TOP 10 Best coastal hiking trails in Monterey, California

Mission Trail Park is a stunning 34-acre nature preserve located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering three miles of hiking trails and a beautiful native plant garden. The park features diverse habitats including a Monterey pine forest, coast live oak woodland, wetland, willow riparian corridor, and coastal prairie. Established in 1979, Mission Trail Park was designed for passive recreational use, including dog walking. The park boundaries include the historic Flanders Mansion, the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden, and a picturesque meadow off Martin Road. The city actively manages the park, working to remove invasive plants, restore wetlands, and improve the trail system for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're a nature lover, hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Mission Trail Park is a must-visit destination in California.

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is a picturesque campground located at 1186 San Andreas Road in Watsonville, California, United States. This charming institution offers a variety of lodging options including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park features a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, camp store, and recreational facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests of all ages. With its convenient location near the stunning Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas, visitors can easily explore the beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and attractions that this coastal region has to offer. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday is the ideal destination for your next camping trip.

Located at 2074 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo, California, La Cuesta Inn is a charming lodging option along California's Central Coast. With plush bedding and a range of amenities, guests are guaranteed a restful night's sleep during their stay. Situated just a mile from Cal Poly California University and Downtown SLO, our hotel is ideal for exploring the city's attractions. Whether you're hitting the nearby hiking trails or visiting the region's renowned vineyards, La Cuesta Inn offers a convenient home base for your adventures. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and spacious work desks in our guest rooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable stay in the heart of the Central Coast. Plan your coastal getaway at La Cuesta Inn today and experience the best of San Luis Obispo.

Marina State Beach is a popular tourist attraction located at 200 Reservation Road in Marina, California, United States. This beach winds through the Marina Dunes Natural Preserves, offering stunning panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It is a hotspot for hang-gliding, radio-controlled gliders, and kites. Visitors can enjoy picnics and take in the beautiful scenery. However, water recreation is not recommended due to strong rip currents. The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is advised. Dogs are not allowed at this location, but are permitted at other nearby beaches. The Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book is available for students to learn about the diverse plant and animal life in California's MPAs. Download the coloring book and the California Coastal Explorer Guide for more information. Please note that online reservations are not available for this park.

Harmony Headlands State Park is a stunning 784-acre coastal park located along Highway 1 in Cayucos, California. Just 3 miles south of the charming town of Harmony, the park offers a peaceful and secluded setting for visitors to enjoy. The park is a popular tourist attraction and offers recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a leisurely 1.5-mile trail from the parking lot to a coastal marine terrace grassland with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is rich in history, with evidence of human occupation dating back at least 10,000 years. The native people, ancestors of the Salinan or Chumash tribes, lived along the coastal bluffs and utilized the natural resources for survival.

Garrapata State Park is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 34500 California 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States. The park features two miles of beachfront, coastal hiking trails, and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors can explore diverse coastal vegetation, dense redwood groves, and outstanding coastal headlands at Soberanes Point. The park is home to sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and California gray whales during their yearly migration. Dogs are allowed on the beach at Gate 19 and trails leading to it, but not in all other areas of the park. Online reservations are not available for Garrapata State Park. The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is advised. The Soberanes Canyon Trail is currently open, but the Rocky Ridge Trail is closed due to hazardous conditions.

Ragged Point - Scenic View is a must-visit tourist attraction located at 19019 California 1, Ragged Point, California, United States. The stretch of highway between San Simeon and Ragged Point offers some of the most picturesque views in the world, where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. The drive is filled with breathtaking views at every turn, making you feel like a star in your own car commercial on Highway 1. Ragged Point Inn, originally an outpost of the Hearst Ranch, offers lodging, dining, a gift shop, and a gas station, making it an ideal stop for a day or an extended stay. The property's well-manicured gardens and grounds complement the natural beauty of the surroundings, and outdoor concerts are held during the summer. The Inn boasts some of the finest views along Highway 1, with outlook points facing both north and south, making it a romantic spot for special occasions.

Welcome to Marconi State Park Nestled along the picturesque shores of Tomales Bay in Marin County, Marconi State Park is a serene escape that beautifully combines natural beauty with rich history. Located at 18500 Shoreline Highway, Marshall, California, this unique park offers a tranquil retreat for both leisure and business travelers.

Welcome to Gate 1 - Garrapata State Park, a stunning natural retreat located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Nestled along the iconic Highway 1, just 6.7 miles south of Rio Road and 18 miles north of Big Sur, our park offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Garrapata State Park boasts two miles of breathtaking beachfront, perfect for coastal hiking and exploring. A 50-foot climb rewards visitors with a mesmerizing view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine area teeming with wildlife. Discover diverse coastal vegetation as you traverse trails that lead from sandy shores into dense redwood groves. The park's Soberanes Point features magnificent coastal headlands, where sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters can be spotted frolicking in the waters, while California gray whales grace us with their presence during their annual migration.

Welcome to Gate 7 - Garrapata State Park Located in the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Garrapata State Park offers visitors a breathtaking gateway to the natural beauty of the Big Sur coast. Situated just 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel and 18 miles north of Big Sur, the park is easily accessible via Highway 1. Visitors should be mindful of travel delays due to a new traffic signal managing one-lane alternating traffic.

Welcome to Gate 9 - Garrapata State Park Nestled along the iconic Highway 1, just 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel and 18 miles north of Big Sur, Gate 9 - Garrapata State Park offers a breathtaking escape into nature's grandeur. Located in the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, our park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Welcome to Soberanes Point, a breathtaking tourist attraction located along Whale Peak Trail in the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Nestled within the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline, Soberanes Point offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural splendor of the Monterey Peninsula. As you explore the scenic trails, you'll be captivated by panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant wildflower displays. This serene haven is perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely hike or simply soaking in the stunning vistas, Soberanes Point promises an unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Platforms State Beach, a picturesque coastal park located at 527 Beach Drive, Aptos, California. Nestled along the stunning Monterey Bay, Platforms State Beach offers a serene escape for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. Our park is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, golden sandy shores, and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a family outing, romantic stroll, or solo retreat. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including beachcombing, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The gentle waves and expansive shoreline provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. For those interested in exploring, the nearby trails offer opportunities for hiking and discovering the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Welcome to Palo Corona Regional Park, one of Central Coast California's most significant undeveloped open spaces, located at 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. This stunning park, nestled in the heart of nature, stretches over 4,500 acres and offers a unique blend of ecosystems and wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Palo Corona Regional Park is the result of the largest land conservation project in Monterey County history. Established through a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, The Big Sur Land Trust, State of California agencies, and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, the park is a testament to successful conservation efforts. With its acquisition finalized in 2004, this park serves as a critical environmental link in a protected seventy-mile wild land corridor, offering refuge to an extraordinary array of flora and fauna.

Explore the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, a premier tourist attraction located in Santa Cruz, California. Nestled on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, this extraordinary landscape became part of the California Coastal National Monument just days before President Barack Obama left office, recognizing its incredible ecological, cultural, and historic significance.

Welcome to New Brighton State Park, a stunning coastal haven located at 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, California. Just south of Santa Cruz, this beautiful park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a must-visit tourist attraction for both locals and travelers. Nestled along the scenic bluffs, New Brighton State Park boasts breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and provides a serene beach setting ideal for fishing, beachcombing, and swimming during the warmer months. The park is easily accessible via the New Brighton/Park Avenue exit off Highway One.

Welcome to Campground | New Brighton State Beach, a serene escape nestled in the charming town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz, California. Located at 1500 Park Avenue, our campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. New Brighton State Beach boasts stunning coastal bluffs, picturesque views of Monterey Bay, and a sandy shoreline perfect for fishing, beachcombing, and swimming during warmer months. Our forested bluffs provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploring, while our well-maintained campground offers over 100 campsites, including 11 RV hookup sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for both tent and RV campers.

Welcome to Brazil Ranch, a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque coastline of Monterey, California. Located at 39320 Coast Road, our stunning park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Brazil Ranch is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking tranquility. Explore our sprawling landscapes, where lush greenery meets the majestic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're hiking along scenic trails, enjoying a peaceful picnic, or simply soaking in the panoramic views, Brazil Ranch provides a unique and rejuvenating experience for all visitors.

Discover Ragged Point, California: A Scenic Escape on Highway 1 Nestled along the breathtaking Highway 1, Ragged Point, California, is a must-visit tourist attraction offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Located at California 1, Ragged Point, CA 93452, this picturesque destination is where the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains meet the expansive Pacific Ocean, providing stunning views at every twist and turn.

Welcome to The Route 1 San Luis Obispo North Coast Scenic Byway Corridor, a premier tourist attraction located in the heart of California's stunning Central Coast. Nestled along Highway 1 in San Simeon, our 80-mile stretch of road offers one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world. From the rugged cliffs of Ragged Point to the historic charm of the Mission in San Luis Obispo, this iconic route is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pacific coastline, where every turn reveals a new marvel—from majestic Monterey pine forests to sweeping ocean vistas. Whether you're watching whales and dolphins dance along the shore, exploring the artistic treasures of Hearst Castle, or learning to surf the rolling waves, there's no shortage of activities to fill your days with wonder.

Welcome to Megan Lyng - David Lyng Real Estate, your premier real estate agency located at 1041 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, California. Our agency is dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services in one of California's most beautiful coastal regions. Nestled close to the ocean and within easy reach of Silicon Valley, our location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility, allowing you to enjoy both the vibrant tech hub and the serene beauty of nature. At Megan Lyng - David Lyng Real Estate, we specialize in a diverse range of properties, from stunning oceanfront homes with breathtaking views to charming country retreats and stylish urban residences. Whether you are looking for a luxury beachfront property, a cozy family home, or a unique investment opportunity, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Welcome to Nicollette Eason Trottier Real Estate, your gateway to the captivating world of Carmel-by-the-Sea living. Nestled in the heart of this charming coastal town on San Carlos Street, Nicollette Eason Trottier is your trusted real estate expert, ready to guide you through every step of your property journey. With a unique blend of artistic insight and marketing prowess, Nicollette brings a fresh perspective to real estate, honed through her extensive background in fine art from San Francisco to New York City. As a fifth-generation resident of the Monterey Peninsula, Nicollette possesses unparalleled local knowledge, making her an invaluable resource for first-time buyers, seasoned homeowners, and investors alike. Her commitment to ethical standards and exceptional customer service, cultivated in the art world, distinguishes her in the real estate industry. Nicollette holds a Master of Arts in Modern and Contemporary Art and the Market from Christie’s New York, ensuring that your property is showcased with a discerning eye and strategic marketing.