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  • Del Monte Forest, California

    For the best trails and outdoor activities in Del Monte Forest, California, the top pick is the Cypress Point Lookout Trail. This moderate trail spans 3 miles and offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is lined with towering cypress trees and offers views of unique rock formations. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse avian species that inhabit the area. Another must-visit is the Spanish Bay Reef Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that runs along the coast, offering panoramic views of the ocean. For those interested in marine life, the tide pools along the trail are a great attraction. Remember to respect the wildlife and leave no trace. Enjoy these outdoor adventures for a memorable day in Del Monte Forest!

    Top Spots in and near Del Monte Forest

    • Del Monte Forest, California

      Relax at Spanish Bay

      Spanish Bay is a beach with a view point at the southern tip.  You can see waves crashing into rocks and the many different shades of blue.  This is a great spot for anyone exploring 17 Mile Drive, as it is scenic and perfect for picnics.  There is a golf course nearby that offers some of the mos...
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    • Del Monte Forest, California

      Explore Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur

      4.6
      Being from the Central Coast, every time I visit the area I like to do the same trip - Simply because it is amazing. The trip starts along 17 mile drive located in Carmel. From the road, you see the Central Coast icon, the Lone Cypress. Being one of the most photographed trees in North America, i...
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    • Del Monte Forest, California

      17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride

      5.0
      7.75 mi / 312 ft gain
      17-Mile Drive to Carmel Road Ride is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Spanish Bay Trail

      5.0
      2.8 mi / 78 ft gain
      Spanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes

      4.0
      Asilomar State Beach covers 107 acres of land. It is home to a delicate ecosystem that has been sustained through the years after it was almost destroyed. The intricate dunes at Asilomar are what have survived after the over-grazing back in the early 1900's that damaged about 480 acres of dunes. ...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Catch Sunset on Asilomar State Beach

      Asilomar, or “refuge by the sea” definitely lives up to its name. The beach is expansive and less-populated than other nearby destinations. With large sandbars and rocky outcroppings, it is a great place to enjoy sunset.  This beach is also known for its premium surf, so expect a show from the lo...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Bike at Asilomar State Beach

      At Asilomar State Beach, adventure is accessible in many forms. I had the opportunity to rent a bike from Adventures by the Sea. Rentals start at $25, and while you are not permitted to ride along the boardwalk that leads you to the beach, you may walk your bike through the exquisite sand dunes A...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Play Volleyball at Asilomar Conference Grounds

      Asilomar translates to “refuge by the sea,” a phrase that accurately depicts the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The area started as a YWCA women’s empowerment camp in 1913 and has since transitioned into a well-preserved state beach. It is located in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  If you find y...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Catch a Sunset at Carmel Beach

      4.7
      It’s a dream of mine to live in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  You might recognize Carmel because Clint Eastwood was the mayor from 1986 to 1988.  An idiosyncrasy you may not know about Carmel is the fact that there are no street addresses on any house in Carmel.  Everyone gets their mail at the post office...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary

      1 mi
      Thousands of monarchs can be found here October through February. It's a small park with a path through the center. Park near the Monarch Grove hotel at the sign that says "Caution: Butterflies present", and cross the street to walk down the short path (pink houses will be on your right) and to t...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Relax at Lover's Point Beach

      4.8
      Getting there: Drive to the bottom of Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove, California. You will reach a small parking lot. Unfortunately, the parking here is limited. On the bright side, this means the crowds never get too big! The ocean has open swells for surfers, diverse marine-life for snor...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Explore Lovers Point

      5.0
      LOVERS POINT PARK AND BEACH:According to local legend, this park was originally called "Lovers of Jesus Point," back in the era when Pacific Grove was a Methodist retreat camp. Since the late 1800s, the beach at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove has been a popular spot for boating and swimming, and o...
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    • Pacific Grove, California

      Paddle Lover's Point

      Lover's Point is great place to SUP or kayak. There are tons of jellyfish in the water (so be careful). This beach is also popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are rocks surround a small sandy beach and a place to rent kayaks and sups on the beach. There is a small parking lot as well a...
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    • Monterey, California

      Sail on Monterey Bay

      Few places along the California coast are perfectly suited for a day of sailing. While San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Catalina Island offer sailing adventures, none of them offer wide open Pacific waters without dangerous commercial traffic to navigate. The...
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    • Monterey, California

      Scuba Dive Breakwater Cove

      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...
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    • Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

      Hike along the Carmel River Beach Trail

      1 mi / 100 ft gain
      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...
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    Camping and Lodging in Del Monte Forest

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds
    Pacific Grove, California

    Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds

    From $176 / night

    Moss Landing KOA Express
    Moss Landing, California

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Salinas / Monterey KOA
    Prunedale, California

    Salinas / Monterey KOA

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
    La Selva Beach, California

    Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

    Big Sur Lodge
    Big Sur, California

    Big Sur Lodge

    From $199 / night

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Del Monte Forest

    Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

    Your Coastal Refuge in the Monterey Bay: Asilomar Hotel

    The Outbound Collective

    5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

    5 Must-Do Adventures near Asilomar, California

    Karissa Frye

    5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

    5 Pieces of Gear You Need for a Weekend Adventure in Monterey, California

    Mitch Pittman

    72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

    72 Hours of Food, Fun, and Outdoor Adventure in Monterey County

    Mitch Pittman

    A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

    A Perfect Coastal Escape for the Holidays

    Sara Sheehy

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

    Sara Sheehy