From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring San Carlos Beach.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
San Carlos Beach: Monterey's Scuba Diving Haven
Explore Monterey's underwater world at San Carlos Beach, a prime scuba diving spot steeped in Cannery Row history.
San Carlos Beach, also known as Reeside Beach, is nestled at the end of Cannery Row in Monterey, California. This popular spot, next to the Coast Guard Pier, is renowned for its excellent conditions for scuba diving, attracting enthusiasts to explore the underwater world. With a rich history tied to the area's canning industry, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to San Carlos Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monterey, California, US
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San Carlos Beach, often called Reeside Beach Access, sits at the western end of Monterey's historic Cannery Row, adjacent to the Coast Guard Pier. While not ideal for sunbathing due to its smaller size, this beach is a favorite among scuba divers. The well-protected cove offers calm waters, making it an ideal location for both novice and experienced divers to explore the diverse marine life and even remnants of old cannery gear.
The beach's history is deeply intertwined with Monterey's sardine canning industry. It was once the site of the San Carlos Canning Company, which burned down in 1956. Today, divers can still see the remains of a pump pipe that once transported sardines to the canneries. The area is now part of the Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, named after the marine biologist who studied the area's rich marine life.
Above the beach, San Carlos Beach Park provides a grassy area perfect for picnics and enjoying the Monterey Bay views. The Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail passes nearby, offering opportunities for biking and walking. The amenities of Cannery Row, with its shops, restaurants, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, are just a short walk away. The beach provides restrooms, showers, and easy access, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for divers and visitors alike.
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Getting There
Walking
From anywhere on Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is easily accessible by foot. Head west towards the Coast Guard Pier; the beach is located at the end of Cannery Row, next to the pier. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. No costs are involved.
Public Transport
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) buses serve the Cannery Row area. From downtown Monterey, take any MST bus that stops along Cannery Row. Get off at a stop near the Monterey Bay Aquarium and walk west towards the Coast Guard Pier. San Carlos Beach is right next to the pier. A single ride costs $2, and a day pass is capped at $6. Discounted fares are available for those who are eligible.
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Monterey. Request a ride to San Carlos Beach or the Coast Guard Pier on Cannery Row. From downtown Monterey, a taxi ride will cost approximately $10-16, depending on the distance and traffic.
Parking
There are several parking lots near San Carlos Beach. The San Carlos Beach Lot and the Breakwater Lot (Coast Guard Pier) are the closest. Parking costs $1.75 per hour, with a daily maximum of $12. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season, so arrive early.
A brief summary to San Carlos Beach
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