Fort Ord Public Lands

One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort Ord because of its defensibility. But fear not as access is easy, the views are expansive, and ther...

Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing.I recommend doing the route from North to South due to the wind that works in your favor. Depending ...

From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to catch a sunset (with some local wine). If you are in the mood for a workout, the beach goes on for ...

Fort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days.  Dozens of trails wind through the canyons and ridgelines of this open park, and linking up trails is easy with a network of...

Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills of Toro Park. For a day-use admission fee ($) you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. While the map is full of official trails, you will find additional social trails weaving through the hi...

Located near Cannery Row, San Carlos Beach is home to Breakwater Cove.  This is a great place for beginner scuba divers to practice their diving, get open water certified, and do their first ocean dives.   San Carlos Beach is home to a large colony of sea lions, and also features a reef, anemones, and small fish.  Young halibut, sea pens, and sand dollar fields can also be seen. Divers enter th...