I live in the area so know the beaches well. NOT a beach to take dogs, huge undertow. But great for people walks! More

Great little beach if you're not interested in going into the water (hazardous conditions). You can usually see seals or sea lions in the water just off shore, and it's perfect for kite flying or just sitting and watching the waves. You can see the beach from Hwy 1 - in fact, you can just park on the shoulder of... More

Look but do not leap into that beautiful blue water... you may not survive. Read the signs posted on this beach, they are there for a reason. More

this is not a beach to swim at. but to sit and enjoy? its perfect. we actually held out wedding here back in October - the weather was a perfect 75 degrees. I have loved this beach since i was a child (though, probably not the best choice for kids), and look forward to comeing back over and over. More

This is a beautiful beach that overlooks Point Lobos. It has a little stream running to it that is a little unusual. However, it is not good for swimming or playing in the water, due to the dangerous undertow. Seems people don't heed the warnings and there are too many drownings as a result. More

If you are taking a family to the Monterey area, choose ANOTHER beach. This one can be EXTREEMLY dangerous. More

Do not go to Monastery Beach. While it is beautiful and has easy access, it is also a deadly place. Many people have been swept into the surf by "sleeper waves." I and 4 of my friends were swept into the surf at this beach. Two of my friends did not survive. This beach is right next to Point Lobos... More

This beach has great views and you can build bon-fires on the sand. But beware that there is a very steep slope off into the ocean for those who want to wade in the surf. The beach is also known to the locals as Mortuary Beach as every year a diver dies while doing SCUBA -- some drown -- some... More

This is a famous dive site in the Montery-Carmel area. An arm of the submarine canyon comes within a few hundred yards of the shore, so divers can drop down hundreds of feet very quickly on the north end of the beach. The south end of Monestary is a very nice rocky kelp reef populated with many fat and lazy... More