Monterey County, California
Monterey County in California is a top spot for outdoor adventures with a multitude of scenic trails and activities. One must-visit trail is the Soberanes Canyon Trail. This 4.7-mile loop offers a moderate difficulty level and features a river and beautiful wildflowers. For a more challenging hike, the Skyline to Sea Trail is a 25.9-mile trail that features a waterfall and is best used from April until November. For a unique outdoor activity, try whale watching at Monterey Bay or exploring the tide pools at Asilomar State Beach. The best Trails and Outdoor Activities are abundant in Monterey County, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an active and scenic getaway.
Top Spots in and near Monterey County
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Pacific Grove, California
Relax at Lover's Point Beach
4.8Getting 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...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Explore Lovers Point
5.0LOVERS 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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Spanish Bay Trail
5.02.8 mi / 78 ft gainSpanish Bay Trail is an out and back trail that takes you past scenic views located near Monterey, California.Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
1 miThousands 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...Read more -
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...Read more -
Pacific Grove, California
Exploring Asilomar's Ancient Sand Dunes
4.0Asilomar 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. ...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
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...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Elephant Seal Vista Point Trail
5.05.27 mi / 184 ft gainElephant Seal Vista Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near San Simeon, California.Read more -
San Simeon, California
Explore Hearst Castle
4.5Hearst CastleYou always hear about it but rarely do you make the necessary full day stop to visit the castle with Big Sur just around the corner.Hearst Castle, located high above the ocean, was the creation of two extraordinary individuals, William Randolph Hearst, and architect Julia Morgan.They...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Whale Watching off Moss Landing
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions. F...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Kayak with Humpback Whales in Monterey Bay
5.0Disclaimer: Please keep a respectful distance from the whales and other sea wildlife for their protection and your own. Note, changing the animal's natural behavior is a violation of federal law.Every year, humpbacks whale migrate north from their winter and breeding grounds down in southern Mex...Read more -
San Simeon, California
Elephant Seal Vista Point
5.0Elephant Seal Vista Point is a favorite place to see the elephant seals. If you’re in the area and have the opportunity, it's a must see. During the Spring, the adult elephant seals and the baby seals are out. Nearby are easy, clearly marked, walking paths, along the cliffs edge. Dogs are not all...Read more -
Moss Landing, California
Kayak in Elkhorn Slough
4.7Elkhorn Slough is located in Moss Landing, which is in the dead center of Monterey Bay, California. Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Monterey Peninsula and the Sa...Read more
