Least crowded surf spots in Monterey

Monterey, California

Recommendations refresh hourly based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.

When Monterey lineups stack up, knowing a backup changes everything. These 1 breaks range from tucked-away reef passes to underrated sandbars that stay empty even on weekend south pulses.

Next steps

Keep planning Monterey

Use this less crowded guide as the filter, then jump to live spots, tides, or the seasonal window.

Check live Monterey spotsSee the local breaks and current surf conditions.Open pageFind the best surf windowCompare today's call with the seasonal pattern.Open pageWatch the tide windowUse tide timing before you commit to a spot.Open page

Monterey surf report today

BeachHeightWindVerdict
Del Monte Beach5.7 ft4 mph65/100

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Featured Beaches(1)

Del Monte Beach

Beginner friendly

Monterey beach-break and sandbar zone. Del Monte is an exposed beach break and sandbar with winter as the favored season.

Today's low-crowd plan in Monterey

Best window

2:30 PM–3:30 PM

tide in range, offshore winds, good swell angle

Top picks

1Del Monte Beach
5.7 ft4 mph
Secondary peaks and tide windows that thin crowdsParking tricks and walk-in trails most visitors skipForecast cues that trigger locals-only surgesNearby alternates when the primary target turns into a zoo

Crowd & access intel for Monterey beaches

Local crowd levels, parking tips, and access routes to help you find emptier lineups.

Del Monte Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate

Monterey beach-break and sandbar zone. Del Monte is an exposed beach break and sandbar with winter as the favored season.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Can draw learners and local surfers because access is easier than more rugged spots.

Parking

Use Del Monte Beach access points in Monterey. Parking can be limited near residential access streets.

Access

Straightforward beach access, but respect residential parking and dune paths.

Your surf plan

  • Best window:
  • Bring: your go-to board, patience for the walk
  • Wind: 3 mph
  • Parking: expect crowd at Del Monte Beach — have a backup
  • Log it after: 15 seconds builds your forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Monterey

Less crowded surf spots in Monterey include Del Monte Beach. Early mornings and weekdays offer the best chance for empty lineups and more waves to yourself.
Early morning dawn patrol sessions (before 8 AM) and weekday afternoons are typically the least crowded times to surf in Monterey. Weekends and holidays see the biggest crowds, especially from 9 AM to 2 PM.
To avoid crowds in Monterey, try surfing during off-peak hours, explore lesser-known breaks, check conditions midweek, and be flexible with your surf schedule. Local knowledge and timing around tide changes can also help you find emptier lineups.