Monterey, California
Monterey, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the scenic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, unique rock formations, and a diverse array of wildlife. It's a moderate hike, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Another top trail is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, ideal for biking or walking with views of the bay. For water activities, Monterey Bay Kayaks offers guided tours to explore the kelp forests and marine life. Near Monterey, the Pinnacles National Park is a must-visit for rock climbing and bird-watching. These are just a few examples of the outdoor attractions in and near Monterey.
Top Spots in and near Monterey
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Monterey, California
Sail on Monterey Bay
Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...Read more -
Monterey, California
Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove
Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove. This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives. San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Relax at Lover's Point Beach
4.8Getting there: Drive to the bottom of Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, California. You will reach a small parking lot. Unfortunately, the parking here is limited. On the bright side, this means the crowds never get too big! The ocean has open swells for surfers, diverse marine-life for snor...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Explore Lovers Point
5.0LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH:According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and o...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Paddle Lover's Point
Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...Read more -
Sand City, California
Bikepack Highway 1: Monterey to San Luis Obispo
130 mi / 9000 ft gainPlease be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....Read more -
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 -
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
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
Carmel Beach
4.61.22 mi / 98 ft gainIt’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 -
Del Monte Forest, California
Explore Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur
4.6Being from the Central Coast, every time I visit the area I like to do the same trip - Simply because it is amazing. The trip starts along 17 mile drive located in Carmel. From the road, you see the Central Coast icon, the Lone Cypress. Being one of the most photographed trees in North America, i...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Monterey
Pacific Grove, California
Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
A peaceful coastal refuge with ocean views, wildlife, and old world charm. Asilomar is located on the Monterey Peninsula in charming Paci...
From $176 / night
Moss Landing, California
Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing is a nature-lover's paradise founded in the 1800s as a seaport and fishing village. Located in the heart of Monterey Bay Nat...
Prunedale, California
Salinas / Monterey KOA
Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck captured the beauty of the Monterey Coast and its beachside and inland communities in his landm...
La Selva Beach, California
Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
As seen on the hit CBS show Undercover Boss, this fun, family-friendly campground offers something for everyone! Enjoy the best of the Ca...
Big Sur, California
Big Sur Lodge
The Big Sur Lodge is an unforgettable one-stop vacation destination where traditions are born and thrive, year after year. Big Sur Lodge ...
From $199 / night
