Monterey Parks

Monterey is home to over 30 spectacular parks, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy wide-open spaces from beaches to mountain wilderness.

Within Monterey itself, you'll find an awesome choice of urban parks. Wear the kids out at a fun playground or head down to the ocean for a scenic walk.

Want to get out of the city? Venture a little further afield to explore the epic landscapes of Monterey County's protected wilderness areas. If you love your adventure sports, it's the ideal place to get the adrenaline pumping with anything from rock climbing to mountain biking.

One of the most amazing things about this stunning part of the Californian coast is the animals that call it home. Getting up close and personal with Monterey's wildlife is an experience not to be missed.

So, are you ready to start exploring?

City Parks

  • Take a picnic down to the beautiful oceanfront Lovers Point Park for an afternoon of spectacular sea views and, if you're lucky, some whale spotting.
  • One of the most popular playgrounds in town has to be the Dennis the Menace Park. With its great choice of slides and climbing frames, it's perfect for kids who like a bit of mischief!
  • Monterey State Historic Park is a lovely place to learn about the city's past. Take a tour through its historic houses and gorgeous gardens, and view the site where Spanish explorers first landed in Monterey in 1602.

Large Parks

  • Fremont Peak State Park is a spectacular place, with seemingly endless panoramic views from the summit of Fremont Peak. It's well worth the short hike! Stay the night in the park's campgrounds for some out-of-this-world stargazing.
  • Love camping? Head out for a night (or two) by the ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, with its dramatic Big Sur seascape and cliff waterfalls.
  • Action-packed Fort Ord National Monument park is the place to go for adventure activities. Explore its scenic trails on foot, mountain bike or horseback.

Wildlife Parks

  • Every year, more than 7,000 grey whales pass through the protected marine area of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Peak whale-spotting season runs December through March.
  • Spot some of Monterey's cutest residents - playful sea otters - at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This animal sanctuary is one of their favourite hangouts.
  • Los Padres National Forest is a remote beauty spot where you can see the endangered California condor soaring high above the ancient redwoods.

Created in partnership with SeeMonterey.com