Of course, it’s great physical exercise to lace on sneakers or hiking boots and hit the trails but the benefits extend to the mental and emotional. There are so many distractions fighting for your child’s attention every day that getting the entire family away from screens for a few hours is a giant win. Children (and adults!) need some downtime when watching TV or checking social media and email isn’t an available option.
What better way to celebrate family togetherness than spending time in nature? Children tend to learn best from direct experience. When possible let your children take the lead. They will gain confidence as they scramble over rocks and navigate fallen trees. They will ask questions about the plants, birds, and other animals they see.
Hiking also offers great lessons for parents–most importantly in increased patience! Your kids are sure to stop over and over and they are going to pepper you with comments and questions. Try to take your time and be present and mindful.
Here are ten local trails that your family will enjoy:
1. Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos is a Monterey hiking must do. It is recognized as “the crown jewel of the State Park system”, and you can clearly see why. With miles of stunning coastline views, families can hike short trails or longer journeys. The North Shore Trail is a fantastic starting point for some breathtaking views of the Carmel coastline and Pebble Beach. A word of caution: although it is 1.7 miles long, the hike begins with a staircase. If hiking upward is not your thing, then check out the gentle Sea Lion Point Trail or the Cypress Grove Trail, which are both just under a mile long. Entrance to Point Lobos is $10 per vehicle.
2. Pinnacles National Park
About an hour inland is America’s newest designated national park - Pinnacles. If your family is interested in rock formations and caves, this is a great option for you. The most popular trail for families is the Moses Spring Trail that starts off at the Visitors Center. The trail runs through a short stone tunnel, small caves, unique red rock formations, and spires. From there, you can loop back to the Visitors Center or take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. The Rim Trail is another option for your return hike back. Children should find the caves and the towering rock formations fascinating and the fact that this area developed due to a volcanic eruption. The entire loop is about 2 miles. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle or free if you have a National Parks Pass.
3. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
This is not your usual hike. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that allows you to walk to many of Monterey’s attractions, like Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The trail is open to pedestrians and bikes and is a great way to see the coastline, get a bite to eat, or stop and rent a kayak on the beach. If you start near Lover’s Point State Park, there is plenty of free parking in the area.
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This state park is simply breathtaking and has some of the best Big Sur coastline views! For $10 you can park at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park lot, or if you find a space, just off of Highway 1 for free. Families will love hiking 0.6 miles to McWay Falls, a stunning sight of a waterfall landing right on the beach. To see it close up, walk a little farther down and enjoy watching the waterfall from inside the cove surrounded by towering cliffs. If you’re looking for something a little longer, try Partington Cove. This out and back 1.5-mile trek takes hikers through a tunnel accessed cove into a secluded beach with some pretty scenic rock formations.
5. Limekiln State Park
Located on the Big Sur Coastline about 1.5 hours south of Monterey, Limekiln State Park is quite unique. It is known for its’ historic lime kilns that were created to extract limestone rocks from the area in the late 1880s. Families will enjoy hiking a combination of Hare Creek, Limekiln and Falls Trail for a nice 2.6 miles round trip. This trio of trails provides nice redwood scenery, a creekside stroll, waterfall views, and seeing the historic limekilns the park is named after. Entrance to the park is $10; however, if you have visited another California state park on the same day, admission is free.
6. Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails close to Monterey. The Beach Trail and Headland Trail are nice options for families as you can combine a hike with some time at the beach. From the parking lot, it is one mile to the beach area. Visitors can expect to find some washed up driftwood and a rocky shoreline. This park is much quieter than some of the other state parks in the Big Sur area because the coastline isn’t as dramatic. However, this could be perfect for people wanting to escape the crowds, yet still encounter some beautiful vistas. For those wanting a different experience, horseback rides are offered.
7. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Whether you are a family with toddlers or teens, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has something for everyone to enjoy. There are over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails among a variety of forested areas, including the famed redwoods. For those with younger ones, the Redwood Grove Loop is the perfect starting place. At just under a mile in length, it offers up-close views of the redwood giants. Another great option is the River Trail which follows the San Lorenzo River and has spots for kids to wade, splash around, and even swim. Entrance fee to the park is $10 per vehicle.
8. Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch was once a dairy farm on the northern edge of Santa Cruz. This state park offers some expansive views of the Pacific coastline and over 34 miles of hiking trails. Families will love Old Cove Landing, an easy 2.6-mile seaside trail. The well-maintained trail is great for younger ones as it is relatively flat and there are plenty of opportunities to see pelicans, geese, and quite possibly sea lion and whales. The beach is accessible by walking across the bluffs. Start at the Visitors Center and follow the trail along the cliffs. The trail ends up looping back around to where you started. There is a fee of $10 per vehicle to gain entrance into the park.
9. West Cliff Drive
This paved trail is not your traditional hike. It is a gentle seaside stroll that serves up some gorgeous vistas. Walking, biking, strollers, and skating are all permitted on the trail. Start at the Santa Cruz municipal wharf and watch the surfers catch some waves. At Lighthouse Point, take a few minutes to try and spot some whales, as this is a popular whale watching location. The path ends at the beautiful Natural Bridges State Beach. Although technically it is a 6-mile round trip, feel free to do as much as you’d like before heading back to your car.
10. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Nisene Marks State Park is a pleasant departure from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. This state park holds an abundance of second and third growth redwood trees due to the logging in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Families will enoy hiking or picnicking near Aptos Creek and marvel at the steep coastal mountains and rugged canyons. The Loma Prieta Grade Trail is a 4-mile hike through an old lumber railroad site amidst the backdrop of the redwoods. Here, families can visit the remains of a logging camp and discover lumbering artifacts while encountering a beautiful waterfall, Maple Falls. Parking at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is $8.
Margie de Quesada is a former teacher turned family travel blogger. She writes about the places her family visits around the USA and has a bucket list goal to visit all 50 states before her kids graduate high school. You can read Margie’s travel blog at www.dqtravel.net.