Hollister, California
Hollister, California, is a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures. One of the top attractions is the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. It offers a variety of trails for off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. For a scenic hike, the Fremont Peak State Park trail is a top choice, offering panoramic views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay. Pinnacles National Park, located near Hollister, is another must-visit location. It offers challenging hikes, rock formations, and caves. The park is also home to the endangered California condor. For a relaxing day, visit the San Benito River, a perfect spot for fishing and picnicking. For a unique outdoor activity, try skydiving at the Hollister Municipal Airport. With these options, Hollister offers the best trails and outdoor activities for all ages.
Top Spots in and near Hollister
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Pacific Grove, California
Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
1 miThousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
A Beach Bonfire in Santa Cruz at Twin Lakes SB
This one-mile stretch of beach is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful Santa Cruz experience, but without the crowds. The beach features soft sand, playful surf, an awesome view of Walton Lighthouse, and a handful of fire pits to choose from. It's a great spot to spend the entire d...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Play Volleyball at Asilomar Conference Grounds
Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. If you find y...Read more -
San Jose, California
Explore Santa Teresa County Park
4.58.3 mi / 2053 ft gainThe Santa Teresa County Park loop is perfect for wildlife viewing! Be ready to see deer, coyote, hawks, turkeys, pigs and cows. The trail is rated as moderate - be cautious with mud if you are visiting the park after a rain shower. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on leash. There i...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Spanish Bay Trail
5.02.8 mi / 78 ft gainSpanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Catch Sunset on Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset. This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the lo...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Bike at Asilomar State Beach
At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes
4.0Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Bonfire at Seabright State Beach
5.0This is a wide, beautiful beach that's an amazing spot to spend the day and enjoy a bonfire at night. Seabright is probably the most popular spot in Santa Cruz for a bonfire, due to its convenient proximity to the Beach Boardwalk. But luckily, this beach is tucked in between the San Lorenzo River...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
Relax at Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip. You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue. This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics. There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the mos...Read more -
Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSurf Cowell's Cove
4.8Cowell's Cove is located just south of Santa Cruz’s iconic Steamer Lane. The break is a slow pealing right, and is a very user-friendly wave for beginners. It can get crowded on weekends, especially when it's sunny, but no need to worry, there are a lot people out on foam boards and most are begi...Read more -
Santa Cruz, California
Beach Day at Lighthouse Field State Beach
4.0This beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in Santa Cruz. I got there early on a Saturday and found easy street parking. There was plenty of space to spread out on the soft sand. Later in the day I saw dolphins several times! This is close to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. It’s als...Read more -
Del Monte Forest, California
17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride
5.07.75 mi / 312 ft gain17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Catch a Sunset at Carmel Beach
4.7It’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988. An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel. Everyone gets their mail at the post office...Read more -
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Hike to the Top of Inspiration Point
5.01.3 mi / 850 ft gainThis magnificent trail was recently converted into part of the Monterey Regional Parks System. Walk through pastures of cows, through coast oaks, up a steep incline with vast views of Carmel Valley, Carmel and the Pacific Ocean up to the top where a picnic table awaits you at Inspiration Point. T...Read more -
Mount Hamilton, California
Stargaze at Lick Observatory
3.8Hop on Road 130 heading out of San Jose and follow the winding two lane road up, up, up to to the top of Mt. Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. There are lots of deer, wild turkey, and pigs in the area. If you are lucky you will get to see a herd of deer grazing in a meadow. But be careful that y...Read more
