Zmudowski State Beach

About Zmudowski State Beach

The beach is a popular fishing area, featuring perch, kingfish, sole, flounder, halibut, bocaccio (tomcod), jacksmelt, lingcod, cabezon, salmon, steelhead and occasional rockfish.

The beach features the Pajaro River estuary, where a natural preserve has been set aside, and provides for scenic panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federal marine protected area.

The sandy beach is also popular with bird watchers and equestrians. Horses are only allowed near the waterline. Swimming and water sports are hazardous because of strong rip-currents.

PARK HOURS – 8 a.m. to ½ hour after sunset.

FEES – there is no fee to visit this park.

OCEAN SAFETY – dangerous rip currents, frigid water, and deep offshore drop-offs make surfing and swimming hazardous.

DOGS are not permitted on the beach or dunes.

HORSES are permitted to access the beach only by the designated route and to ride only on the wet sand, below the high tide line to protect wildlife and vegetation. In the parking lot, owners are required to clean up after their horses, including removing horse manure. Manure and straw should be shoveled into the horse trailer. Manure and straw shall not be thrown into the dunes.

FIRES are not permitted.

DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

WESTERN SNOWY PLOVERS use Zmudowski State Beach, including the beach and foredune areas for nesting, rearing of young, and for winter habitat. This bird nests directly on the beach sand. Entering or disturbing a posted plover nesting area is a violation of state and federal law. Click this link to view a video of a hatching snowy plover nest.

There is NO camping at this beach.

Location-Directions
The beach is located 20 miles northeast of Monterey off Highway 1. Take Struve Road and turn to Giberson Road.

Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable. Layered clothing is advised.

PETS

Dogs are not allowed at this location.

Dogs on leash are allowed at Monterey State Beach (South of the Monterey Beach Resort hotel), Asilomar State Beach, Carmel River State Beach, and Garrapata State Park.

CAMPING

There is NO campground at this State Beach.

Marine Protected Area Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida - Libro Para Colorear

Embark on a journey of discovery about Marine protection in a fun and easy way!!

The Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book - Area Marina Protegida -  Libro Para Colorear - helps students of all ages learn about the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The book includes three new 3D augmented reality coloring pages that will allow students to interact with their colorings using a smartphone or tablet while learning about marine life and California's marine protected areas. 

Download the new marine protected area (MPA) coloring book along with the California Coastal Explorer Guide        at: https://www.mpacollaborative.org/kids/ .