Meet Sand City
Meet Sand City
Welcome to Sand City, CA
Edgy. Expressive. Creative.
Sand City is Monterey County’s powerful, creative edge, a former warehouse district reimagined as a coastal canvas. Murals climb concrete walls, studios hum inside converted spaces, and dunes press against the industrial fringe. Wander here and you’ll find art that’s as bold as the coastline that surrounds it.
Arts
Sand City is a living gallery. During the annual West End Celebration, streets transform with music, murals, and makers of every kind. Year-round, you can pop into local studios, photograph expressive street art, and discover how this grassroots community turned concrete walls into a coastal canvas.
Explore the ArtEXPLORE Sand City, CA
Between studio doors and dune trails, Sand City rewards curiosity. Stroll alleys where murals change with every season, or cross Del Monte Boulevard to access beach paths with sweeping Pacific views. It’s a compact city with a big creative spirit.
PLACES TO STAY IN Sand City
Sand City is an emerging Central Coast destination offering a unique blend of coastal access, creative culture and easy proximity to Monterey Bay attractions. In 2026, Sand City welcomes two brand-new, dual-branded hotel properties, the Courtyard by Marriott Sand City Monterey and Residence Inn by Marriott Sand City Monterey, bringing modern accommodations and trusted hospitality to the heart of the Monterey Peninsula.
Located just minutes from beaches, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Cannery Row, Pebble Beach and downtown Monterey, these Sand City hotels provide an ideal home base for both short visits and extended stays. Whether travelers prefer the contemporary comfort of the Courtyard or the spacious, kitchen-equipped suites of the Residence Inn, staying in Sand City offers convenience, comfort and a relaxed coastal experience close to it all.
Upcoming Events in Sand City
The West End Celebration each August is Sand City’s signature event, drawing artists, musicians, and food vendors for a lively coastal block party. Throughout the year, rotating gallery nights, mural projects, and pop-up shows keep the creative scene fresh.
Things to do in Sand City
Art is the heartbeat here. Wander alleys filled with murals, step into grassroots studios, or time your trip for Night Market 831 on the first Friday of each month, which brings music, food, and interactive art. For fresh air, hike the dune trails at Marina State Beach or nearby Fort Ord Dunes State Park, and catch paragliders riding the wind.
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
This State Park has a 1,500 foot trail to 4 miles of ocean beach with beautiful views of Monterey Bay.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Monterey GlassWorks
We create custom glass art, installation works and lighting for homes and businesses using sustainable material and energy.
Monterey GlassWorksPLACES TO EAT
IN Sand City
Sand City’s dining scene blends creative flavor with coastal ease. Grab a treat from Sweet Elena's artisan bakery and a specialty coffee from Smooth Coffee Co.
Caffè by Rosine’s
Smooth Coffee Co.
Sweet Elena's Bakery and Cafe
Pick Your Path
Let AI help plan your trip with the itineraries below ✨:
Sand City: Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip? Start here.
A former warehouse district turned creative hub, it’s known for murals, maker spaces, and dunes.
Each August, the city hosts its annual festival of art, music, food, and community.
Yes! Monterey State Beach runs along its western edge, with dune trails leading to the coast.
Street art and alleys showcase murals year-round, and local studios often open for tours.
Most visitors stay in nearby Seaside or Monterey, with hotels and inns just minutes away.
Sand City Directory
Plan your visit with complete listings for dining, lodging, activities, and attractions.
Sandbox
Earthbound Tattoo Studio
Caffè by Rosine’s
Smooth Coffee Co.
Need some inspo?
Looking for travel inspiration? Our blog is packed with insider tips, destination guides and local stories to help you make the most of your Monterey adventure.
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Just One More Seascape
Which path will you choose when there’s only time for one more? If Sand City has sparked your creative side, wander into Marina for storybook streets, galleries, and a more whimsical take on the arts.
