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A Guide to First Day Hikes in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

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As many families look for meaningful ways to begin a fresh calendar year, First Day Hikes provide the perfect chance to combine nature, wellness, and community tradition. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a refreshing way to kick off January 1, these guided hikes at parks throughout the region offer something for every skill level.

How First Day Hikes Began

The tradition of First Day Hikes originated on January 1, 1992, at Blue Hills Reservation near Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick Flynn, a park supervisor inspired by a winter hiking event in Ohio, organized a New Year’s Day walk that drew nearly 400 people on its first outing. That small idea sparked a movement, and by 2012 the concept had spread nationwide as part of America’s State Parks initiative. Today, hundreds of hikes take place across state parks in all 50 states as a way to promote healthy outdoor activity and a deeper connection with public lands.

What First Day Hikes Are & How They Work

First Day Hikes encourage individuals and families to explore their local parks with free guided hikes on New Year’s Day. Hikes vary from easy nature walks to more challenging treks, often led by park staff or trained volunteers. The goals are simple:

  • Start the year with fresh air and physical activity
  • Learn something new about your local natural and cultural heritage
  • Build a tradition of outdoor adventure with friends and family

The official California State Parks First Day Hikes webpage lists all hikes offered across the state and includes an interactive map to search by location or park name:
🔗 California State Parks First Day Hikes official page — California State Parks

First Day Hikes in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

Here are some First Day Hikes happening in 2026 within or near Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. These are drawn from regional event listings and the California State Parks events calendar:

Monterey County Hikes

  • Asilomar State Beach
    Join a coastal walk to meander through the restored sand dune habitat and rugged, rocky shoreline that make Asilomar so unique. This easy to moderate hike is open to visitors of all ages and will be a two mile round-trip.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Asilomar State Beach
    Join State Parks Staff as we explore the Asilomar tide pools during one of the lowest tides of the year! Try your hand at tide pool bingo and learn about some of the amazing animals of the tide pools. Keep your eyes peeled for octopi, sea stars, crabs, and more!
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Carmel River State Beach
    Reflect on the timeless relationship between nature and culture as the group explores the Carmel Meadows Trail on this gentle guided hike. Learn about the diverse native plants along the path, current protection and restoration projects, and the importance of this place to local Indigenous peoples, such as the Esselen and Ohlone. Enjoy stunning coastal views from this easy to moderate dirt trail while realizing the cultural and ecological heritage of this special landscape.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur
    Join the 11:00 a.m. Children’s Nature Walk, “Flower Power- The plants of Big Sur” for an hour of fun games, and a little walking. This will be a 2/3-mile walk round trip. Discover the many plants of Big Sur and how they grow. Meet at the Campfire Center.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur
    Join us the 2:00 p.m. Nature Walk, “Redwoods and Waterfalls.” Begin in the ancient redwoods, climb through canyons, and visit Pfeiffer Falls. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. This two-mile, one and a half-hour hike climbs approximately 500 feet in elevation.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Point Lobos State Nature Reserve
    Ring in the new year with an exploration of the tide pools at Weston Beach during low tide. We’ll dive into some of the history of the beach and how it is now protected by a marine protected area. There will be uneven terrain and sometimes slippery rocks.
    🔗 MORE INFO

Santa Cruz County Hikes

  • Big Basin Redwoods State Park – First Day Hike
    A more moderately challenging 5-mile hike to Mt. McAbee Overlook with Pacific views.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Forest of Nisene Marks State Park – First Day Hike
    A 4-mile walk through redwood forest and historic landscape near Aptos.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Multiple Hikes
    From a Redwood Grove walk to Cable Car Beach and Sandhills hikes, lots of options in this iconic redwoods park.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • New Brighton State Beach – King Tide Walk (Optional Add-On)
    While technically a tide walk more than a traditional First Day Hike, this rugged 2-mile scenic beach hike is a great coastal start to the new year.
    🔗 MORE INFO
  • Wilder Ranch State Park – Guided Coastal Walk
    Family-friendly 2.5-mile coastal bluffs walk exploring geology and habitat.
    🔗 MORE INFO

Visiting Pinnacles National Park

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The Pinnacles was my husband’s and my first “real” hiking adventure as parents, navigating the trail with a baby and a six-year-old. Our local national monument had just upgraded to a national park, and we couldn’t wait to introduce our kids to the unique rock spires and bat caves. With our youngest snug in a baby backpack carrier, saying we were unprepared for the experience is an understatement. It did not occur to us that you could not scramble through a tight cave with a baby on your back until we had to juggle it and our energetic son, who bolted into the cool, dark cave ahead of us. Recalling the chaotic scene of trying to catch up to our son, balancing a baby carrier, navigating a dim trail with a flashlight, and encountering fellow hikers, it’s safe to say our outdoor parenting adventures did not start well.

Since this first experience, the Pinnacles National Park has become a favorite place for our family. Easily accessible from Monterey, the park has two entrances. We find the west entrance near Soledad to be the most convenient. It’s worth noting that some friends have mistakenly ended up at the wrong entrance, so be mindful of your GPS if you have a particular trail in mind. This entrance has a variety of hiking trails across different levels, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch sight of the majestic California condor.

That first hike was the Balconies Cave Trail, spanning approximately 2.5 miles, and is classified as an easy to moderate hike. The only part families might find challenging is the dark cave, which might have a bit of a scramble. Don’t worry if you get to the cave and decide it isn’t for you; you can go around and meet the rest of your party at the other end via the Balconies Cliffs Trail. Of course, even though this is a shorter hike, wearing appropriate hiking shoes or boots and having water, sunscreen, and proper clothing to protect you and your kids is essential. There is little shade across the park, and sun exposure is the primary safety issue.

Another reason we love the west entrance is the Contact Station. This station is not just a source of park information; it also houses indoor and outdoor exhibits, a captivating film delving into the history and formation of the Pinnacles, and an opportunity to obtain the Junior Ranger Book (with a badge awaiting those who complete it!). From the Contact Station, the Prewett Point Trail is a breezy one-mile path suitable for all park visitors, offering a stunning view of the captivating rock spires.

A must-try for experienced hikers, the High Peaks Trail holds a special place in my heart and can be accessed from either park entrance. Depending on your starting point and detours for additional views, plan for a rewarding 6- to 8-mile trek. I strongly recommend an early start, as the trail will become hot with minimal shade regardless of the season. Notably, this is the only trail where I’ve had the privilege of observing California condors up close. While not conventionally beautiful, these magnificent birds, the largest in North America, are mesmerizing as they gracefully soar across the red rock. California’s turkey vulture and condors are often confused. The easiest way to identify them is by their wing feathers. Condors have white triangle wing feathers with brown tips. The vultures have the opposite—brown under their wings and white feather tips.

From the east entrance, another must-see that is less strenuous is the Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir. What makes this talus cave unique is a year-round waterfall. You can hear the water cascading down the rocks long before your headlamp captures its spray. If you start from the Bear Gulch parking area, it is only 2.5 miles away, or you can access it from the High Peaks Trail. My family particularly loves this trail, often hiking to the Reservoir for lunch or a snack. Before you go, check with the park; portions of this cave are closed periodically to protect the unique bat species that breed and raise their young in the cave. Don’t worry if bats make you nervous; we have been in the caves dozens of times and have never seen or had a bat fly by!

We’ve explored these trails every season, but there’s no denying that spring holds a special place in our hearts. The hills are a vibrant green, and the temperature remains pleasantly mild. During this season, we’re often treated to the breathtaking sight of wildflowers blanketing the hills, with the striking red rocks contrasting against the blue skies. For water enthusiasts like us, the post-rain period brings a flowing creek and a cascading waterfall from the Reservoir. Don’t worry if you cannot get to the park before the weather turns hot; it is still magical. Just remember to stay vigilant about the heat, pack a lot of extra water, and liberally apply sunscreen for a great adventure.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and my once-little adventurers have grown into a tween and teenager who are pro hikers. While our mishaps have evolved with time, even for a seasoned hiking family, they remain part of the experience! On a recent trip to the Pinnacles, a 2.5-mile jaunt to Bear Gulch Cave turned into an unexpected 8-mile day. Yet, as long as safety prevails, even these mishaps build enduring memories, and you never know what extraordinary discoveries are in store. During this particular excursion, the kids were treated to their first encounter with a ladybug cluster—thousands of ladybugs gathered on a single log. And, of course, they now have ample ammunition to playfully tease me, holding this adventure over my head for what I assume will be years to come. Building connections takes various forms, and our Pinnacles hiking escapades remain cherished avenues for family bonding.

Take a Hike, Monterey Families

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Parents have to compete with a lot of distractions. Even if you limit your child’s technology time, it is rare for a child not to have an iPad or use their parent’s phone during those long doctor’s visits. The Mickey Mouse and Minecraft apps are not necessarily bad, but they pull our kids in and make it hard to get them outside. With spring around the corner and plentiful local options for hiking, let’s get into nature and have fun!

I have an elementary school child and a teenager. It takes my creativity as a parent to get them off tech and outside exploring. My little one, who generally wants to hang out with me and explore tide pools or play among the trees, still needs to be enticed on occasion. My teen has schoolwork and sports and his own friends and sometimes needs a little nudging to spend the day on the trails with me. The goal is to have fun, and my goal is to get them to want to go hiking again, and that’s not always easy.

We may envision the picture-perfect hike: the kids running through a meadow (on the trail, no plant or animal species are harmed) with smiles on their faces and the birds chirping. But let’s face it that almost never happens spontaneously. To create those moments, we have to plan.

To set the day up for success, there are a few basics. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the weather and the trail. Kids’ feet are just as important as adults’ and need protection. Crocs or slides will not allow them to be comfortable for any length of trail, but hiking boots are not required—a good pair of sturdy tennis shoes is usually fine. Waterproof layers that they can remove work for hikes on a cooler, damp day because being cold and wet will ruin any hike.

Plan your route. They can help decide where to go and what to do if they are old enough. Make it sound exciting, get creative, and sell it! For me, this means I research the location and trail. It is ideal if you have already hiked the area so you can prepare them and tell them about all the amazing things they might see or find. If you don’t know the trail, multiple apps will help you prepare and understand what to expect. I like AllTrails. I can get trail information like mileage and elevation and read the reviews to get the best perspective of current conditions.

Have a well-packed daypack at the ready. The pack should have food, water, and a little first aid kit. Pro tip: pack your daypack the day before. This ensures you don’t forget anything significant in the scramble to get out the door.

Ensure everyone is well-rested with a good breakfast. I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter gets hangry. I know that if we don’t start the day with a good breakfast, she will melt, and there will be nothing I can do to get her back on track.

Plan your rewards. All I need is a promise of a waterfall or climbing a new peak and I am all in. That is my reward, and don’t we all love a good reward—kids included? The gaming industry is designed to activate dopamine, the brain’s reward system. My goal is to do the same but in nature. I want them to want to explore the outdoors, among the trees and tides, and off of tech.

You know your kids best; what will be the best incentive to get on the trail and keep them moving when they’re a little tired or starting to droop? For many kiddos, it is food. My kids are no exception. My daughter loves candy. We never buy candy except for the trail (and Halloween). This makes the incentive unique and not something she gets regularly. My daypack might have Skittles and Starbursts ready to take out at the first “Are we there yet?” On the other hand, my son isn’t that interested in sweets, so I have packed Chick-fil-A or flatbread pizza to reward him on a long hike.

Time to hike. Once you’re on the trail, you may need to get creative and find ways to keep your child’s interest. That can be as simple as counting banana slugs or looking for mushrooms. Jacks Peak, our local county park, is great for this in winter and spring after a light rain. The Forest at Nisene Marks State Park has excellent options for older kids, including finding fossils. Some kids will enjoy taking photos or videos to share later. Again, it’s all about knowing your child and what motivates them.

Seeing my kids smile and hearing their laughter (and maybe a little whining and complaining while climbing the hill!) fills my heart. We are connecting and creating memories together. The rewarding words I have heard are, “Mom, thank you! When can we go again?” and “Mom, that felt good. It was worth it.” And that is music to this hiking mother’s ears.

Dawn Alva is an avid hiker who logs 1000 hiking miles a year including multiple backpacking trips to Yosemite. She is the owner of Rumina Nursingwear and the mother of a tween and a teenager.

Ten Reasons to Take Your Family on a National Park Road Trip

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Have you ever been to a national park? They are part of America’s hidden treasures that many of us take for granted. My most memorable national park experience was when I visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona with my family when I was in high school. I can still picture the sprawling red, amber, and golden rocks, craters, and mountains as far as I could see. It was so stunning that I felt transported to another planet, but that awe-filled experience took place right here in my own country. Connecting to nature like at picturesque national parks can help reduce stress and boost our mood.

Here are 10 reasons to take your family on a national park road trip this year:

10.  Experience awe. Awe–when we experience something that seems magical and amazing–is an emotion that has a powerful effect on our body and mind. It allows us to transcend the ordinary, tests our concept of time and scale, gives us the sense of being small in a grand universe and helps us to truly be in the moment. Awe can make us happier and healthier in a number of ways by helping us build social connection, pique curiosity, expand creativity, and reduce anxiety and depression. National parks have so many incredible natural features that will “wow” you and your family.

9.  See something new. Did you know that stress reduction is one of the most important benefits of travel? A 2012 survey by Expedia found that 89 percent of vacationers said they could let go of stress and relax after only a day or two into their trip. When you take your family on a national park road trip, you are getting everyone out of their comfort zone and daily routine to experience something new and exciting, which helps reduce stress and boost happiness.

8.  Get some exercise. When you visit a national park, you’ll have so many opportunities to move your body. Whether you go on a family hike, bike around the park, or rent a kayak or canoe to paddle around the water, you’ll be able to take in the sites while also getting some exercise.

7.  Find peace and quiet. Another huge benefit of visiting a national park is that you can find some peace and quiet and feel removed from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. It will give your family a chance to practice some mindfulness out in nature, helping to clear your mind of all the chatter and stress. Challenge your kids to just sit and be for a few minutes; focused attention can do wonders to reduce stress and anxiety. (Maybe even offer a prize to the child who can sit quietly the longest.) You may even want to practice some family yoga out there in the gorgeous scenery. It’s your time to soak in the silence and recharge your batteries.

6.  Spark creativity. Being in and around nature is the perfect inspiration for artwork. You can take photographs of the scenery and then have your kids paint or draw masterpieces based on the images you captured. You can also use those pictures and work together as a family to create a collage to hang up in your home or a slideshow set to music. A trip to a national park may also set the stage for your children to write a story or poetry about what they experienced during their visit. By recreating nature experiences through art, we feel calmer and happier.

5.  Teach about nature and conservation. By spending time outdoors enjoying the beauty and awe that our natural environment provides, our children will feel better emotionally as they are excited and curious about their surroundings. There are endless opportunities to turn a national park trip into a learning experience. Many of the parks have visitor centers that share the history and science of the area. Your children will love learning about the animals and plants in the park and how the park was formed. My family has visited national parks to learn about volcanoes, glaciers, tropical rainforests, petrified forests, redwood trees, waterfalls, and more.

4.  Inspire kindness. A trip to a national park can also help your children realize how important it is to preserve and protect nature. They may want to do more to help the environment when they return home. Your family can make a big difference year-round by volunteering outdoors in nature doing activities like beach cleanups, planting trees, and working with animals.

3.  Be grateful. Gratitude plays a critical role in happiness. Focusing on the positive boosts body, mind, and spirit. It gives us energy, inspires us, and transforms us. In a nutshell, it provides life with meaning by thinking of life as a gift. The incredible aspects of nature can help us all step back and be grateful for the beauty and mystery of our planet. A trip to a national park helps us escape our daily routines in big cities and crowded suburbs to experience the natural environment. It’s important that we take a moment to be grateful for what we find.

2. It’s fun family time. Just simply having fun spending time together as a family does wonders for boosting all of our moods. It’s even better when you get to travel and experience new places together. Even the journey to the national park can be filled with enjoyable, inspiring learning opportunities.

1.  It’s FREE! On several days in 2022, all national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates in 2022:

  • Monday, January 17: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  • Saturday, April 16: First Day of National Park Week

  • Thursday, August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act

  • Saturday, September 24: National Public Lands Day

  • Friday, November 11: Veterans Day


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Learn more about National Parks throughout the country at www.nps.gov

FREE PARK PASS FOR FOURTH GRADERS: Every Kid Outdoors is a federal public lands youth initiative to get all 4th graders and their families to experience the places that are home to our country’s natural treasures, rich history, and vibrant culture. Every year, beginning September 1, all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid Outdoors pass at www.everykidoutdoors.gov. This pass provides free access to national parks across the country.

Five Monterey/Santa Cruz County Trails for Family Hikes

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What better way to celebrate family togetherness than spending time in nature? Celebrate National Hike Day with one of our recommendations.  A hike is also the perfect way to walk off those  Thanksgiving calories!

1. For the view: Point Lobos State Reserve

With miles of stunning coastline views, families can hike short trails or longer journeys. The North Shore Trail is a fantastic starting point for 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. For an easy option: Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

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.

3. For hiking and beach time: 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. This park is much quieter than some of the other state parks in the Big Sur area because the coastline isn’t as dramatic.

4. For the redwoods: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Whether you are a family with toddlers or teens, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has something for everyone. 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.

5. For 34 miles of hiking trails: Wilder Ranch State Park

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.

Our Favorite Monterey County Walks

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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.


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