Our Favorite Walks. With the first day

Although some of our destinations have made modifications to their hours and canceled guided walks and classes, trails and paths are generally open. Remember to wear masks whenever you can’t be six feet away from others. Also, be sure to check online for opening hours and any last-minute cancellations before you set out.

Here are nine local destinations where your family can enjoy some outdoor time and a great walk!

Enjoy a short (¾ mile) loop around a beautiful pond while listening for the calls of ducks, frogs, and a variety of birds. Children will love exploring under the overgrown trees and bushes, which almost feel like a natural trails. Children will love its storybook location complete with lush pine trees. The whole family can experience the thrill of hiking up to the highest point in the Monterey Peninsula, rising 1,068 feet above the valley! The views of the ocean, city, and bay below will quickly become a family favorite. Picnic areas are available next to the parking lots. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Address: 25020 Jack´s Peak Park Rd, Monterey, 93940.

4. Salinas River State Beach Located in the heart of Moss Landing, this trail is accessible through Potrero and Sandholt Roads off of HWY 1. The whole family will enjoy exploring trails and passing the slough, boats, and beach that connect the two entrances.

labyrinth. Don´t forget to bring your binoculars and a light lunch. Address: 698 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. Del Rey Oaks, 93940 Parking: Free, located off of the shoulder of Canyon Del Rey Blvd.

2. Fort Ord Dunes State Park At Fort Ord Dunes you will find over five miles of paved trails that are all access friendly. If you´re feeling adventurous, explore sand trails that branch off toward the dunes and beach. Only have a short break? Skip the walk and head down to the first beach access trail by the main parking lot entrance. Enjoy breathtaking views while the children climb the dunes. Address: Stillwell Hall Marina, 93933 Parking: Free, open from sunrise to sunset. Parking: Free, but limited.

3. Jack’s Peak Park Nestled comfortably in the hills of Monterey, Jack´s Peak Park offers a great workout within its eight miles of

Parking: Free. Address: Potrero Road access: 10933 Potrero Road Moss Landing, 95039 Moss Landing Road access: 7866 Sandholdt Road Moss Landing, 95039

5. Laguna Grande Regional Park Laguna Grande Regional Park is located in the cities of Seaside and Monterey, and is managed separately by their respective owners and operators, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD), City of Seaside, and City of Monterey. Take the family out for a walk around this gorgeous lake while exploring the three surrounding playgrounds. The complete loop is about a mile and you´ll enjoy tracking your distance or simply enjoying the sights of the ducks and birds. Picnic tables are also available.

Parking: Free. Address: 1350 Del Monte Boulevard Seaside, 93955.

6. Fort Ord National Monument This secluded location boasts over 86 miles of undeveloped wildland terrain. Flora and fauna lovers will enjoy identifying over 35 rare species of plant with scenic views of the valleys. This location is known for its inclines, so bring your mountain bikes and good hiking shoes.

Parking: Free. Address: Creekside Terrace, Salinas, 93908.

7. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Elkhorn Slough is more than just a research facility. Dress in layers and take along a lunch, as you hike through marshes, woodlands, and creeks. The area is well known for its variety of birds. There are kayak companies in Moss Landing that rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards and other boats for use in the Slough. The Reserve is open Wednesday thru Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Parking: Free. Address: 1700 Elkhorn Rd, Watsonville, 95012.

8. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Experience the sensation of wanderlust as this park offers beautiful scenery at every turn. With over 10 miles looping through the shore and forest, Point Lobos provides hours of endless space to explore. The forest will pull you in with its ocean vistas, the calls of sea lions, cliff viewpoints, tide pools, diving areas, and beaches all along the south shore. Parking: $10 per vehicle (limited availability) Address: 62 California 1 Carmel, 93923.

9. Mission Trail Park A former estate that has now been converted into a 33 acre preserve, it houses a network of five miles of trails that the whole family will enjoy. The trails are mostly flat and are surrounded by tall pine, redwoods, and a wide variety of flora. The trails wind through streams with visibility of Carmel Beach. A well-preserved secret, Mission Trail Park offers views of Point Lobos, the Carmel Mission Basilica and an abandoned mansion.

Parking: Free. Address: 25800 Hatton Rd, Carmel, 93923.

10. Asilomar Boardwalk and Beach A ¼ mile boardwalk meanders through 25 acres of restored sand dune ecosystem. More than 450,000 plants, representing 25 species, have been grown and planted in the effort to preserve the dunes and coastal bluffs. This easy walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly and offers great sunset views. You can also cross Sunset Drive and walk along the beach or the onemile Asilomar Coast Trail. Parking: Free parking along the coastal road of Sunset Drive or in the limited visitor spots at Asilomar Conference grounds. Address: 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, 93950

Pt. Lobos State Natural Reserve

Asilomar Boardwalk and Beach