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 leashes at this park, as well.
Activities:
- Swimming (only at Window on the Bay), sunbathing, surfing, scuba diving, tide pooling, 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
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
Fun Facts:
- Despite its name, the only spot in which the city of Seaside 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.
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.
Details
Location: Monterey, California 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
Capitola City Beach – Capitola, California