I live and work on the Monterey Peninsula, and a good sunset is still one of my favorite parts of the day. Here are the spots I send friends and clients to, plus what to know about fog, timing, and parking.
- Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, for the classic west-facing beach sunset.
- Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, for rocky coast and dunes.
- Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, the closest true ocean sunset to downtown Monterey.
Why Monterey itself isn’t the best sunset spot
Monterey’s waterfront faces north across the bay, so from Fisherman’s Wharf or Cannery Row the sun sets behind the Peninsula, not over the ocean. You’ll get pretty light on the water, but for the sun actually dropping into the Pacific, drive a few minutes west to Pacific Grove or south to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The best sunset spots on the Monterey Peninsula
Listed roughly from Carmel-by-the-Sea north to Marina, then south to Big Sur.
Carmel Beach
The white-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue faces west, straight out to the Pacific, and on most clear evenings it’s where locals gather to watch the sun go down. It’s dog-friendly, and you can walk down from the village.
Tip: parking near the foot of Ocean Avenue fills fast on clear evenings. Come early, or walk down from town.
Asilomar State Beach
The rocky coast and dunes along Sunset Drive are some of the best sunset watching on the Peninsula, with tidepools, boardwalk paths through the dunes, and wide-open views to the west.
Tip: bring a layer. The wind off the water picks up as soon as the sun drops.
Ocean View Boulevard & Point Pinos
The shoreline drive around the tip of the Peninsula, near the Point Pinos Lighthouse, has pullouts and paths with long views out to sea. It’s an easy spot to catch the light without a long walk.
Tip: this is the closest true ocean sunset to downtown Monterey.
17-Mile Drive & Spanish Bay
Turnouts along 17-Mile Drive, and the shoreline near Spanish Bay, look west over the water. Day guests pay a gate fee ($12.50 per vehicle per Pebble Beach Resorts), and the gates are open to the public from sunrise to sunset, so plan your timing.
Tip: the gate fee is reimbursed with a $35 purchase at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, so a drink on The Bench patio makes it pay for itself.
Marina State Beach
North of Monterey, the dunes at Marina State Beach face west across open ocean. It’s a good choice if you’re staying on the north side of the bay.
Tip: it can be windy here. That’s why you’ll often see hang gliders.
Point Lobos & Big Sur
Point Lobos and the turnouts along Highway 1 into Big Sur are spectacular at golden hour.
Tip: check Point Lobos’ hours before planning a sunset visit, and on Highway 1, pull fully off the road at marked turnouts only.
Fog, seasons, and when to show up
Summer fog often settles on the coast in the evening, so a July sunset can disappear into gray. Late summer and fall, especially September and October, tend to bring the clearest evenings of the year.
Sunset time shifts a lot through the year. Check today’s sunset time for Monterey, and plan to arrive about half an hour early. The color often peaks just after the sun drops.
Want a sunset like this every night?
West-facing homes in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach are some of the most sought-after on the Peninsula. If that’s the dream, start with my guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea luxury homes for sale, or browse Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach.
Or tell me what you’re picturing, and I’ll tell you honestly which streets get the view.
Monterey sunset FAQ
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Monterey?
Monterey’s waterfront faces north across the bay, so the sun sets behind the Peninsula rather than over the water. For a true ocean sunset, head a short drive west to Pacific Grove, along Ocean View Boulevard or at Asilomar State Beach, or south to Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
What time is sunset in Monterey?
It changes through the year, from late evening in summer to late afternoon in winter. Check a sunset calculator for the exact time on your date, and plan to arrive about half an hour early for the best color.
When are Monterey sunsets clearest?
Summer fog often sits on the coast in the evenings, so summer sunsets can be hit or miss. Late summer and fall, especially September and October, tend to bring the clearest evenings.
Can I bring my dog to watch the sunset?
Carmel Beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea is famously dog-friendly. Rules at state beaches and parks are different and can change, so check the posted rules for each spot before you go.
Is there a good sunset spot with dinner?
The patio at The Bench at The Lodge at Pebble Beach looks west over the 18th hole, and the 17-Mile Drive gate fee is reimbursed with a $35 purchase at Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants. Book ahead on clear evenings.
Where is Sunset Beach near Monterey?
Sunset State Beach is near Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, on the north end of Monterey Bay. If you want a west-facing beach closer to Monterey, try Marina State Beach or the Pacific Grove shoreline.
More local favorites: The Bench at Pebble Beach · dog-friendly restaurants · unusual things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Jonathan Balog, Broker Associate | Compass | DRE# 01980970
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. Park rules, fees, hours, and access change; check the posted rules for each location before you go.
