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Overview
Located in the southern part of the Big Sur Region, Sand Dollar Beach is a large beach in Monterey County that is managed by the Los Padres National Forest. The beach has light brown sand. The beach has a backdrop of the mountains present along the Big Sur coastline. Sand Dollar Beach is part of a cove, which protects it from the winds coming in from the north and the south. Sand Dollar Beach does not have lifeguards. However, there is a picnic area adjacent to the beach that has picnic tables, restrooms, and barbecue spots. The beach also allows dogs on leash.
Activities
There are many attractions near Sand Dollar Beach. The New Camaldoli Hermitage has lush public gardens that provide a pleasant view of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the hermitage also offers a bookstore. The Salmon Creek Falls is situated within the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy pictures. If you are looking for another attraction near Sand Dollar Beach, the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is set in the palatial estate which was formerly the home of the famous newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. The site features Hearst Castle which was the businessman’s lavish mansion and also has interesting art galleries, historical exhibitions, a visitor center, and a gift shop.
Parking
Getting to Sand Dollar Beach is easy - the long access trail to the beach is located near 69232 Cabrillo Highway, where there is also a parking lot. You need to pay a 10$ access fee for the beach and the picnic area at this parking lot before you can head further on the access trail, which eventually leads to a flight of stairs providing access to Sand Dollar Beach. Located in the southern part of the Big Sur Region, Sand Dollar Beach is a large beach in Monterey County that is managed by the Los Padres National Forest. The beach has light brown sand. The beach has a backdrop of the mountains present along the Big Sur coastline. Sand Dollar Beach is part of a cove, which protects it from the winds coming in from the north and the south. Sand Dollar Beach does not have lifeguards. However, there is a picnic area adjacent to the beach that has picnic tables, restrooms, and barbecue spots. The beach also allows dogs on leash. Getting to Sand Dollar Beach is easy - the long access trail to the beach is located near 69232 Cabrillo Highway, where there is also a parking lot. You need to pay a 10$ access fee for the beach and the picnic area at this parking lot before you can head further on the access trail, which eventually leads to a flight of stairs providing access to Sand Dollar Beach.
Attractions
There are many attractions near Sand Dollar Beach. The New Camaldoli Hermitage has lush public gardens that provide a pleasant view of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the hermitage also offers a bookstore. The Salmon Creek Falls is situated within the Los Padres National Forest and offers some great Instagram-worthy pictures. If you are looking for another attraction near Sand Dollar Beach, the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument is set in the palatial estate which was formerly the home of the famous newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst. The site features Hearst Castle which was the businessman’s lavish mansion and also has interesting art galleries, historical exhibitions, a visitor center, and a gift shop.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Sand Dollar Beach. Wild Coast Restaurant & The Sushi Bar is an upscale restaurant that offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience and serves delicious sushi along with other delectable seafood dishes and burgers. Lucia Lodge Restaurant was awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award in 2020 and offers a pleasant oceanfront dining experience. In addition, the restaurant also serves great seafood and sandwiches. If you are looking for a modestly priced restaurant near Sand Dollar Beach, Whale Watcher’s Cafe features an exquisite marine-themed dining area and serves excellent seafood dishes.
Hotels
If you are looking for a hotel near Sand Dollar Beach, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Blue Dolphin Inn is 50 minutes away by car and offers pleasant oceanfront views, and offers complimentary breakfast. The 3-Star Treebones Resort offers exquisite yurt tents and offers numerous amenities including two restaurants, a pool, a hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and yoga classes. The 3-Star Gorda Springs Resort offers many amenities including two restaurants, an espresso bar, and a general store. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Sand Dollar Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Lucia Lodge offers many amenities including a restaurant, a deck, a patio, complimentary breakfast, and a seasonal convenience store with a gift shop.
Basic Details
All Amenities at Sand Dollar Beach
Amenities
Barbecue
Dogs
Restrooms
Activities
Bike Paths
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Rentals
Food
Access
Car Access
Parking - Paid
Stairs to Beach
Features
Sand Dollar Beach - Beach Map
Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Sand Dollar Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
Sand Dollar Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Sand Dollar Beach have lifeguards?
No, Sand Dollar Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach – please be careful when swimming on this beach.
Is Sand Dollar Beach a family-friendly beach?
Sand Dollar Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.
Is Sand Dollar Beach good for swimming?
Sand Dollar Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Sand Dollar Beach have restrooms?
Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at Sand Dollar Beach.
Is Sand Dollar Beach a nude beach?
No, Sand Dollar Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Sand Dollar Beach?
Sand Dollar Beach does not have nearby food options – please plan your beach day accordingly.
What are the activities at Sand Dollar Beach?
Sand Dollar Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Surfing.
Does Sand Dollar Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Sand Dollar Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.
Is Sand Dollar Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to Sand Dollar Beach!
Is Sand Dollar Beach good for surfing?
Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at Sand Dollar Beach.
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