Monterey State Beach Activities

Monterey State Beach

Because of its sheltered location and a sandy beach that descends gradually away from the shore, Monterey State Beach is a popular place for playing in the waves, swimming, and lounging on the sand. Visitors enjoy a variety of activities from kite flying and volleyball to scuba diving and kayaking.

Kayaking

The gentle surf conditions at Monterey State Beach make it an ideal place to launch kayaks. Paddlers enjoy exploring the shoreline west of the beach, passing the harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, and Cannery Row. Kayakers pass kelp beds where they will likely spot sea otters. Other sightings include gray whales, dolphins, harbor seals, and sea lions.

Monterey Bay Kayaks

693 Del Monte Blvd., Monterey, CA
(800) 649-5357   Monterey Bay Kayaks
Kayak rentals, classes
Launch from Monterey State Beach across from Windows on the Bay Park.

Wildlife

Out in the kelp beds is the most likely place to spot a sea otter. Harbor seals are often spotted poking their heads up beyond the surf line. During the fall, winter, and early spring migrating gray whales can be sighted farther out from shore.

Brown pelicans are common along the Monterey coast line.

Surfing

Del Monte Beach is considered one of the best places for beginning surfers to learn. The waves along the entire state park beach are usually quite gentle and the shallow sandy bottom has few hazards. The best surfing is often in September and October. More advanced surfers seek out places like Asilomar Beach and Carmel Beach.

On the Beach Surf Shop

693 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, CA
(831) 646-9283   On the Beach Surf Shop
Rents surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, surf racks.

Monterey State Beach Junior Lifeguards

Every summer the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation offers its Junior Lifeguards program at Monterey State Beach. Junior Lifeguards teaches children how to deal with various water safety situations. The Monterey State Beach program is for children ages 9 through 16. The program consists of 4-week long day camps that provide instruction in first aid, CPR, ocean safety, rescue techniques, surfing and bodyboarding.

2019 Junior Lifeguard Program Dates

Sign-Ups Open: April 8, 2019, noon
Session 1 June 10 through July 5, 2019, 9 AM to 2 PM
Session 2 July 8 through August 2, 2019, 9 AM to 2 PM
First-time participants must attend tryouts and pass a swimming test. Tryouts are on May 5 and May 19, 2019 at Monterey Sports Center. See full details at
California State Parks Monterey Junior Lifeguard Program.

Kite Flying

Kite flyers find the steady winds at Monterey State Beach to their liking. Local kite flyers head to the northern section of the state beach. The dunes there provide an updraft that helps keep kites aloft. On weekends you will see people showing off colorful kites and performing stunts.

Diving

Monterey State Beach is popular with divers as a good place to practice diving skills.

The sandy bottom beach slopes out gradually for several hundred yards. Beyond that the water reaches depths of around 70 feet. The sand gives way to a nice reef. Several wrecks are located there which provide habitat for fish.

Spear fishing is good for halibut and other species. Divers often see octopus, sand dollars, sea stars, and flounders in this area.
Aquarius Dive Shop is located at 2040 Del Monte Blvd., close to the beach. They offer beginning to advanced diving classes, equipment rentals, and sales.