Experience Monterey…
With its wealth of beaches, parks, open spaces and the great Pacific Ocean, Monterey has a plethora of indoor and outdoor recreational activities for you to enjoy. Whether it's a day hike through the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, biking down the Wilder Ranch State Park single track or riding the Big Dipper rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey is a recreational paradise. And after the fun and games are over, take a breather and enjoy one of its fine restaurants or pick out that perfect gift at one of the unique boutiques along the world famous Cannery Row.
Click on the following items to see more.
Attractions
Beaches
Biking
|| Guided Tours || Rentals || Trails
Guided Bicycle Tours
Bicycle Rentals
– 299 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-1807
– 201 Alvarado Mall, Monterey (831) 372-1807
– Lover's Point Beach, Pacific Grove (831) 372-1807
640 Wave St, Monterey (831) 646-9090 Bicycle Shop
Bicycle Trails
See Also State Parks and Beaches…
Bird Watching
Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 728-5939
Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.
Docent-led tours of the Reserve are held every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is also an early birding walk the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m.
Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society
The mission of the National Audubon Society and their local chapters is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity
For more bird watching information, please visit our bird refuges page
Organizations and Articles of Interest:
|| Protecting the Snowy Plover – New Rules and Regulations
|| Sequoia Audubon Society – Environmental Education and Conservation
Bowling
Monterey Lanes
2161 Fremont Street Monterey, CA 93940-5242 (831) 373-1553
Valley Center Bowl
1081 South Main Street, Salinas – (831) 422-9031
Camping
Childrens Day & Summer Camps
Eco-Tourism
Family Favorites
Day Spas
Fitness Centers
Fishing
Gardens/Ag-Tours
Golf Courses
Hiking
Monterey is home to a number of wonderful areas that are perfect for hiking and nature walks.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Along the Bay Front, Monterey. The walk is perfect for skating, biking or walking along the water's edge. The trail starts at Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove and ends at Robert's Lake in Seaside.
State Parks, Beaches and Open Spaces
Monterey County Parks Descriptions and locations of county parks.
Please visit our dedicated Hiking Page at by clicking here >>
Horse Back Riding
Monterey Bay Equestrian Center — Beach rides
19805 Pesante Rd., Salinas (831) 663-5712
60 Holman Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924 (831) 659-2640
Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur, CA (831) 625-5486
Monterey Bay Equestrian Center – Beach Rides
19805 Pesante Rd., Salinas, CA (831) 663-5712
Offers horseback rides along the beach on Monterey Bay for riders of all abilities. Also offers carriage rides, lessons, pony rides, and day camps.
3300 Portola Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 (831) 622-5985
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Kayaking
Box 267, Moss Landing, CA 95039 (831) 728-5939
Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay. This ecological treasure at the center of the Monterey Bay coastline provides much-needed habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, including more than 340 species of birds.
For the kayak lovers, the reserve is absolutely wonderful! Click here to read how to protect the reserve and where to launch and land your kayak >>
– 299 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-1807
– 201 Alvarado Mall (831) 372-1807
– Lover's Point Beach, Pacific Grove (831) 372-1807
413 Lake Ave., Santa Cruz (831) 479-1121
2370 Hwy 1, Moss Landing (831) 724-5692
693 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (800) 649-5357
Music Venues
Parks, Open Spaces, and Preserves
Rock/Wall Climbing
Sailing Schools
66 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA (831) 375-0648
78 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 372-7245
Scenic Boat Tours/Rentals
66 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA (831) 375-0648
78 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 372-7245
Skydiving
721 Neeson Rd #1, Marina, CA 93933 (888) 229-5867
Training, events, location and facilities.
SCUBA Diving
Skateboarding
Located next to Lake El Estero behind Sollecito Ballpark
The Monterey Skate Park features fun and exciting elements that will challenge skateboarders and in-line skaters of all skills and abilities.
304 Hillcrest Ave., Marina, CA
Surfing
Theater – Live
Theme Parks
3050 Hecker Pass Rd Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 840-7100
Explorer1.com Review – Excellent family oriented theme park — especially for families with younger children. The rides are pretty tame and there are lots of activities gear toward the little ones.
Although the food at the park seems to be better than most theme parks, most families opt to bring their own snacks and drinks. It's healthier and a lot more cost effective.
Gilroy can be extremely hot in the summer, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun screen!
Looking for a major theme park with really cool rides? Click here to expand your search.
Tours - Guided
Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tour
(831) 633-5555
Redwood Adventures
P.O. Box 1191, Boulder Creek (831) 338-1191
Walking
Whale-Watching Tours
Whale Watching – Central Coast Santa Cruz, Monterey, Half Moon Bay
From Dec-May, thousands of gray whales swim north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds. Oceanic Society and others offer boat tours to view these majestic creatures up close..
Gray Whales – 20,000 Gray Whales pass by the Central Coast two times every year. During December through mid February, the whales migrate south from the arctic waters off the coast of Alaska to their winter birthing grounds off of the Baja Peninsula. Then from mid February through April, they return to the arctic waters to feed. Peak viewing times are usually mid January and mid March. More background on the Gray Whale >>
Humpback Whales – Spending the winter months off of the Mexican Coast to breed and give birth, the Humpback Whales migrate north to polar waters to feed during the summer months. Humpback Whales are most common off the Central Coast from April through November. More background on the Humpback >>
48 Old Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey, CA (831) 375-5951
Princess Monterey Whale Watching
96 Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey, CA (831) 372-2203
66 Old Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey, CA (831) 372-7440
Wind Surfing