Driving and Exploring Pacific Rim Highway

Carmel, California

Description

some of the prettiest mountain ranges you can drive through.the Pacific Rim is an awesome drive for between adventures.stop and go as you please; there are plenty of lakes to dip your toes in.

Ups and downs and tight corners, all while being shadowed by gorgeous mountains. Start at Point Lobos State Reserve for a great introduction to Big Sur via hiking, overlooks, wildlife, etc.

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Features

Cycling

Camping

Photography

Running

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Driving and Exploring Pacific Rim Highway Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Point Lobos Natural Preserve Loop

Point Lobos contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows, and its offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world, popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters, migrating gray whales (from December to May), and thousands of seabirds, who also make the reserve their home. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. The area used t...

Whalers Cove Loop

Point Lobos is one of the hidden gems of the California coast. Located just off of Route 1 right after Monterey, Point Lobos is a state park on the coast. The cost to explore inside is ten dollars, but so worth it. As you explore, be sure to hike around Whalers Cove, which is incredible at sunset with the ocean spray and lush forests. The ocean vistas, rocky shores, and hiking trails can easil...

Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail

Cypress Grove Trail via South Shore Trail is a family-friendly loop hiking trail located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Along this hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you'll get a chance to see beautiful coastal views with rugged cliffs, views across Monterey Bay, and Cypress trees as you stroll through Cypress Grove. There are benches to take a rest along the trail and restrooms a...

Hike to the Top of Inspiration Point

This magnificent trail was recently converted into part of the Monterey Regional Parks System. Walk through pastures of cows, through coast oaks, up a steep incline with vast views of Carmel Valley, Carmel and the Pacific Ocean up to the top where a picnic table awaits you at Inspiration Point. This 1.3 mile trail is part of the very large 4,300 acre park. The rest of the park is not developed ...

Surf Carmel River State Beach

Carmel State beach is located in Monterey county. It's your typical beach break with both lefts and rights. One thing that is super unique about Carmel is that the water is some of the clearest in all of California. Depending on the sandbars, this can be a really fun wave! It's also a great place to just relax on the beach and enjoy a nice picnic. This is a dog friendly beach.

Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail

Known as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach in Carmel). There is a small parking lot in the eucalyptus trees. The second entrance is on Ribera ...