Here are ten local destinations in Monterey and Santa Cruz 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.
- 698 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.
- Del Rey Oaks, 93940
- Parking is free, located off of the shoulder of Canyon Del Rey 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.
- Stillwell Hall, Marina, 93933
- Parking is free.
3. JACK’S PEAK PARK
Nestled 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.
- 25020 Jack’s Peak Park Rd,
- Monterey, 93940
- Parking is $5 per vehicle
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.
- Potrero Road access:
- 10933 Potrero Road
- Moss Landing, 95039
- Parking is free.
- Moss Landing Road access:
- 7866 Sandholdt Road
- Moss Landing, 95039
5. LAGUNA GRANDE REGIONAL PARK
Laguna Grande Regional Park is located in the cities of Seaside and Monterey and is managed separately by their respective owners and operators, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD), City of Seaside, and the City of Monterey. Take the family out for a walk around this gorgeous lake while exploring the three surrounding playgrounds. The complete loop is about a mile and you´ll enjoy tracking your distance or simply enjoying the sights of the ducks and birds. Picnic tables are also available.
- 1350 Del Monte Blvd. Seaside, 93955
- Parking is free.
6. FORT ORD NATIONAL MONUMENT
This secluded location boasts over 86 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.
- Creekside Terrace, Salinas, 93908
- Parking is free.
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. There are kayak companies in Moss Landing that rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards and other boats for use in the Slough. The Reserve is open Wednesday thru Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- 1700 Elkhorn Rd, Watsonville, 95012
- Parking is free.
8. POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE
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. Be aware that the paths aren’t stroller friendly or suitable for very young walkers.
- 62 California 1, Carmel, 93923
- Parking is $10 per vehicle with
- limited availability.
9. MISSION TRAIL PARK
A former estate that has now been converted into a 33-acre preserve, it houses a network of five miles of trails 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 offers views of Point Lobos, the Carmel Mission Basilica, and an abandoned mansion.
- 25800 Hatton Rd, Carmel, 93923
- Parking is free.
10. ASILOMAR BOARDWALK AND BEACH
A ¼ mile boardwalk meanders through 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. More than 450,000 plants, representing 25 species, have been grown and planted in an effort to preserve the dunes and coastal bluffs. This easy walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly and offers great sunset views. You can also cross Sunset Drive and walk along the beach or the one-mile Asilomar Coast Trail.
- 800 Asilomar Avenue,
- Pacific Grove, 93950
- Free parking along the coastal road of Sunset Drive or in the limited visitor spots at Asilomar Conference grounds.