Parks at Monterey Bay

Lobos State Reserve County Parks Menace Park

Pinnacles National Monument. Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of wildlands for hiking, climbing, bird watching and sightseeing. The rock formations are connected by 30 miles of hiking trails - from easy loops to wilderness trails - that access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildlife communities. The Pinnacles' rock formations are excellent for technical climbers. Visit www.nsp.gov/pinn.

Point Lobos State Reserve. Two miles south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve is a coastal treasure. The ever-changing skies and shifting seas form a kaleidoscope of Nature's handiwork. The jewel of the California State Parks, the Reserve encompasses 750 acres of underwater wonders and 550 acres of protected trails and views. Whales and dolphins are visible in the distance, and seals bark on offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos. Bold headlands, coves and meadows are popular for picnics, scuba diving, jogging, birding, and photography.

Monterey Recreational Trail. One of the nation’s most scenic byways, the Monterey Recreation Trail is 18 miles of paved cycling and walking path from Castroville to Pacific Grove, with few major roads or railroads to cross. The Trail accommodates skaters, bicyclists and four-wheeled surreys that seat up to four people. The section between Seaside and Pacific Grove is busy with surreys, rollerbladers, and joggers, but elsewhere cyclists rule the road. Bicycle rental companies can set you up with cycles, scooters, and skates. [Top]

Monterey County Parks. Monterey County’s several state and regional parks are open year round for outdoor recreation. Jacks Peak Park in Monterey and Garland Ranch Park in Carmel Valley offer excellent hiking trails and gorgeous mountain and coastal views. Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel is a perfect destination for an afternoon picnic. Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur offer hiking and horseback riding tours.

Monterey State Historic Park. Monterey State Historic Park includes historic buildings, restored gardens, adobes, and the State Historic Park Visitor's Center located in the Custom House Plaza. Take a 5-hour walking tour that will acquaint you with Old Monterey's historic adobes. One fee of $5 per person gives you entrance to all the MSHP properties for informative and enjoyable activities for individuals the whole family. [Top]

Dennis The Menace Park. This famous playground is known throughout California for its whimsical equipment, which includes a drinking fountain inside the mouth of a lion, a swinging rope bridge, a roller slide, a life-sized hedge maze, and a real steam train engine. Created in 1956 by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, the park celebrates being a kid. The free park is open daily at 10 a.m.

Monterey County Fairgrounds & Exposition Park. Monterey Fairgrounds is home to the annual Monterey County Fair each August, featuring carnival rides, 4-H livestock competitions and auctions, live music, entertainment and traditional fair exhibits. The Monterey Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, World Music Fest, the Book Fair, and many popular festivals are held throughout the year. Visit www.montereycountyfair.com.

Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary. Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary defends the animal and plant species native to the Central Coast of California. The Sanctuary’s wildlife protection and habitat restoration are leading efforts to preserve endangered species in California. Programs include, the California Condor Recovery Program, a bald eagle monitoring program, and the Creamery Meadow restoration. Go to www.ventanaws.org. [Top]