TOP 10 Educational wildlife programs in Monterey, California

Monterey Zoo, located at 400 River Road in Salinas, California, is a unique institution that combines both lodging and a zoo experience. Visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight on the premises and enjoy up-close encounters with a variety of exotic animals. The zoo houses a diverse collection of wildlife, including lions, tigers, elephants, and more. Guests can participate in guided tours, educational programs, and even special events such as feeding sessions. Monterey Zoo offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature and learn about conservation efforts in a beautiful and immersive setting.

Welcome to Monterey Bay Habitats, your gateway to the vibrant and diverse ecosystems of the Monterey Bay area. Nestled in the historic Cannery Row at 896 Cannery Row, Monterey, California, our business is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the natural beauty of our local environment. We offer an array of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours designed to inspire and inform visitors about the unique marine and coastal habitats that make this region so special. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, Monterey Bay Habitats provides a fascinating and immersive experience for all ages. Join us to explore the wonders of the ocean, learn about conservation efforts, and discover the incredible wildlife that calls Monterey Bay home. Your adventure begins here!

Bella Vista Park, located at 400 West Pomona Boulevard in Monterey Park, California, is a charming four-acre park that offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. This popular tourist attraction boasts a softball field, a children's play area, outdoor basketball courts, picnic facilities, and restrooms. Whether you're looking to play a game of softball, let your kids run wild on the playground, shoot some hoops, or simply relax and have a picnic, Bella Vista Park has something for everyone. Come and explore this beautiful park in the heart of Monterey Park.

Garland Ranch Regional Park, located at 700 West Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley, California, is a popular tourist attraction and park that offers a variety of landscapes and activities for visitors to enjoy. This park was the first parkland acquisition by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, purchased in 1975 from William Garland II. The park features diverse elevations ranging from 200 to 2,000 feet, with trails that lead through willow-covered riverbanks, oak savannas, maple-filled canyons, oak woodlands, and chaparral stands. Visitors can explore the park's rich history, including Rumsen Indian habitation sites, homestead remains, and Rancho Don Juan. The park is home to a wide variety of insects, birds, plants, and animals, with species lists available at the Visitor Center. Activities at Garland Ranch Regional Park include hiking, photography, horseback riding, jogging, bird watching, painting, and mountain biking in designated areas.

San Lorenzo County Park is a beautiful natural oasis located in King City, California. Situated at 1160 Broadway Street, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and serene atmosphere, San Lorenzo County Park offers the perfect setting for picnics, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or explore the local flora and fauna, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Palm Beach State Park, located at 2660 Beach Road in Watsonville, California, offers visitors the opportunity to reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance. California State Parks Backpacking Adventures also offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer. Sunset State Beach, within the park, features a peaceful campground under the pines, picnicking on the beach, and stunning views of Monterey Bay. A $10 vehicle day-use fee applies, with additional fees for bus parking. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach or in the day-use area, and dogs are not allowed on Sunset State Beach except for service animals. Drones are also prohibited in the park to protect wildlife and cultural resources. Visitors can arrange interpretive talks or guided experiences for organized community groups. Join the mailing list to stay updated on events and activities at the park. Funds to support educational programs and projects at the park are provided by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

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 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 Sunset State Beach Campground, your perfect escape nestled in the scenic beauty of Watsonville, California. Located at Sunset State Beach, just 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, our campground offers a serene retreat under the shade of majestic pines, with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Whether you're planning a peaceful camping trip or a day of picnicking on the beach, Sunset State Beach is a must-visit year-round destination. Our location is easily accessible from Hwy 1 via the San Andreas Road exit. Simply head south to Sunset Beach Rd and proceed west to reach our beach entrance. For those interested in exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the area, we offer a variety of guided hikes and public programs. Visit our Parks Events page to view the schedule and make a reservation.

Welcome to Palm Beach Parking at Sunset State Beach, your gateway to a serene coastal experience in Watsonville, California. Conveniently located at 2660 Beach Road, just 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, our parking facility offers easy access to the stunning vistas and recreational opportunities of Sunset State Beach. Follow Hwy 1 to the San Andreas Road exit, proceed south to Sunset Beach Rd, and head west to reach our entrance. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a peaceful campground nestled under the pines, enjoy picnicking on the sandy shores, and soak in the breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Whether you're here for a day trip or an extended stay, Sunset State Beach is a favorite year-round destination.

Welcome to the McKinleyville Community Forest, located at Murray Road E, McKinleyville, California. This newly established park spans 599 acres along the eastern boundary of McKinleyville, nestled within the watersheds of Widow White Creek and Mill Creek. Managed by the McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD), the forest serves multiple purposes, including public recreation, timber production, wildlife habitat protection, and more. The forest is a beautiful blend of second- and third-growth Sitka spruce, redwood, and Douglas fir, offering a serene escape near Humboldt Bay. It also includes riparian areas that support a diverse array of plant and wildlife species, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

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 Palo Corona Park, a unique museum experience located in the picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Monterey Peninsula, our museum offers visitors a chance to explore the rich natural and cultural history of the region. Palo Corona Park is not just a museum; it is a journey through time and nature. Our exhibits showcase the diverse ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and intriguing history of this beautiful area. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, educational programs, and guided tours that provide a deeper understanding of the local environment and its historical significance.

Welcome to the McKinleyville Community Forest, a serene and expansive natural haven located along Murray Road in McKinleyville, California. Spanning 599 acres, this community forest is a valuable asset to the region, offering a diverse landscape rich with second- and third-growth Sitka spruce, redwood, and Douglas fir trees. Nestled within the watersheds of Widow White Creek and Mill Creek, the forest serves as an essential habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species. As part of the McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD), the forest is managed with a commitment to multiple objectives, including public recreation, timber production, wildlife habitat protection, and environmental conservation. Our mission is to enhance the environmental and economic benefits of this land for generations to come, ensuring it remains protected from development.