Best Family Friendly Beaches in Pacific Grove

Spanish Bay Beach is a stunning public beach located in Pacific Grove, California, known for its wide white sand and picturesque dunes. It is situated just inside the private community of Pebble Beach and offers a tranquil setting with a wooden boardwalk that meanders through the dunes, allowing visitors to walk along the shoreline. The beach is approximately 1.5 miles long and is a popular spot for surfers, though it is not ideal for swimming due to strong rip currents and cold water. The nearby Links at Spanish Bay golf course adds to the scenic beauty of the area. Visitors can access the beach from Sunset Drive to avoid the Pebble Beach entry fee.

The beach is part of the famous 17-Mile Drive, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. It is a favorite among tourists and locals alike for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. However, it lacks public facilities like restrooms and lifeguards, making it less family-friendly.

Spanish Bay Beach is also steeped in history, as it was a stop for Spanish explorers in 1769. Today, it remains a must-visit destination for those exploring the Monterey Peninsula.

Perkins Park is a picturesque beach located in Pacific Grove, California, known for its soft white sand and serene atmosphere. It is situated between Lovers Point and the Esplanade, offering stunning views of the coastline. The park is named after local resident Hayes Perkins, who introduced the first pink ice plant to this area, adding to its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking, though it is not ideal for swimming due to its limited size and lack of lifeguards.
The beach is part of the larger Shoreline Park network and features well-maintained walking trails and landscaping with 'magic carpet' ice plant and stone terrace walls. It is a popular spot for those looking to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Despite its small size, Perkins Park offers a unique and tranquil experience for beachgoers, with its proximity to other attractions like the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and the Point Pinos Lighthouse.

Hopkins Marine Station Beach, located in Pacific Grove, California, is part of a scenic shoreline that stretches from Hopkins Marine Station to Asilomar State Beach. This area is known for its stunning ocean views and diverse marine life. The beach is part of a larger network of shoreline parks, offering activities like wildlife viewing, running, and bicycling. It's a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and those interested in marine biology, given its proximity to the renowned Hopkins Marine Station, a leading research facility for ocean studies.

The area is rich in history, with Hopkins Marine Station being one of the oldest marine laboratories on the West Coast. The surrounding waters are protected as part of the Lovers Point-Julia Platt State Marine Reserve, ensuring the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, engage in outdoor activities, and explore the nearby attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Pinos Lighthouse.