Hidden in Plain Sight: Rockhounding Adventures on the Monterey Peninsula

If you’ve ever taken a walk on one of our many wild, rugged beaches and noticed a gleaming green stone underfoot or a shell-shaped fossil wedged into a cliffside, you’re not alone. The Monterey Peninsula isn’t just rich in history, wildlife, and iconic views—it’s also home to one of California’s most underrated natural treasures: rocks, gems, and minerals.

This past weekend, the Jade Festival returned to Monterey, drawing collectors, artists, and rockhounds from across the state. While the festival celebrates jade in all its forms, what many don’t realize is that you don’t need a trained eye—or a vendor booth—to find your own natural beauties right here on our coastline. With the right timing and a little bit of curiosity, you can uncover everything from Big Sur jade to agate, serpentine, fossils, moonstones, and even the occasional sea glass marble.

Whether you're a serious collector or a curious weekend wanderer, here’s your guide to some of the gems hiding in plain sight along the Monterey Bay.

Big Sur Jade: California's Coastal Emerald

The most famous rock of the region is undoubtedly nephrite jade, found in select coastal spots south of Big Sur. For years, collectors have flocked to the remote coves between Sand Dollar Beach and Jade Cove, combing the surf-washed rocks for smooth, green treasures.

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Best Spot: Jade Cove

Where: About 30 miles south of Big Sur off Highway 1

What to Look For: Deep green, waxy stones; the best jade often appears darker when wet.

Pro Tip: The best time to hunt is after a winter storm when the surf churns up new stones.

Note: It’s important to follow rules about collection here. Only hand tools are permitted, and collecting from underwater is not allowed.

Agate and Jasper: Coastal Candy

You’ll find banded agates and red or mustard-colored jasper scattered along several beaches in the Monterey Bay. These semiprecious stones form over millions of years in volcanic environments and often wash up smooth and rounded after their long journey.

Best Spots:

Garrapata Beach (Carmel Highlands): Great for agates in tidepools and gravel beds.

Asilomar State Beach (Pacific Grove): Check between rocks at low tide.

Del Monte Beach (Monterey): Surprisingly productive for small agates after a good storm.

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Serpentine: California’s State Rock

Serpentine, a smooth green rock with a marbled or scaly texture, is commonly found throughout Monterey County. This metamorphic rock is rich in magnesium and iron and often hosts deposits of asbestos (so wash hands after handling).

Best Spots:

Fort Ord National Monument (Seaside): Along the hiking trails and fire roads.

Toro Park (Salinas side): Exposed rock outcrops in higher elevations.

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Moonstone & Sea Glass: Nature’s Polished Gems

Though technically not gems, moonstones (a form of feldspar) and sea glass are prized finds, especially for beachcombers. Sea glass hunting is almost a local sport here—an eco-friendly, meditative hobby with artistic payoffs.

Best Spots:

Moonstone Beach (Cambria): Just south of Big Sur, worth a detour if you're driving the coast.

Glass Beach (Fort Bragg): Not in Monterey County, but often discussed in collector circles.

Pacific Grove Tidal Pools: Occasional finds among the granite and seaweed

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Fossils and Shell Imprints

Thanks to eons of ocean activity and tectonic movement, fossils can be found embedded in cliffs and rocks throughout the area.

Best Spots:

Point Lobos State Reserve (Carmel): Fossilized shells and ancient seabeds can be spotted on the trails.

Elkhorn Slough (Moss Landing): Marine fossils occasionally wash up near the dunes.

Tips for the Casual Rockhunter

Bring a small bag or bucket, but don’t overload—many state beaches have limits on what you can take.

Check tide charts—low tide is prime hunting time.

Always watch for rogue waves—especially in Big Sur.

Bring water and gloves, especially if you're climbing on rocky terrain.

Real Estate Meets Rockhounding: Living Close to Nature’s Treasure Chest

For many locals, beachcombing and rockhounding aren’t just hobbies—they’re part of a lifestyle. Living near the coast means morning walks turn into treasure hunts and weekend hikes lead to new discoveries.

Neighborhoods near Asilomar in Pacific Grove, Carmel Meadows, and Del Monte Beach aren’t just prime for real estate—they offer rare access to some of the richest, quietest collecting areas around. It’s not unusual to find homeowners displaying polished stones in bowls or building garden paths with beach-found treasures.

Thinking about making this your everyday reality? The rocks are just one more reason to fall in love with life on the Monterey Peninsula.

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