About 115 miles south of San Francisco lies Monterey Bay, well-known for its aquarium where visitors can witness live shark feedings daily. The city of Monterey is located on a peninsula at the south end of the bay.

To the north of the city, just off Del Monte Avenue, is Monterey State Beach. This spacious two-mile beach is similar to Ocean Beach, yet less urbanized. It is bordered by sand dunes and constantly plagued by fog in the summer months.

Although it is a popular beach, due to its vastness it doesn't become over crowded. The north end of the beach is more rough and rugged. It is the best area for surfing and there's plenty of free parking. The southern portion, which is the most visited, is more protected from the elements and is a good spot for volleyball and swimming, but there is only meter parking. Kayaking and SCUBA diving are also popular in the area.

For those of you who are land-lovers check out the bike trail that runs along the beach. For naturalists, there is an extraordinary place to visit about 10 miles north of Monterey called Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve. It is off Highway 1, just inland from Moss Landing State Beach, a popular surf spot. This slough is a wonderful place to observe sea otters and various types of birds. Kayaking has become a favorite way for visitors to roam through this wetland.

RV camping is offered at Moss Landing State Beach which allows campers to take a day trip to explore the wildlife at Elkhorn slough.

Attractions
Large, protected beach.