It’s summertime in Monterey, so it’s time to get outside and explore! No school and plenty of nice weather means it’s the perfect time to be in nature. Exploring where you live can be a fun adventure for families of all ages. An excellent way to get outdoors is hiking along the Monterey Peninsula, which has incredible scenic trails and wildlife. Here are some of the most accessible kid-friendly hikes Monterey has to offer.
Perkins Park
This short hike in Pacific Grove offers picturesque views of Monterey. Start by parking along Ocean View Boulevard or in one of the many parking pullouts found along this road. The park entrance is at the corner of Sea Palm Ave and Ocean View Boulevard. The trail borders Monterey Bay’s coastline, eventually leading into a magnificent patch of pinkish flowers, which bloom during May and June. Nicknamed “The Purple Carpet,” these flowers are a worthwhile attraction for the whole family. While hiking, look out for sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, and cormorants.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Stretching from the Marina to the Seaside, this park has many paved paths for the kids to hike. Start by parking in the main lot, then begin hiking or head to the ocean overlook. If you head to the beach overlook, you can see whale spouts in the distance and an amazing view of Monterey. On a clear day, you can even see Santa Cruz in the distance.
While hiking, look for birds, ground squirrels, and seabirds hiding among the dunes. Fort Ord is an old military base that allows visitors to see abandoned military structures and learn about the park’s military history through signage. While hiking through the park, look for the popular Handcar Tours that pass by on the railroad tracks.
Asilomar State Beach
This means “Refuge-by-the-Sea,” and Asilomar has plenty of fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and the marine fauna that is called home. There are many places to begin your hike, even before the entrance sign to the main beach—park in one of the many pullouts along Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove. From there, make your way towards the park’s south end, heading towards the main beach at the end. The trail is primarily flat and sandy, with occasional wooden boardwalks, which allows for an easy and enjoyable hike for the kids. As a plus, feel free to bring your furry friend with you! Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on leashes. While hiking, try to spot the many sea otters and seals that swim in the shallow coves along the shoreline. Look for seagulls, cormorants, and pelicans as they fly above you. As a bonus for your hike, check out the many tidepools that Asilomar has to offer. You might see starfish, mussels, or crabs during low tide.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Deemed “The Crown Jewel” of the state park system, this reserve is one of the most famous places to hike in all of Monterey County. Drive along Highway 1 past Carmel-by-the-Sea and park either inside or outside the entrance to the reserve. Parking inside the reserve costs $10, and it fills up quickly – try to arrive early to beat the crowds!
Once inside the reserve, make your way to Whaler’s Cove, where you will see lots of shorebirds, seals, and sea lions. Stop by the historical Whaler’s Cabin, where volunteer docents will tell you all about the reserve’s whaling history. You can even view marine life up close through one of their spotting scopes. You can also head to Sea Lion Point, where docents will point out the many sea lions gathered on the nearby rocks. You can even hear them barking across the water if you listen closely. Look out for whale spouts in the distance and tidepool critters in the coves as you hike towards the park’s southern end. Take a lunch break at the Bird Island picnic tables, where you can stop for a quick bite while enjoying the beautiful scenery. After lunch, continue to China Cove, where the stunningly clear water lets you see the kelp forest below. During the spring months, you can even see baby harbor seals lying on the beach next to their mothers.
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