San Francisco Hotels
Manresa State Beach
- Critic's rating
- LAT
Manresa, a hike-in/tent-only facility on gently sloping bluffs that overlook Monterey Bay, has the look and feel of a nature preserve. Looking down from the parking lot, one would be hard-pressed to even notice the picnic tables and fire rings that mark its 64 spots.
Campers pitch their tents in the wild grasses and are surrounded by orange and purple petals of burgeoning wildflowers.
Drive Time: Head north on U.S. 101 past Salinas, then go west 14 miles on California 129 toward Watsonville. Head north on California 1 about six miles and exit at Mar Monte Avenue. Turn left on Mar Monte, drive one mile and turn left at San Andreas Road. Drive two miles and turn right at Sand Dollar Drive.
wherever it appears.