Monterey State Beach
Monterey and Seaside
(831) 624-3407, www.parks.ca.gov
Surfers are a unique bunch. Rather than sharing their favorite surf breaks with others, they like to tell you about other spots so their own waves don’t become crowded. I have a feeling that the locals of Monterey County’s two most popular beach breaks (Carmel Beach and Asilomar Beach) voted for Monterey State Beach to lead others away from their home spots. But the truth is the less hyped Monterey State Beach, which runs from Monterey’s Municipal Wharf north to Seaside, does get some good waves now and again. The main breaks at Casa Verde and in front of the Monterey Beach Resort Hotel are never too crowded, while the surfers riding the mushy peaks offshore are usually downright friendly.