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The three separate beaches that comprise this popular coastal locale are shared by the neighboring cities of Monterey and Seaside. Each beach has something unique to offer its visitors: Houghton M. Roberts, Seaside, and Window on the Bay beaches.

Seaside Beach in the north is a popular spot for paragliders to launch. It’s also a great place for flying kites and collecting sea glass, which is found somewhat commonly in the area.

Houghton M. Roberts Beach in the center of Monterey State Beach is host to a wide variety of activities such as scuba diving, surfing, and tidepooling. It’s also a great place to go for a walk along the shore. You’re allowed to have leashed dogs on this section of the beach, as well.

Window on the Bay Beach on the southern end has a number of amenities to enjoy including volleyball nets, a bike path, and a grass park. Dogs are allowed on leash at this park, as well.

Monterey Bay State Beach California
Sunset over Monterey Bay State Beach, California. Photo: Udo S

Activities

Swimming (only at Window on the Bay), sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, tidepooling, kayaking, biking, skateboarding, kite-flying, and paragliding.

Dogs are not permitted on Seaside but they are permitted at Houghton M. Roberts and Window on the Bay provided they are leashed.

Monterey State Beach Surfing
Surfing at Monterey State Beach. Photo: Doreeno

Amenities

Restrooms, lifeguards, bike paths, tide pools, volleyball nets, skate park, grass park.

All of the beaches are connected through the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail.

Parking varies by beach.

Monterey State Beach, California
Monterey State Beach, California. Photo: Sergei Gussev

Nearby Attractions

The Monterey Tides Hotel (affiliate link) overlooks sections of the Houghton M. Roberts and Seaside beaches. There is parking there for the beaches as well as a restaurant.

Between Houghton M. Roberts and Window on the Bay is Del Monte Beach, a favorite spot for locals that offers surfing, sunbathing, picnic tables, and a boardwalk trail.

You can rent kayaks at nearby Monterey Municipal Beach, a popular spot for biking and jogging.

Fun Facts

In spite of its name, the only spot in which the city of Seaside actually touches the sea is at Seaside Beach.

Monterey is home to the world famous Monterey Jazz Festival, an event that has taken place at Monterey County Fairgrounds since 1958. Jazz greats to have appeared there include Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holliday.

Monterey State Beach Fishing Boats Sunset
Fishing boats at sunset, Monterey Bay State Beach. Photo: Udo S

Details

Location: Monterey, CA 93940

  • Seaside Beach – Canyon Del Ray Boulevard and Sand Dunes Drive in Seaside, California
  • Houghton M. Roberts Beach – 2600 Sand Dunes Drive in Monterey, California
  • Window on the Bay Beach – Del Monte Avenue and Camino El Estero in Monterey, California

Phone: 831-649-2836

Season: Year round

Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=576