If you appreciate the coast near Big Sur, you will love Monterey. They have stellar camping grounds on the beach and awesome tourist destinations to visit while you’re in town, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which I visit at least once a year). These beaches are chalked full of wildlife and the awesome beach town of Monterey is bustling with great restaurants and shops. Like most of my beach camping choices, Monterey is ideal for ocean activities like Kayaking, whale watching, etc. It’s absolutely beautiful and worth the trip year round!