Nathan’s guidebook
Relatively close hikes.
These hikes are our favorites in the area.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
700 W Carmel Valley RdDog friendly and swimming holes.
Lots of play structures and hiking.
Locals park just outside the gate and walk in.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Toro Park
501 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68Lots of play structures and hiking.
Locals park just outside the gate and walk in.
Great views and good hiking. A bit of a drive but worth it. Locals park along hwy 1 just outside the gate.
309 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1Great views and good hiking. A bit of a drive but worth it. Locals park along hwy 1 just outside the gate.
Beaches
Our favorite beaches in the area.
This beach is usually more quiet compared with the more touristy Carmel beach. Has great sand and the river feeds into the ocean at this beach. Parking lot is small but the neighborhood usually has plenty of options.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Carmel River State Beach
26495 Carmelo StThis beach is usually more quiet compared with the more touristy Carmel beach. Has great sand and the river feeds into the ocean at this beach. Parking lot is small but the neighborhood usually has plenty of options.
This is a very out of the way and usually a very quiet beach. It does take a bit of a hike to get down to the water but its a nice place for a beach run/hike.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Beach Range RoadThis is a very out of the way and usually a very quiet beach. It does take a bit of a hike to get down to the water but its a nice place for a beach run/hike.
This is a popular beach. It's waves are usually very calm which is great for young people who like to chase waves or wade in the water. It's also close to food and downtown Monterey. There are kayak and paddle board rentals right on the beach. As always, please be aware of potential riptides in the Bay.
Municipal Beach
285 Figueroa StThis is a popular beach. It's waves are usually very calm which is great for young people who like to chase waves or wade in the water. It's also close to food and downtown Monterey. There are kayak and paddle board rentals right on the beach. As always, please be aware of potential riptides in the Bay.