Monterey, California
Monterey, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the scenic Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, unique rock formations, and a diverse array of wildlife. It's a moderate hike, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Another top trail is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, ideal for biking or walking with views of the bay. For water activities, Monterey Bay Kayaks offers guided tours to explore the kelp forests and marine life. Near Monterey, the Pinnacles National Park is a must-visit for rock climbing and bird-watching. These are just a few examples of the outdoor attractions in and near Monterey.
Top Spots in and near Monterey
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Felton, California
Tree Climb Mount Hermon
5.0Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. There are many aeri...Read more -
Felton, California
Limestone Kilns and Big Ben Redwood Loop
5.08.37 mi / 1598 ft gainHenry Cowell Redwood State Park is a super easy destination to get to from Santa Cruz, but the seclusion of the Fall Creek Unit makes this a big bang for buck hike. This hike will take you to Big Ben, a medium sized old growth Redwood, and the abandoned Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company Kilns ...Read more -
Felton, California
Fall Creek Trail
5.07.21 mi / 1096 ft gainThis quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail. The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Most of the trail is dirt, ...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Waters Ridge Trail (Closed)
5.07.13 mi / 2776 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. Situated on a cliff above Highway 1, the Waters Ridge Trail offers spectacular views of the rugged coast and soaring condors. This hike above the clouds is a small detour off of the Ewaldson Trail, and is a must see! Ac...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Ewoldsen Trail (Closed)
4.54.2 mi / 1500 ft gainThis trail is temporarily closed. For updates, please head to Parks.CA.Gov. The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a stunning hike through the redwood forest up the mountains of Big Sur to a gorgeous overlook of the Pacific. It is a beautiful ~4...Read more -
Big Sur, California
McWay Falls
4.6McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800...Read more -
Davenport, California
Old Davenport Pier
5.0The ruins of Davenport Pier are located on Davenport Pier Beach, just north of Davenport on Highway 1, which is about 11 miles north of Santa Cruz. The pier was never completed and the support system for it was left on the beach, the first pillar arch has had a chain swing added to it and can be ...Read more -
Los Gatos, California
Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail
14.21 mi / 2080 ft gainAs with many trail systems there are multiple routes and loops available at Sequel Demonstration forest of varying lengths and difficulty. The 3 main trails are all accessed via the same parking area on highland way. The most popular trail is the all skill levels "Flow" trail, followed by two sho...Read more -
Greenfield, California
Marble Peak Bridge via Arroyo Seco Campground
4.65.46 mi / 1506 ft gainThis off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 5+ mile adventure up ...Read more -
Morgan Hill, CaliforniaUvas Canyon Waterfall Loop
4.01.48 mi / 463 ft gainUvas Canyon offers up to 6-miles of hiking trails, which includes a 1.5 mile loop, which runs along Swanson Creek and passes many of the park's waterfalls. To take short loop, head North out of the parking lot to the Swanson Creek Trail. Once you find Swanson Creek Trail, you'll be on the Waterfa...Read more -
Paicines, CaliforniaCondor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
4.68.63 mi / 2147.42 ft gainIt’s hard to believe how many people don’t know about this place, which was newly designated as a National Park in January 2013. Pinnacles National Park is hidden just south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountains, and is a short drive for anyone living in the Bay Area. With beautiful rock spires p...Read more -
Paicines, California
Balconies Cave Trail
2.63 mi / 617 ft gainBalconies Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP
5.04.3 mi / 1200 ft gainPinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail...Read more -
Davenport, California
Greyhound Beach and Greyhound Rock
0.26 mi / 128 ft gainThe trailhead is at the Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area which is directly off Highway 1. There is a large paved parking lot with a good amount of trees so finding a shady parking spot isn't that difficult (if that's important to you). The parking lot is located on the beach cliffs ...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park
3.51.5 mi / 275 ft gainStart the hike from the Bear Gulch Trail Parking lot. While pulling in, the trail head is on the left. The Trail is marked Reservoir, Caves, and High Peaks. Continue down the trail until faced with a junction. Make sure to admire rock formations while hiking!At the junction take the Bear Gulc...Read more -
Davenport, California
Kitesurf Waddell Beach
4.0Just north of Santa Cruz at the far west end of Big Basin State Park, Waddell Beach offers one of California's top spots for kiteboarding. Each spring and summer, you'll find consistent northwesterly afternoon sea breezes. With the added bonus of consistent waves from wind and ground swell, Wad...Read more
