01
Best overall pick
Del Monte Forest Trails
Pebble Beach • Shaded Coastal-Forest Trail Network • Local Favorite For Everyday Hikes
A web of soft, piney paths tucked between Pebble Beach fairways and the Pacific, ideal when you want a nearby escape without getting in the car for long.
Miles of signed and unsigned paths weave through Monterey pines, cypress, and dunes, with occasional peeks at famous Pebble Beach golf holes and the coastline. You can stitch together short loops near Indian Village or go longer toward Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay, staying mostly sheltered from wind. It’s a great choice for a flexible outing where you can turn around at any point and still feel immersed in the forest.
02
Most iconic coastline
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
South Of Carmel-By-The-Sea • Dramatic Coastal Reserve With Linked Loops • Best For First-Time Visitors
A compact network of headland and cove trails that packs in cliffs, turquoise coves, and wildlife viewing with very little wasted effort.
From Del Monte Forest, Point Lobos is close enough for a half-day but scenic enough to fill a full one, with short interconnecting trails like Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, and Bird Island. The paths are mostly easy, with occasional roots and stairs, making it accessible for mixed-ability groups while still feeling wild. Go early or on weekdays to avoid parking queues, and bring binoculars for sea otters and harbor seals bobbing in the kelp beds below.
03
Best easy coastal walk
Asilomar State Beach and Coastal Trail
Pacific Grove • Oceanfront Boardwalk And Sand Path • Best For Relaxed Sunset Strolls
A mostly flat shoreline trail threading dunes, granite outcrops, and tidepools with wide-open views of the Pacific the entire way.
This route is more about sea air and scenery than mileage, perfect when you want movement without a serious climb. Boardwalk segments protect the dunes while informal paths lead to pocket beaches and tidepools when swell and tides allow. Start from the Asilomar Conference Grounds and wander north or south, timing your walk for golden hour when the low sun lights up the surf and rocky coastline.
04
Best forested viewpoint
Jacks Peak County Park
Monterey Hills • Hilltop Woodland Park With View Loops • Best For Quiet Half-Day Hikes
A hilltop network of pine and oak trails with sweeping overlooks of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, usually far less crowded than the coast.
The Skyline and Jacks Peak loops showcase old-growth Monterey pines, sandstone outcrops, and broad vistas that reach from the bay to the Santa Lucia Range. Grades are moderate, with some short, steeper pulls that reward you with picnic-worthy viewpoints and benches. It’s a good pick on breezy days when coastal fog hangs low, since the park often sits above the marine layer in clearer, warmer air.
05
Best Big Sur sampler
Garrapata State Park
Big Sur Coast • Coastal Bluffs And Canyon Climbs • Best For Rugged Scenery
A stretch of raw coastline where short bluff walks and steeper canyon trails give you a taste of Big Sur drama without committing to a long drive south.
Bluff-top paths on the ocean side of Highway 1 wind through coastal scrub and wildflowers, dropping to pocket beaches when conditions are safe. On the inland side, steeper trails climb into Soberanes Canyon, trading waves for redwoods, creeks, and tight switchbacks. Expect uneven footing and exposure to wind and sun on the bluffs, and bring layers since weather can swing quickly between foggy and bright within a single hike.