Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas. 9 Fun Things to Do in Los Osos, California! Parking is available along California Highway 1. Los Padres National Forest - Recreation - US Forest Service Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 10. The weather can change on a dime in this area, so be sure to come prepared for both sunny weather (hat, glasses, sunscreen) and chilly periods (sweaters and even pants). At a Glance General Information Directions: Highway 1, 2 miles north of Plaskett Creek campground and 58 miles south of Carmel. Follow the beach until you see Doud Creek as it rushes into the sea. 25 Stunning California State Parks You Must Visit (+ Map!). Former Chronicle travel editor Christine Delsol also writes the Mexico Mix column at sfgate.com/mexico. Dogs are allowed at Pfeiffer Beach, but must be on a leash not longer than 6 feet. Group Picnic Areas Check out the website for a calendar. Pedestrian access is through Veteran's Memorial Park. The Pacific Ocean is on one side, and tall dunes on the other. General Correspondence Pebble Beach. McAbee Beach is a great spot to take the kids if they have a bit of energy to work off while you're exploring town. This beach is a short walk from Cannery Row, where you'll find restaurants, shopping, and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Open dawn to dusk. Spanish Bay is not suitable for swimming, due to rip currents. Of the nine recognized American Viticultural Association appellations in Monterey County, three are located in the Salinas Valley. Parks Dept. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Stand well back and admire the waves! The 170 acres of coastal dunes here are the highest youll see along the Central Coast. If you are lucky, you may see the endangered western snowy plover as you walk along the sand. Point Lobos offers guided "Easy Access Adventures," for visitors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, twice a month. The marshes behind the dunes (the Pajaro River estuary) are habitat for a wide variety of birds, so remember to bring your binoculars when you visit. To learn more view our Privacy Policy, Monterey County Parks Dept. All illegal fires will immediately be put out and repeat offenders will be issued citations. A lesser-known option is Jacks Peak Park. The Coast Guard Wharf is teeming with sea lions! . All "picnic areas" results in Monterey, California, "This location is perfect for a romantic or family beach picnic with remarkable views of this beautiful bay and homes surrounding it. Top 10 Natural Swimming Areas | The Berkshires Continue to 8 of 10 below. Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is a favorite relaxation spot for locals. Parking is along the shoulder of California Highway 1, and spots may fill up early on nice weather days. There is no water or electricity but restrooms and parking are nearby. There are plenty of restrooms and picnic areas. We are Dhara and Kishore. You may see egrets here, as well as terns and great blue herons. Pick up a bread bowl to-go at nearby Fisherman's Wharfor set up a barbecue pit and enjoy the peaceful views of the lake and the willow trees dancing in the sea breeze. Follow the boardwalk to this secluded cabana and enjoy the sunset with a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Swimming is not advised at Carmel River State Beach, due to rip tides and rogue waves. Picnic Areas | Monterey County, CA The ocean views from the beach are a treat, especially if you visit on a clear bright day. 805.237.4924 (Reservations), Government Departments I - Z Public Works, Facilities, & Parks County Parks List of County Parks Toro Park. Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur, CA - California Beaches The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza is a can't-miss stop for all foodies visiting . Venues & Event Spaces - PILLOWS + PICNICS - 41 Photos - Monterey - Yelp Look for gray whales spouting in the ocean during their migration south in the winter and north in the spring. Inflatable bouncers are not allowed. Reviews on Picnic Areas in Downey, CA - Wilderness Park, Heritage Park, Treasure Island Park, Pirate Park, Furman Park, Rio San Gabriel Park, Cerritos Sculpture Garden, Temple Park, Spane Park Access to Zmudowski State Beach is off California Highway 1 and parking is free. 10. If you follow the creek inland, you will find exquisite masses of calla lilies blooming in early spring. The Monterey area is chockablock with lovely beaches. Salinas, CA 93901 These are some highly rated parks near Monterey, CA: What are some parks with a large number of reviews near Monterey, CA? If you are interested in diving, contact the park well in advance of your visit. Pinnacles National Park, located in the southeast corner of Monterey County, is well worth the trip. For more information, seeSand Dollar Beach & Jade Cove in Big Sur. Garvey Ranch Park - Monterey Park, CA - Yelp Several picnic tables and grills are located near the parking area, perfect for a lunch before or after a short hike. This is a carousel. Stop #2: Huckleberry Hill. A picnic area at Via Paraiso in Monterey. Email:parks@co.monterey.ca.us Monterey SB - California State Parks View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Whether you are looking for a romantic sunset picnic and bonfire, a wild and remote experience, or a place for a classic beach BBQ, you can find it here! Dogs are not permitted on this beach or the dunes. San Carlos Beach is on the west side of Cannery . THE 10 BEST Carmel Valley Wineries & Vineyards - Tripadvisor The Golden State is a world-renowned travel destination, and our articles will hopefully inspire you to explore it in depth. Picnic areas are available, as are bathroom facilities, a small museum, guided walks, and more. There is a small parking lot by the beach that fills up early on nice weather days. 888.588.2267 (Toll Free) Parking spots are limited, and its a sandy hike down to the beach. A picnic area at Via Paraiso in Monterey. People also searched for these near Monterey: What are people saying about parks near Monterey, CA? Known for some of the best coastal views in California,Big Suris the perfect backdrop for your midday munchies. The park's Dennis the Menace Playground is a favorite of children. Discover our articles on California towns and cities, national and state parks, beaches and other natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. . Other activities include a paddle-boat concession at lake, group BBQ picnic area, exercise course, skateboarding and bird watching. Of course you did. Or set up chairs to read and catch some sun. Garrapata is remote and a bit wild there are no facilities, and no shade on the beach. Park at the Bird Island parking lot in Point Lobos State Reserve and then walk the trail to the beach. 831.757.9516 (Fax) 831.242.8200 (Reservations), Lake San Antonio & Lake Nacimiento: Located in pretty and peaceful Pacific Grove, Lovers Point Beach offers soft sand on two small beaches and a range of fun things to do. Most of these beaches do not provide lifeguards, so keep an eye on your group and consider using personal flotation devices if you are going in the water. 69232 Cabrillo Hwy. You can picnic on a hilly spot in the grass or at one of the picnic tables along the water (large groups must reserve). 7. In spring, the Doud Creek valley that leads to the beach features an amazing display of calla lilies that you will definitely want to photograph. Consider bringing an umbrella if the forecast promises a sunny day. For more information see. Wendy Ainsworth, Monterey Farmgirl, 2018. Monterey Pines is a perfect outdoor location for small gatherings; available by reservation only. Picnic Shelter Reservations | Monterey Park, CA - Official Website Restrooms and showers are available, also. Embark on a journey of discovery about Marine protection in a fun and easy way!! For the purposes of cooking, a raised and self-contained gas camp stove may be used. The Park entrance fee isnotincluded in the rental price and is charged when entering the park. 6. Seal Rock Creek Beach is a pretty sandy beach along the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. In this article, weve rounded up the best beaches in Monterey, with suggestions for things to do, and things to know before you visit. The hikes, led by longtime guide and hiking expert Stephan Copeland, take in an enticing selection of classic and lesser-known Big Sur sights. There is no parking fee. El Estero Park Complex is a 45-acre City-wide multi-use recreation area in the center of Monterey at Del Monte/Camino Aguajito/Fremont/Camino El Estero. Im Wendy. Paddleboat concession at lake, group BBQ picnic area, exercise course, restrooms (reservations: 646-3866). Protected wildlife flourishes here, every year migrating Humpback, Blue, and Gray whales pass through the area, and the resident wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, otters, harbor seals, and California sea lions is incredible too. Fishing is popular, too. Art Museums. For more information, see Calla Lily Valleys Springtime Beauty. Asilomar is a classic Northern California beach: craggy coastline, often wild surf, and a small stretch of sand. Yes, the beaches in Monterey are just that beautiful! Address. Walkers and bicyclists can follow it not only to the famous sights of Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Aquarium but to parks and coastal scenery from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove to the south. Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. This is a review for parks near Monterey, CA: "The reserve has stunning views and wildflowers. Located in Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Beach is a great place to visit at sunrise or sunset, especially on days when the skies are painted pink and orange. I hope you are able to enjoy a picnic at one of these beautiful and romantic places in Monterey County. Sand play and picnicking are also popular. Dogs on leash are allowed. City of Monterey, CA Family Picnic Sites Weve seen plein air painters here, and even artists that create beautiful patterns in the sand. (CLAW as of 2023-07-03 09:18:53 PDT. 34+ Best Things To Do In Monterey Bay, CA - Travels With Elle Stay on Forest Avenue until it ends at Ocean View Boulevard and look for parking. However, it may have the most popularity per inch! The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail meanders along the back of the beach, and makes for a pleasant walk, with expansive water and beach views, and wildflowers in season. (310) 548-7598. website. Click on the image above to find out where you can use your Adventure Pass at 19 participating state park units. Just take the Arroyo Seco exit off of Highway 101 in Soledadand enjoy. Their charming outdoor patio is nestled at the foothills in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and is surrounded by picturesque vineyards. Monterey County 831.755.4895 (Business) Lake Garfield is a 275-acre Great Pond that is located about a half mile north of the center of Monterey off Route 23. picnic at beach - Monterey Forum - Tripadvisor 9. All areas are ADA accessible. Dogs are allowed off-leash at Carmel Beach, as long as they are under the voice control of their owners. Walking the long beach or the trail behind the beach is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the setting. All picnic sites have a table provided for the East Picnic Area. Both accommodate up to 48 people. Gulls fly about, their raucous calls filling the air. You may hear barking sea lions, and also see them on Bird Rock if you have a powerful pair of binoculars, or a zoom lens. I'm not into that, I" Micki M.read more, "The reserve has stunning views and wildflowers. And sunset at Carmel Beach can be divine. There is no formal parking for this beach; park along the highway and take care when crossing the street. Group Picnic Areas Royal Oaks Park has four group picnic areas that can accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 280 people. 1919 Cafe and Freshwater Pavilion at this location. Even with the souvenir picnic backpack, the $600 starting price for these packages (including lodging) are a bit steep if your only goal is finding the perfect place to lay down a blanket and unpack your picnic basket. Toro Park also has five miniature areas that can accommodate groups ranging from 1-50 people. The drive goes through 5300 acres including the Del Monte . Highway 1 is closed from Limekiln State Park to 18.7 mi south of Big Sur /at Big Creek Vista Point/ (Monterey Co) - Due to rock slides - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route. It is not recommended to swim, surf, or scuba dive off this beach, and there are no lifeguards. 2. There are several picnic benches at your disposable; the hard part is just picking one! Rip currents and dangerous waves make the beach dangerous for swimming. 15 Must-Visit Monterey Beaches (+ Map)! - Roadtripping California But don't get too full, because you're sure to be tempted to continue to the Waterfall Ovelook Trail to see McWay falls tumbling 80 feet down the bluff onto the beach, or even to tackle the steep trail up to 4,099-foot Anderson Peak in the Los Padres National Forest. These are some parks with a large number of reviews near Monterey, CA. While these beaches are great for short visits, heading a little farther afield will bring you to many more gorgeous Monterey beaches, several that are set well away from the tourist core. Abundant marine animals (otter sightings are almost guaranteed here!) If you don't mind sharing a bit of your lunch with some local ducks and geese than Lake El Estero is the place for you! Sand Dollar Picnic Area, Los Padres National Forest. 781 S Orange Ave Monterey Park, CA 91755 Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Royal Academy: The Sound of Music 9 1.7 miles away from Garvey Ranch Park We offer private lessons in piano, violin, cello, guitar, voice, drums, and flute. Pick up some of your favorite local wine and cheeses for a sunset picnic and snuggle up before nature's grand finale. With her husband Kishore, she has done numerous road trips in the state in every season. The water is transparent to 11 feet and the bottom is a mixture of boulders, clay and mud. McAbee Beach is tiny, especially at high tide, but there are rocks to sit on and enjoy the view of the ocean. It will become Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove. The path offers expansive ocean views and the opportunity to look for whales and other marine life. Salinas, CA 93901 Alcohol, generators, bounce houses, nacho or cotton candy machines are not permitted in the areas. Parking on the edge of the beach or along the road is common, but be sure to watch for traffic as you cross the highway. Weve enjoyed full moon here as well. Plan to stay: 2-3 hours. Dogs are not permitted in the park. 10. Dogs on leash are allowed at Del Monte Beach. In the mornings, you will find many locals briskly walking the beach for exercise, but its also perfect for a leisurely stroll. Located just north of Cannery Row in Monterey, this area offers a view of all the fun ocean activities available here. The beach is small, but it is still fun to walk the soft sand, explore around the creek, and look for marine life in tide pools. Pick up a brochure at the entrance station to follow the Skyline Self-Guided Nature trail across the Jacks Peak summit. Carmel's 17-Mile Drive: The Complete Guide - TripSavvy Thank you for visiting my blog! All large and miniature areas are equipped with a barbeque pit, and picnic tables. Captivating views surround you, creating a most romantic scene for an unforgettable picnic. Willow Creek Picnic Area has the first public sandy beach in Monterey County when driving north from San Luis Obispo, but the sandy area is hidden from view when you get to the beach. Fall and winter and great times to visit for birding. You can also walk the long scenic bluff path above Carmel Beach. Del Monte Beach, also known as Monterey State Beach, is very close to the Old Fisherman's Wharf. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2fd644facf0265d490868802c0b6fa4" );document.getElementById("h99c88179d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Monterey County is filled with so much history and beauty. Excited? Garrapata Beach in Big Sur is breathtakingly romantic. . Laguna Seca: 'Purple weed' could save California's dying pot farms, The rapid rise and meteoric fall of Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream, Bay Area man goes missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park, Two quakes, magnitude 3.9 and 4, reported along NorCal coast, 95-year-old Calif. restaurant holds secret of a missing fortune. Seal Rock is supposed to resemble a seal in shape. Featured Video. six reservable sections for groups up to 40 people with access to water, electricity and barbeques. So whether you plan to visit the city of Monterey or the Monterey Peninsula, you will find plenty of beaches from which to choose. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail that leads to the beach at mile marker 19, and on the beach. 11 picturesque places in L.A. to enjoy a summer picnic This beach is a favorite place for surfers and tidepool watchers. Sand play, picnicking, and looking for the purple sand are other fun things to do at Pfeiffer Beach. YesDogs allowed on beach from Roberts lot south. The perfect place for a romantic picnic. Located between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach, Carmel Meadows Beach gets its name from the community of Carmel Meadows that overlooks it. Seal Rock Creek flows into the ocean here, and if it is flowing when you visit, you may see it pool on the beach, making for a beautiful photo. The underwater area of the park is a part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and attracts hundreds of scuba divers. Or you can walk the trail from the north end of Monastery Beach, where you will find a tiny parking area and street parking along Highway 1. For more information seeCannery Row: What to See & Do! FY2022-23 Board and Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes, Monterey Car Week & Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. The Monterey Recreational Trail runs right by the beach; consider renting bikes or taking a walk. Named after Abraham D. Shepard, a railroad man who built the scenic route's upper section in the forest, this 17-Mile Drive stop exposes you to sweeping views of Monterey Bay that you'll want to get on camera. Picnickers can hike to a serene meadow or simply pull off at one of the Vista Points along Highway One to fuel up for the journey ahead. Beach bonfires are acceptable at many Monterey beaches. Dogs are allowed at Carmel River State Beach but must be leashed. By zapprint. Toro Park has six large group picnic areas that can accommodate groups ranging from 50 to 500 people. Los Padres National Forest - Pfeiffer Beach Day Use - US Forest Service A trail that runs behind the beach links all three parking areas. Thank you for keeping your dog on leash at all times! I still remember splashing about" Charles F.read more. Part of Garrapata State Park, the two miles of beachfront lie at the southern end of the park. You can walk on the beach as well. Lovers Point Park This Pacific Grove gem is one of the first choices that come to mind when brainstorming the perfect setting for a picnic lunch. This is wild Big Sur at its best. Fax:(831)757-9516 Christine Delsol is a former San Francisco Chronicle Travel editor and is a frequent contributor to Travel and the Mexico Mix column on SFGate. Dogs on leash are allowed at Asilomar State Beach. Picturesque dunes form a backdrop to the beach. Tides here, like at many other beaches along the Monterey coast, are dangerous. There is a feeling of the sacred here even now. The founder of Pebble Beach Samuel F.B. Monterey County The flat beach is an excellent place for walking . Toro Park has over 200 individual picnic sites free for general public use. 5 great parks for a picnic in Monterey County. There is a fee for parking. Nearby in Crocker Grove is the largest of all Monterey cypress trees, named for Charles Crocker, who established the 17-Mile Drive in 1881. 831-242-8200, Government Departments I - Z Public Works, Facilities, & Parks County Parks List of County Parks Jacks Peak Park. Zillow has 56 homes for sale in Monterey CA. In addition to well-maintained picnic grounds with barbecue grills or pits and clean restrooms, it has extensive and not-too-demanding hiking trails with views that take in Carmel and the ocean beyond, Monterey Bay or the mountains to the east. Sunset is a wonderful time for photography at Marina State Beach. Hi! Pair your ham and cheese sammy with a glass of wine and sweeping views of the Salinas Valley at Hahn Winery's Visitor Center. Even if you are time-constrained, there is a short interpretive nature trail through the dunes you can walk. Fishing and horse-riding are also popular at this beach. 12 reviews Unclaimed Parks See all 20 photos Write a review Add photo baseball field I never really visited this park until I realized there were in 6 reviews needed a place to burn off some energy before dinner and this fit the bill. Part of the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park, the beach is a long swathe of sand edged with rocks. She hopes to share her love of the Golden State with you, and help you find your own exciting experiences here. The Monterey Bay and, more specifically, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is one of our nation's treasures.
