Salinas River State Beach

About Salinas River State Beach

The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more.  The beach is a popular fishing site and provides scenic panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federal marine protected area.

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 for all but the most experienced surfers.

DOGS are not permitted on the beach or dunes. On-leash dogs are allowed on the trail adjacent to the wetland that runs between the Potrero Road and Sandholdt Road parking lots.

HORSES are permitted to access the beach only by the designated routes and to ride only on the wet sand, below the high tide line to protect wildlife and vegetation. Horses are also permitted on the designated equestrian trail. In the parking lots, 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 allowed.

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 Salinas River 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 one mile south of Moss Landing. Take Potrero Road from Highway 1.

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/ .