One of the joys of living in an area with a moderate climate like Monterey is the opportunity for year round picnics. An afternoon spent lounging on a blanket in the sun while the kids play along the water or grass can’t be beat.
Here are our recommendations for your next family picnic.
1. Monterey’s Lower Presidio Historic Park. It’s been described as the most historically significant site on the west coast and one of the most beautiful places in Monterey. This easily accessible picnic site with amazing views can be found above Pacific Street at the Lighthouse curve in downtown Monterey and it is open to the public. The Presidio of Monterey Museum, also located on the site, is operated by the City of Monterey. Bring a blanket and chairs and spread out to enjoy the amazing view.
Corporal Ewing Rd, Monterey, 93940
2. Carmel Valley Park. If it’s sun you’re seeking, Carmel Valley Park is the perfect option. With a wide expanse of lush green grass and easy access from the parking lot, you’ll find room to stretch out and for the kids to play with a ball or Frisbee. There are also lots of trees if you want a patch of shade. There is a large playground at one end near the community pool. Plus, dogs are welcome.
Carmel Valley Road and Ford St, Carmel Valley
3. Devendorf Park. This tiny park in downtown Carmel is a good destination for a takeout lunch picnic midweek. There isn’t a ton of room to roam for the kids, but the grass is always green, and it’s easy to keep an eye on kids because it’s just a big square. We like it best for short outings with toddlers and young children. Parking is easy to find along one of the streets bordering the park. If you time your visit for a Thursday, you can buy a sandwich or salad and some organic fruit from the Farmers’ Market bordering the park.
Junipero St And Ocean Ave., Carmel, 93923
4. Carmel Beach. There’s no better beach for a picnic than Carmel Beach. It’s wide and long enough to give everyone room to spread out. Dogs are allowed. The drawback is the parking which can be difficult to find on busy days and often results in a long walk to the sand from your car. Our advice is to bring a beach cart or pack lightly.
Junipero St And Ocean Ave., Carmel, 93923
5. Moss Landing State Beach. This wide stretch of beach is awesome for kite flying and dune climbing. Do not plan on swimming or even wading here due to dangerous rip currents.
Jetty Road in Moss Landing
6. McAbee Beach. This little stretch of beach on Cannery Row is a nice spot for kids to play in the surf and build a sandcastle after your lunch. Mid-week it’s pretty quiet but you’ll most likely want to avoid it on the weekends or holidays.
Cannery Row at Hoffman Avenue, Monterey, 93940
7. Lovers Point Park. This beautiful park is perfect for picnics. With plenty of tables, restrooms, easily accessible parking, and a large grassy area, it’s the spot in Pacific Grove for a picnic. The snack bar is open during the summer as well as weekends during the winter months and has hard to find soft serve ice cream cones and sno-cones, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other picnic fare. There is also a beach cafe that is open daily and has coffee, pastries, sandwiches and other items.
631 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, 93950
8. UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. This hidden gem on the campus of UC Santa Cruz has a few picnic tables tucked under shade trees. If a quiet picnic watching birds and looking at flowers and trees is what you’re after, check out the arboretum. You will have to pay an admission fee to enter, but it includes being able to roam the rest of the gardens. $5 for adults and $2 for Children (6 to 17 years old), and free under 6.
1490 High Street, Santa Cruz, arboretum.ucsc.edu
9. Jacks Peak County Park. This gorgeous park features one of the only remaining natural stands of Monterey Pine trees in the United States. If you prefer your picnic after an appetite-inducing hike, this is the choice for your family. Picnic tables are available first-come, first-serve without a reservation. Daily admission into the park is $2 per person and $2 per dog.
25020 Jacks Peak Park Rd, Monterey, 93940