Go Hiking!
Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is approximately 30 miles south from Carmel on Highway 1 in Big Sur. It offers hikes through redwood canyons as well as glorious views of the Big Sur coastline. It is fun as a day trip, but there are also camp sites available. Amenities include restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities and a camp store. 831-667-1112
Carmel
Point Lobos State Park located on Highway 1 in Carmel. This is a fantastic place to take the family. It has 7 miles of hiking on 14 intersecting trails that wonder through forests and the coastline. Most of the trails are easy to maneuver and even the littlest family members can walk/run around. There are designated picnic areas in the park. The entrance fee is $10 and includes a map. For more information call 831-624-4909 or check website.
Point Lobos Extras!
Download Pt. Lobos’ fun Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book
Download Discover Point Lobos app – This is free to download from iTunes and provides an interactive experience while you take a virtual walk and learn about the animals, plants and geological features that are found at Point Lobos.
Palo Corona Regional Park Discovery Center at 4860 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel highlights the historic lands of the Carmel River Watershed and features exhibits of the land, nature, and people of the area. View a life-sized replica of a California condor and an authentic handmade tule boat. There is ample parking at the Discovery Center and plenty of trails for all ages. The South Bank trail is a 1.5 mile long ADA accessible pedestrian and bicycle path located on the south side of the Carmel River. The trail features both scenic inland and river views and provides an accessible alternative route to Palo Corona Regional Park.
Download Palo Corona Regional Park self-guide hiking map
Carmel Valley
Garland Regional Park located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road has varied hiking trails which surround the Carmel River. The park offers picnic tables and restrooms. There is no entrance fee and the park is open from 8:30am to sunset. Call 831-659-4488.
Monterey
Jacks Peak County Park has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Almost 8.5 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails wind through cathedral-like forests and to breathtaking ridge top vistas. The Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail traverses the summit of Jacks Peak and features fossils from the Miocene epoch. Brochures describing features along the trail are available at the entrance station. Visitors can also enjoy activities including nature study, photography or picnics.
Pacific Grove
Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail stretches from Lover’s Point to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and beyond. This is one of the most popular trails on the Peninsula for walking, jogging and bicycling.
Lynn “Rip Van Winkle” Open Space is located on Congress in Pacific Grove about a block down from the Pebble Beach Country Club Gate entrance. This is a very popular place for dog lovers so even the family dog can come along!
Salinas
Toro Park’s pastoral setting makes it the ideal place for your next family outing. Toro County Park has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. The park’s 4,756 acres have been a haven for thousands of visitors and is also home for many types of wildlife including deer, coyote, and a rare mountain lion or golden eagle.