Summer is here and that means vacation and longer days with family and friends. The smells of BBQ and fireworks are in the air. These days can feel longer if we don´t have go-to places for children to explore and run off some steam. Here are nine local destinations where your family can enjoy some outdoor time and a great walk!
1. Frog Pond Wetland Preserve: Enjoy a short (¾ mile) loop around a beautiful pond while listening for the calls of ducks, frogs, and a variety of birds. Children will love exploring under the overgrown trees and bushes, which almost feel like a natural labyrinth. Don´t forget to bring your binoculars and a light lunch.
- Parking: Free, located off of the shoulder of Canyon Del Rey Blvd.
- Address: 698 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. Del Rey Oaks, CA, 93940
- Directions: Drive north on HWY 1, exit Canyon Del Rey Blvd. and make a left. Continue onto Canyon Del Rey Blvd., parking will be on the left shoulder after Highland St. If driving down HWY 68 South toward Monterey, make a right onto Canyon Del Rey Blvd. and park on the right shoulder right after General Jim Moore Blvd.
2. Fort Ord Dunes State Park: At Fort Ord Dunes you will find over five miles of paved trails that are all access friendly. If you´re feeling adventurous, explore sand trails that branch off toward the dunes and beach. Only have a short break? Skip the walk and head down to the first beach access trail by the main parking lot entrance. Enjoy breathtaking views while the children climb the dunes.
- Parking: Free, open from sunrise to sunset.
- Address: Stillwell Hall Marina, CA, 93933
- Directions: Driving North on HWY 1, take exit 406 toward Lightfighter Dr. Make a right onto 2nd Ave and another right on Divarty. Turn left on 1st Ave and take a right on 9th. Drive to the end of the road to enter the parking lot.
3. Jack´s Peak Park: Nestled comfortably in the hills of Monterey, Jack´s Peak Park offers a great workout within its eight miles of trails. Children will love its storybook location complete with lush pine trees. The whole family can experience the thrill of hiking up to the highest point in the Monterey Peninsula, rising 1,068 feet above the valley! The views of the ocean, city, and bay below will quickly become a family favorite. Picnic areas are available next to the parking lots.
- Parking: $5 per vehicle.
- Address: 25020 Jack´s Peak Park Rd, Monterey, CA, 93940.
- Directions: Take HWY 1 North, exit Aguajito Rd and head east. Turn left onto Monhollan Rd and then a right onto Jack´s Peak Park Rd.
4. Salinas River State Beach: Located in the heart of Moss Landing, this trail is accessible through Potrero and Sandholt Roads off of HWY 1. The whole family will enjoy exploring trails and passing the slough, boats, and beach that connect the two entrances. Driftwood art and fortresses are common, so don’t forget to warm yourself on the sand when you venture off toward this small but charming town!
- Parking: Free.
- Address: Potrero Road access: 10933 Potrero Road Moss Landing, CA, 95039
- Moss Landing Road access: 7866 Sandholdt Road Moss Landing, CA, 95039
- Directions: Potrero Road offers ample parking. Drive North on HWY 1 and make a left onto Potrero Rd. Sandholdt Road parking is closer to the docks and downtown Moss Landing. Go North on HWY 1, make a left onto Moss Landing Rd. and make a right onto Sandholdt Rd.
5. Laguna Grande Regional Park: Take the family out for a walk around this gorgeous lake while exploring the three surrounding playgrounds and volleyball court. The complete loop is about a mile and you´ll enjoy tracking your distance or simply enjoying the sights of the ducks and birds. BBQ and picnic tables are also available.
- Parking: Free.
- Address: 1350 Del Monte Boulevard Seaside, CA, 93955.
- Directions: Driving North on HWY 1, exit Canyon Del Rey Blvd. and head East. The lake sits between Del Monte Ave and Fremont Blvd. Make a right onto any open parking lot.
6. Fort Ord National Monument: This secluded location boasts over 80 miles of undeveloped wildland terrain. Flora and fauna lovers will enjoy identifying over 35 rare species of plant with scenic views of the valleys. This location is known for its inclines, so bring your mountain bikes and good hiking shoes.
- Parking: Free.
- Address: Creekside Terrace Salinas, CA, 93908.
- Directions: Drive North on HWY 68 toward Salinas. Exit toward River Rd. Make a left onto River Rd, a right onto Portola Dr., and continue onto Creekside Terrace. Parking is free on the shoulders of the road.
7. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve: Elkhorn Slough is more than just a research facility. Dress in layers and take along a lunch, as you hike through marshes, woodlands, and creeks. The area is well known for its variety of birds. Kayaking will add to the day´s adventure in this wonderful reserve. Guided tours are available and families are invited to attend events promoting wildlife and conservation. The Visitor Center also has binoculars and bird books available for loan during visiting hours.
- Parking: Free.
- Admission: $4.12 day use for ages 16 and over, children are free.
- Address: 1700 Elkhorn Rd Castroville, CA, 95012.
- Directions: Drive North on HWY 1, turn right onto Dolan Rd, right onto Elkhorn Rd, and your destination will be on your right after Empire Rd.
8. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Experience the sensation of wanderlust as this park offers beautiful scenery at every turn. With over 10 miles looping through the shore and forest, Point Lobos provides hours of endless space to explore. The forest will pull you in with its ocean vistas, the calls of sea lions, cliff viewpoints, tide pools, diving areas, and beaches all along the south shore.
- Parking: $10 per vehicle.
- Address: 62 California 1 Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923.
- Directions: Drive South on HWY 1, entrance will be on your right after passing Monastery Beach.
9. Mission Trail Park: A former estate that has now been converted into a 33 ac33-acreerve, houses a network of trails rounding five miles that the whole family will enjoy. The trails are mostly flat and are surrounded by tall pine, redwoods, and a wide variety of flora. The trails wind through streams with visibility of Carmel Beach. A well-preserved secret, Mission Trail Park is beloved by all who visit with its views of Point Lobos, the Carmel Mission Basilica and an abandoned mansion.
- Parking: Free.
- Address: 25800 Hatton Rd Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, 93923.
- Directions: Drive South on HWY 1 and exit at Ocean Ave. Make a left onto Hatton Rd. and make a right onto Mission Trail Park for parking.