San Carlos Beach, Salinas Valley Travel Guide

4.7 (110)

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.

A brief summary to San Carlos Beach

Monterey, California, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring San Carlos Beach.

Arrive early, especially during peak dive season in the summer, as parking lots fill up quickly.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy park above the beach, offering scenic views of Monterey Bay.
Consider combining your beach visit with a trip to the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium or a stroll along Cannery Row.
Be aware that this beach is more suited for diving than sunbathing due to its smaller size.
Take advantage of the showers and restrooms available for a comfortable post-dive experience.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tatum's Garden

Salinas River State Beach

National Steinbeck Center

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge

Explore San Carlos Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near San Carlos Beach, mapped for you.

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.

Discover more about San Carlos Beach

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.