42 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 AT PLAY or the Peninsula. Available for both tents and RVs, expect sweeping views and fabulous spring wildflowers. And on race weekends, the famed track is right there. Hikers and mountain bikers can hit the trail straight from camp. 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. (831) 242-8200, weathertechraceway.com Los Padres National Forest Almost half of the 2-million-acre forest that overlays the Coast Range is wilderness. Translation: superb hiking and backpacking (though be prepared for trails to be impassable or closed due to past wildfires, etc.). There are ranger stations on both sides of the mountains, one in Big Sur, 32 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, another at 406 S. Mildred Ave. in King City. Be prepared for a serious wilderness experience and no cell service. (831) 242-0619, fs.usda.gov Manzanita County Park The eponymous shrubs at this park dot a colorful relic of native scrub oak vegetation in North County, where most of the surrounding terrain has become farmland. Beyond the athletic fields, trails offer expansive views of the Monterey Bay and the region’s hilly topography. 17100 Castroville Blvd., Prunedale. (831) 755-4899, countyofmonterey.gov Palo Corona Regional Park The newest park in the area is evidence of creative conservation partnerships throughout its history, most recently with the acquisition of the former Rancho Cañada Golf Course, 190 acres that are still in the process of “re-wilding.” Walk along the peaceful Carmel River, or ascend 850 feet to a rewarding view from Inspiration Point. 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. (831) 372-3196, mprpd.org/ palo-corona-regional-park Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Established in 1933, this popular state park offers hikes through dense redwood canyons leading up to scenic peaks. Located within its 850 acres are the Big Sur Lodge and freshly renovated cabins, a store, a restaurant, campground and numerous sites for picnicking, swimming and fishing. 31 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 6671112, parks.ca.gov Pinnacles National Park The jagged remains of a long-extinct volcano jut out of the Salinas Valley to form this hiker’s paradise, with 32 miles of trails, two talus caves (bring your flashlight) and spectacular terrain that doubles as a launch site for California condors being reintroduced to the wild. Tent and RV camping available at east entrance. 13 miles east of Soledad on Highway 146. (831) 389-4485, nps.gov/pinn Point Lobos State Natural Reserve “The greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” as landscape artist Francis McComas called it, Point Lobos offers 14 interconnecting trails that wind through lovely Monterey pine forests, cypress groves and breathtaking, rugged coastal scenery. There are plenty of opportunities to view 250 bird and animal species, including sea otters, sea lions and, from December to April, migrating gray whales. A well-designed, tiny museum also offers a glimpse into the history of the whaling industry. Two miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. (831) 624-4909, parks.ca.gov Veterans Memorial Park This 50-acre city park offers overnight RV and group camping facilities, trails, picnic areas and playing fields in Monterey. Check in at the kiosk for availability, as camping is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Athletes love the challenging staircase that kicks off an ascent to impressive Monterey Bay views from the top of Huckleberry Hill. At the end of Skyline Drive, Monterey. (831) 646-3865, monterey.gov Horseback Riding There aren’t many better ways to survey the natural splendor than at the pace of one horsepower from a perch that allows you to scan the horizon. Monterey Bay Equestrian Center Explore Salinas River State Beach on horseback. Just south of Moss Landing, these folks also offer lessons, day camps, ponies and petting zoos. 19805 Pesante Road, Salinas. (831) 663-5712, montereybayequestrian.com Off-Roading The gamut of recreational activities is truly complete given the opportunity to navigate terrain in a vehicle as rugged as it is intelligent. Land Rover Experience The area’s only four-wheeling operation takes riders through twisting oak groves, over log piles and through hairpin turns while making steep ascents and descents on a two-track trail. The Quail, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel. (831) 620-8854, landroverusa.com/ experiences Roadtripping There are some epic drives, as those who travel the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur can attest. While your own vehicle may be fine, there are other options. Monterey Touring Vehicles How cool would it be to cruise the coast in a 1965 Mustang convertible? Or maybe a ’57 Porsche 356, also top down? Perhaps ride along in elegance in a ’38 Rolls Royce, complete with chauffeur? You can. Monterey Touring Vehicles offers a fleet of close to 40 classic cars for rent—everything from sports cars to ’60s muscle, from a VW Bus to a DeLorean. They get you oriented and then off you go. 2228 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 337-8800, montereytouringvehicles.com Sea Car Tours Buzz around Monterey in an open-top vehicle that talks. Follow the itinerary and a device in the Sea Car informs you about sights along the way. The diminutive vehicle options include a quiet electric, so you can hear the waves—and the narrative. 230 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 884-6807, seacartours.com DANIEL DREIFUSS
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