ATTEND A FREE CONCERT
Several organizations offer live music this summer, and it’s a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon with the family. Sunday Blues in the Park is held each week through August 11 at 4:00 p.m. at Lagina Grande Park in Seaside. The City of Seaside presents the concerts.
Sunsets at Asilomar are Friday night concerts with various performers and are held on the grounds of Asilomar Conference Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Start your evening with a long walk on the beach and some tidepooling before heading to the conference grounds for the music.
On Sunday afternoons from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., various bands and artists perform at Big Sur River Inn. It’s free to attend, and nothing is better than dipping your toes in the cool water while enjoying the music. Set a blanket in the shade and grab lunch from the restaurant while you enjoy the local bands and the summer vibe along the Big Sur River.
Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley is an excellent destination for hot summer sun and live music. On Sundays throughout August, there is live music from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Kids will love playing on the lush green lawn, and parents can enjoy a glass of wine and delicious food while they listen to the music.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS JUNIOR RANGERS
California State Parks offers a Junior Ranger program at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Monterey County and Big Basin Redwoods, Henry Cowell Manresa, Natural Bridges New Brighton, Santa Cruz Mission, and Sunset State Parks in Santa Cruz County. These programs include nature walks, educational talks, and activities designed to teach kids about the natural environment and conservation.
At their first Junior Ranger program, children will receive a logbook and badge. For each activity they complete, they earn a stamp in the logbook. There are 12 different Junior Ranger activity areas including geology, ecology, history, safety, plants, and wildlife. Kids can participate at one park as well as programs at other parks.
The Junior Ranger program is accessible to visitors who have paid park entrance or camping fees. For more information about the program with telephone numbers for each park, check out kids.parks.ca.gov.
COASTAL TRAIL SURREY RIDE
For a fun outing, rent a surrey bike at Adventures by the Sea and ride along the trail. This paved path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. Along the waterfront trail, you can enjoy all Monterey attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, beaches, parks, and historic sites.
These multi-person bikes are a fun way to explore the coastline, with plenty of stops for scenic views, picnics, and playtime. The small surreys rent for $70 for two hours and $105 for a half day and hold two adults and two small children. You can rent your bike at five locations, including Lovers Point in Pacific Grove.
KAYAK ADVENTURES
Rent a kayak and paddle through Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s most extensive wetlands, for an afternoon of educational fun. The Elkhorn Slough is protected from the large swells of Monterey Bay and is a great place to start your family’s introduction to sea kayaking. Kids will enjoy spotting sea otters, harbor seals, and various birds. Guided tours are available to enhance the experience. You can choose from several companies, including Monterey Bay Kayaks, which offers guided tours ($58 per person) for young children and their parents. No experience is necessary, and it is recommended for families with children ages three to 12.
Kayak Connections offers a two-hour family adventure tour designed for your little ocean enthusiast. The guides focus on fun sea otters, harbor seals, and bird facts ($60 per person).
WALK AND BIRDWATCH AT THE SALINAS RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
If you aren’t aware of the refuge’s existence, you’re not alone—although it was established in 1973, we didn’t know about it until recently.
During the spring and fall migrations, thousands of birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway flock to the refuge, seeking shelter and food in one of the few remaining wetlands along the central California coast. The refuge protects several threatened and endangered species, including the Western snowy plover, the Smith’s blue butterfly, and the Monterey spineflower. In other words, it’s a great spot for bird-watching!
The 367-acre land has beaches, grasslands, coastal dunes, riparian habitats, salt marshes, and saline ponds. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset for approved activities. Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is located on the coast approximately 11 miles north of Monterey, at the point where the Salinas River empties into Monterey Bay.
The refuge has two main trails that begin from the parking lot: the River Loop Trail and the Warriner Beach Trail. The Warriner Beach Trail provides access to surf fishing on the beach. Because of the sensitivity of the habitat and for the protection of endangered species, visitors must stay on the trails. Pets are not allowed at the refuge.
To find the refuge, go north on US Highway 1 approximately 11 miles to exit 412 for Del Monte Boulevard (the first exit after Reservation Road). Go left on Del Monte, which becomes a dirt road. The dirt road ends in the refuge parking lot.
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