas perfect for spreading out a blanket.

You'll find various dining options in Monterey, ranging from casual eateries to seafood restaurants, many within walking distance or a short drive.

While San Carlos Beach itself is more natural, nearby areas in San Carlos, Sonora, have beach clubs like Coralito Beach Club. For Monterey, dining is typically a short walk or drive away.

Many local cafes and diners in Monterey offer breakfast. Consider checking out spots near the coast for a scenic start to your day.