01
Best close-to-town escape
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Seaside Waterfront • Wild Dune And Beach Preserve • Local Favorite For Quick Coastal Hikes
Miles of mellow trails wander through coastal dunes and bluffs before dropping to a long, often quiet beach.
Just west of Seaside’s neighborhoods, Fort Ord Dunes feels surprisingly wild, with sandy singletrack weaving between ice plant, lupine, and old military relics. The main bluff-top trail is mostly flat and great for a before- or after-work walk, while side paths lead down to the broad, windswept beach. Go early or near sunset for softer light and fewer afternoon winds, and pack a layer—fog and breeze are part of the experience here.
02
Best for long rambles
Fort Ord National Monument
East Of Seaside • Rolling Oak-Studded Hills • Top Pick For Mileage And Variety
A huge network of dirt roads and singletrack climbs through oak woodlands and open grasslands with wide Monterey Bay views.
Head just inland from town and you’re in classic Central Coast backcountry, with enough interlocking trails to build anything from a mellow loop to a half-day trek. The grades are generally moderate, but you can seek out steeper climbs if you want a workout, and the decomposed granite stays hikeable most of the year. Bring water, sun protection, and a basic map or app—shade can be sparse on the ridges and the web of paths is easy to wander if you’re not paying attention.
03
Best car-free bay views
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Seaside To Pacific Grove Shoreline • Paved Coastal Path • Best For Casual Walks And Jogs
This wide, mostly flat path hugs the shoreline, linking Seaside to Cannery Row and tidepool-filled coves in Pacific Grove.
If you want ocean scenery without worrying about footing or navigation, this is your go-to route. Start from the Seaside or Monterey sections and follow the trail south, watching for sea otters, harbor seals, and cormorants along the kelp beds. Weekends can get busy near the aquarium stretch, so go early for a quieter feel, or treat it like a social promenade and build in time for coffee, benches, and photo stops.
04
Best for cool, shaded trails
Jacks Peak County Park
Hills Above Monterey • Shady Pine And Oak Forest • Best For Forest Walks And Bay Overlooks
Looping trails wind through Monterey pine forest to viewpoints where the bay, city, and distant hills spread out below.
Perched above Monterey, Jacks Peak feels a world away from Highway 1, with soft, needled paths and the smell of damp earth under the trees. Most loops are short and family-friendly, making it easy to stitch together your own route based on how much time you have. On clear days, grab one of the overlooks for a picnic with sweeping views; on foggy days, the forest itself becomes the main attraction, quiet and atmospheric.
05
Bucket-list coastal hike
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
South Of Carmel Along Highway 1 • Dramatic Coastal Reserve • Best For Classic Big Sur–Style Scenery
Short interconnected trails trace a rugged shoreline of coves, cypress groves, and surf-pounded cliffs.
An easy drive from Seaside, Point Lobos packs a lot into a compact footprint: turquoise coves, sculpted rocks, and some of the best wildlife viewing on the Central Coast. You can make a leisurely loop around the perimeter, or focus on standout sections like Cypress Grove and Bird Island if you’re short on time. Parking lots fill early on weekends and some areas close for habitat protection, so arrive near opening hours and be ready to explore on foot once you’re inside.