The gorgeous Monterey State Beach is the perfect setting for an afternoon of family fun in the sun. From swimming, fishing, boating, making sand castles, flying kites, kayaking and more, the range of outdoor activities are endless here. Its lengthy stretch of sand and gentle breeze also makes it favorable for a healthy walk or a jog. Be prepared for cold weather, the fog rolls in quickly here, so be sure to pack an extra layer of clothing!
This city park sprawls out over 45 acres, with lush lawns, walking paths, a picnic area with barbecues and tables, and El Estero Lake. Paddle boats are available for rental at the concession stand, making it the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. The park also features a workout course and restrooms.
One of the most well-known beaches in the city, the Del Monte Beach is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The golden sands are perfect for a stroll with your friends or even your pets while toddlers can also make sand castles. A weekend haunt for families, the beach is not to be missed while in the city.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best-designed aquariums in the country. A rather stand-out feature of this aquarium is the two-story tank, home to a kelp forest in which one can find sunfish, sharks, and the occasional diver tasked with squeegeeing the algae off the tank walls. Sand dabs are displayed in shelf-like tanks ideally suited to the flat fish, and a school of sardines swim in an endless circle in their cylindrical tank home. If you want to interact with some aquatic dwellers, you're invited to pet the bat rays. The jellyfish display is one of Monterey Bay Aquarium's star attractions.
This iconic beach is at the foot of 17th Street, and is known for its stunning beauty and variety of outdoor activities. From kayaking, surfing, swimming, scuba diving, windsurfing, to land activities such as beach volleyball, hiking, picnicking, and more. Bicycle rentals, public restrooms, and snack bar are also available. Lovers Point Park hosts the annual Feast of Lanterns pageant and fireworks festival.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who revels in thrilling adventures, then Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is for you. Vast green spaces, rich wildlife, and protected marine habitats are what you can expect during your trip to this expansive state park. Exciting marine excursions, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, await visitors. Seals, gray whales, sea otters, and sea lions are some of the magnificent creatures that call these waters home. Apart from all this, avid hikers can embark on exhilarating explorations of the trails winding through Point Lobos.
The best part of your visit to Carmel is sure to be a leisurely stroll along the Scenic Road Walkway, a 1.2 mile (2.1 Kilometer) long walkway that runs along the coastline and through some of the most popular sights. Stroll along the white sand beach and enjoy the cool ocean breeze, take in gorgeous views of the bright azure Carmel Bay waters, admire the beautiful homes that line the street, and watch the gorgeous sunset. Overall, a walk along the Scenic Road Walkway is a highly memorable one.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is replete with picturesque beaches and scenic coves that accentuate its natural beauty. One among these is the lovely China Cove, whose turquoise-tinted waters glimmer beneath the sky, its sun-dappled surface dazzling all those who gaze upon it. Pristine waves lap at the shore of the beach that lies tucked amid the stunning folds of the cove, the sandy expanse inviting visitors to indulge in a relaxing excursion under the sun.
Set amid craggy outcrops, Gibson Beach invites visitors to frolic in the gentle waves lapping against its sandy shore. The beach, one among the many which characterize the landscape of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, is a tranquil slice of nature bounded by bluffs and boulders. Owing to its fairly secluded location, Gibson Beach is perfect for those looking to unwind away from larger crowds.
Carmelite Monastery is a stunning, ivory-hued monastery built in 1931, and houses young nuns who form a group called the Carmelite Sisters. Visitors can meditate and contemplate in the quiet, tranquil confines of this monastery and also educate themselves on this monastic way of life. Overall, a visit here will take your mind off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who revels in thrilling adventures, then Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is for you. Vast green spaces, rich wildlife, and protected marine habitats are what you can expect during your trip to this expansive state park. Exciting marine excursions, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, await visitors. Seals, gray whales, sea otters, and sea lions are some of the magnificent creatures that call these waters home. Apart from all this, avid hikers can embark on exhilarating explorations of the trails winding through Point Lobos.
This Monterey Peninsula state beach is a beautiful sandy beach with rocky inlets. It features a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) long wooden boardwalk that cuts through the scenic dunes, and is popular with locals who love strolling along the coastal stretch. While visitors are encouraged to bask in the beauty of this picturesque beach at leisure, they are not allowed to collect or take home any natural souvenirs from the beach. As a protected site, no fishing is allowed in the area either. However, dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash.