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Monterey Parks

Monterey County's diverse parks range from tiny jewels beloved by birdwatchers to the vast, unspoiled spaces of the Los Padres National Forest and Fort Ord National Monument. Whether your interest is braving Sniveley's Ridge Trail, spying a condor at Pinnacles National Park, up-close-and-personal stargazing at Fremont Peak State Park or the peace and tranquility of Pacific Grove's Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, you'll find Monterey County's parks are the perfect place for outdoor fun.

Know Before You Go

Protect this magical place by observing park regulations. Be sure to stay on marked trails for safety and avoid the poison oak, a bushy ivy plant that is common throughout the county. Remember: "Leaflets three, let it be!" Seashore life can be delicate so touch gently, step lightly and leave all plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Learn More

Click on each park's respective link to find details about its history. Here you will also find everything you need for a memorable visit, including information on camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and all kinds of other activities.

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1 - 12 of 12 Results

VineCycle Tours

Join us for a guided eBike tour of the Fort Ord National Monument. Our Fort Ord eBike tours provide an exclusive opportunity to experience the stunning terrain of this National Monument while taking in the history…

Fort Ord National Monument

A former military base, the Fort Ord National Monument offers 83 miles of trail on approximately 7,200 acres. The recreational area is open from dawn to dusk for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, wildlife/wildflower photographers and…

Pinnacles National Park

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter…

Los Padres National Forest

Encompassing almost two million acres, the Los Padres is the third largest National Forest in California. It occupies a major portion of the coastal mountain ranges and extends for about 220 miles from the west boundary…

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-ft. ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall. Two Environmental Campsites are located on the west side of Highway 1 south…

Garrapata State Park

Two miles of beach front with coastal hiking and a 50-foot climb to a beautiful view of the Pacific. Has diverse coastal vegetation, with trails ranging from ocean beaches to redwood groves to coastal headlands at…

Fremont Peak State Park

This park features expansive views of Monterey Bay, from its hiking trails in the grasslands of the higher peaks of the Gavilan Range. Other views include the San Benito Valley, Salinas Valley, and the Santa Lucia…

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is located at the east end of the Elkhorn Slough, inland from Moss Landing. It is one of many access points to the Elkhorn Slough and is a great…

Monterey State Historic Park

At one time, the Custom House presided over Mexico's primary port of entry on the Alta California coast. It was here that Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the American flag in July 1846, claiming over 600,000…

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos has been called "the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world" and "the crown jewel of the state park system." It has diving unmatched on the California coast, great hiking, perfect picnic…

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

On the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the peaks of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park tower high above the Big Sur River Gorge, where the Big Sur River enters this popular park. Walk along…

Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge

At just 367 acres, the refuge boasts a colorful mosaic of coastal dunes, beaches, salt marshes, saline ponds, grasslands and riparian habitats. The refuge was initially established in 1973 because of its prime location along the…