Attractions and Places To See around Sand City - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sand City include its unique natural features and a growing artistic community. This small coastal city is nestled on the shores of Monterey Bay, characterized by impressive sand dunes, some of the tallest on California's Central Coast. The city has transformed into a vibrant artistic hub, particularly in its West End area. Visitors can explore a mix of natural landscapes and cultural sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Sand City
- The most popular attractions is Fishermans Wharf, a settlement where former landing docks have been converted to a shopping and dining tourist attraction. It is also a place to observe seals and sailboats.
- Another must-see spot is 17-mile Drive, a scenic trail that winds along the Monterey Peninsula. This paved route offers views of coastal landscapes, cypress trees, and dramatic cliffs.
- Visitors also love Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque settlement known for its wooden houses and art galleries. This town is situated on the Pacific coast and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
- Sand City is known for its coastal trails, historical sites, and artistic settlements. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from scenic drives to cultural venues.
- The attractions around Sand City are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 90 upvotes and 50 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Fishermans Wharf
Highlight • Settlement
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Carmel-by-the-Sea
Highlight • Settlement
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Monterey State Historic Park
Highlight • Historical Site
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Cannery Row, Monterey
Highlight • Historical Site
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17-mile Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tips from the Community
A lovely wharf you should see
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This world-famous scenic route winds along the Monterey Peninsula, offering access to some of California’s most iconic coastal landscapes; from wind-swept cypress trees and dramatic cliffs to historic mansions and manicured golf courses. The route is fully paved and suitable for most riders, with a mix of mild climbs and breezy downhills. While the route is open to vehicles and requires a small fee for cars, cyclists can enter for free at any of the gated entrances. Whether you ride it as a peaceful morning loop or pair it with other Monterey-area trails, the 17-Mile Drive is a must for anyone looking to soak in the charm of California’s central coast by bike.
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The actor felt that the many regulations were tyranny. So he decided - true to his image as a determined hero - to run for mayor in order to change things. He financed his campaign himself, went from house to house and introduced himself personally. With great success. On April 8, 1986, 72 percent of the community voted for him as the new mayor. Eastwood had barely been sworn in when he abolished numerous regulations. He had a new tourist parking lot built and expanded the library to include a children's book section.
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Our first stop is in Carmel. Carmel had a very famous mayor: The path from actor to politician is not unusual in the USA: Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor of California, Ronald Reagan even became president. And Clint Eastwood was once mayor. The role of the trigger-happy inspector Harry Callahan made Eastwood a cult figure. The film fees also benefited Carmel. Eastwood saved an old ranch from demolition and converted it into a hotel. But Eastwood repeatedly came into conflict with the city's regulations. There were plenty of them in Carmel. In order to preserve the original structure of the community, the city administration had banned neon signs, fast food restaurants and public telephone booths. Even eating ice cream on the streets was not allowed for fear of too much garbage. In 1985, the authorities prohibited Eastwood from building a small office building - for reasons of historical preservation.
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Nice, small (and free!) museum just before Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Nice exhibition.
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Beautiful little wharf, touristy but still OK. Starting point for a (wonderful) whale watching tour. There is a sea lion colony on the edge - just watching these animals is worth a visit.
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Beautiful little place on the Pacific coast about 180 km from San Francisco. We felt very comfortable here.
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Very nice little museum It's definitely worth a visit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Sand City?
Sand City is known for its impressive sand dunes, some of the tallest on California's Central Coast. You can visit 17-mile Drive for scenic coastal landscapes and cypress trees. Other natural highlights include Sand City Beach, Crater Beach, Fort Ord Dunes State Park, and the Eolian Dunes Preserve, all offering unique dune and bay views.
Are there historical sites to visit near Sand City?
Yes, the area boasts several significant historical sites. You can explore Fishermans Wharf, a historic fishing fleet area now converted into a vibrant shopping and dining attraction. Nearby, Monterey State Historic Park features California's oldest public building, the Custom House. Additionally, Cannery Row, Monterey, once a hub for sardine factories, is now a popular tourist district.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Sand City?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the Carmel Valley and Pacific Coast Loop, or explore mountain biking trails in Fort Ord. For easier excursions, consider hiking routes such as the Cannery Row loop from Monterey. Find more details on these activities in our guides for Road Cycling Routes around Sand City, MTB Trails around Sand City, and Easy hikes around Sand City.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sand City and the surrounding area?
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including Fishermans Wharf and Cannery Row, Monterey, which offer dining and entertainment. The picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is also family-friendly. Within Sand City, Calabrese Park and Esselen-Ohlone Park provide play areas and nature-themed structures for children.
Where can I experience the artistic and cultural side of Sand City?
Sand City has a vibrant artistic community, particularly in its West End area. The annual West End Celebration in August showcases local and regional artists with live music, dance, and street performances. You can also visit SandBox Sand City, a cultural venue that hosts live music and other events, offering intimate performances.
What is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail and where does it go?
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a popular path that runs directly through Sand City's dunes. It provides seamless connectivity for biking and walking, extending from Castroville all the way to Pebble Beach, offering beautiful views of Monterey Bay along the way.
Can I go paragliding in Sand City?
Yes, Sand City Beach is known for its strong winds, making it a prime location for paragliding. The fine, soft sand also makes it ideal for sunbathing and walking.
What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea a unique place to visit?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque settlement known for its charming wooden houses and numerous art galleries. It offers a tranquil atmosphere on the Pacific coast and has some unique local traditions, such as no mailboxes or street names, adding to its distinctive character.
Is there a fee to drive the 17-mile Drive, and is it accessible for cyclists?
There is a fee for cars to drive the 17-mile Drive, which allows access to the scenic route through Pebble Beach. However, cyclists can enter for free at any of the gated entrances, making it a popular and accessible route for biking.
What kind of views can I expect at Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
Fort Ord Dunes State Park provides access to four miles of ocean beach via a 1,500-foot trail. From here, you can enjoy beautiful, expansive views of Monterey Bay and the surrounding coastal landscape.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Sand City?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical charm of Fishermans Wharf and the scenic beauty of 17-mile Drive to the artistic vibe of Sand City itself. The blend of natural landscapes, like the impressive sand dunes, and cultural sites, such as the art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is highly valued by the komoot community.
Most popular attractions around Sand City
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