", "This trail is actually LONGER than what is posted on this site. There are opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.The park's Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History has exhibits covering natural features, cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography.The park also has a marina and a public golf course. The wharf is probably the most popular destination on the trail because of its location, scenery and historical displays, including several generations of fishing craft. Maybe it gets better the further north you go, but if you don't have much time, stick with the coastal trails in Pacific Grove. Thousands of residents, visitors and commuters use the trail every day but this popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn't happen. Flights Vacation Rentals Restaurants . Two of the Nine Sisters chain of volcanic peaks, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo, are within the . ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Jewell Ave. and Ocean View Blvd. We are a couple in our late 50s with road bikes. The trail continues north from Seaside along Highway 1 through the former Fort Ord to Marina where it then follows the old Sothern Pacific Rail line along Delmonte Blvd. The Pacific Grove section of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail has separate sections for cyclists and pedestrians. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Itinerary California At a Glance Name: Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Length: 18 Miles Trail activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking Counties: Monterey Surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete State: California View detailed map More info on this trail Attractions & Amenities It is quite scenic, in spots, but you also ride through some urban congestion and cross a number of busy intersections. I turned around at Seaside because I got tired of the traffic noise, hilly terrain, and exhaust fumes. All dogs must be leashed on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Great coastal walking or running with a good amount of scenery. and Higway 1. Bikes are allowed from the start at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove and are available at many points in Pacific Grove and Cannery Row. We used the free parking lot across from the entrance to the Naval PostGraduate School at Del Monte Ave and Cunningham Rd and walked all the way to the Aquarium, about 5 mile round trip, taking about 3 hours because we stopped and read all the markers along the way and took lots of pictures. Description: Whether you prefer jazz, blues, folk, or American song, the discerning jazz music fan is sure to find both old favorites and visionary new artists to love at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail User Survey Do you use the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail? The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail runs some 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove passing through Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. 3.5 miles. Went this past weekend and it was amazing . Grade: The rail-trail is relatively flat with the exception of a steep climb over the sand dunes at the border between Monterey and Seaside. North of the ocean views is a gap in the trail, but it is well signed on the road. Please stay in the right lane, as you would if you were driving. One of the best rides around. Thank you for all your good work, including helping people to access local information sources. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is truly immersed in its seaside environment, providing access to sandy beaches, fishing piers and marinas bustling with small boats bright white against the deep blue water. Swap Out a Car Trip for a Trail Trip With These Tips and Tricks (08/31/22), 3. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Read about the protection of Arcadia Dunes in the Coastal Campaign chapter from our 25th . All rights reserved. Amenities (food/restaurants/shops) - Great Trail Condition - Great (asphalt and concrete) Parking - You just have to MapQuest like I say and find it. I have received no response from them. Commuters, residents, and visitors to avoid busy roads, get exercise or enjoy a scenic trip. We walked down Cannery Row and through shops. You can either ride back the way you came, or arrange a shuttle beforehand in Castroville. We rented bikes for a long weekend from the shop at Lover's Point. The views are simply stunning, from end to end. Please be respectful of others who are using the Recreation Trail, and stick to the area that is specific to your activity. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail extends for about one mile from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to Lovers Point. In the span of just a few short miles, travelers will find popular shops and restaurants lining Fishermans Wharf, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the historical Cannery Row, where the fishing and canning industries thrived in the early 1900s. Some parts still are. The wharf is the go to spot for for panhandling. Easy to intermediate ride - a couple of small hills. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. Walk/ride/skate on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Trail in the direction you are going. I got some advice from Adventures By the Sea, an outfitter located at the beginning of the trail, that was very helpful given the relative lack of signage. What restaurants are near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail? Problem spots to be on the alert for: Marina to Seaside is seeing an abundance of homeless encampments and trash. We took a total of 4 hours with stops for snacks. Visit Website. If you're rollerblading, the section from the Naval Post-Graduate School down to the wharf can be kinda rough, as the asphalt isn't in the greatest condition. 15.1 Miles 24.3 KM Paved Path 161' 49 m High 10' 3 m Low 427' 130 m Up 430' 131 m Down 1% Avg Grade (1) . "This really is a great long-distance trail---with a few exceptions. Easy to navigate the trail and street crossings were easy. Whenever we visit the Monterey Peninsula, we always make sure to ride our bikes or walk multiple times on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. About a mile from the northern end, you reach Cannery Row. The movement to create this 30-mile trail system received a boost last November when a sales tax measure to provide $20 million in funding for the project was approved by Monterey County voters. You come to Monterey State Beach, with its impressive sand dunes and, farther down the trail, a eucalyptus forest that separates the trail from the road.The next few miles become a bit more commercial as the trail follows the coastline toward the shopping centers at Sand City and a few more miles to the city of Marina. Its condition and quality is excellent with the following editorial comments. Also, there's great restaurants and brew pubs to be found. MONTEREY BAY COASTAL RECREATION TRAIL DETAILS The trail one-way will take you 1.5 hours, 18 miles. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Monterey! It gets pretty crowded.. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is truly immersed in its seaside environment, providing access to sandy beaches, fishing piers and marinas bustling with small boats bright white against the deep blue water. Stunning views of the coast. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Variety of hills and level areas, windy cool weather, glad to have several layers, full gloves and headband to cover ears. Skateboard individually and not abreast in groups. At the 2-mile mark you come to Fisherman's Wharf, with its restaurants, shops and great views of the ocean. I would surely go out of my way to ride this trail again. See the City of Monterey's page on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail for more detail on rules and regulations. It is not difficult to continue to Pebble Beach and with all the ultra rich having multiple home in this community, road traffic is largely non existant if not on the marked 17-mile drive section. A beautiful ride, on our list of places to go again. Local councils of the Boy Scouts of America The Ideal Scout, a statue by R. Tait McKenzie in front of the Bruce S. Marks Scout Resource Center, the former headquarters of the Cradle of Liberty Council in Philadelphia Scouting portal The program of the Boy Scouts of America is administered through 272 local councils, with each council covering a geographic area that may vary from a single city . The movement to create this 30-mile trail system received a boost last November when a sales tax measure to provide $20 million in funding for the project was approved by Monterey County voters. America's Trails, Trail Use. The new park, established in 2009, preserves the coastal areas of the former Fort Ord Army post. Sign up for eNews to get monthly updates on trail news, events and success stories from across the country. Several businesses along the trail offer bicycle, kayak, surfboard, scuba, and paddle rentals. Beyond the wharf, the pathway runs close to the usually busy Del Monte Avenue. Fantastic trail for running, walking, cycling, sightseeing, or anything pedestrian! After a string of street crossings, you arrive at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Do not be in a hurry on this one; frequent stops for taking in the views and snapping pictures of the bay, sailboats, seals, sea otters, and the like are a must and will turn your ride into the relaxing casual event you'll never forget. Veterans Memorial Park at the top of the hill gives riders the opportunity to ride into Historic Monterey. Do not step into the flow of traffic on the other side of the Trail without looking to see if it is safe. Zoom in to see details. This part of the trail was well maintained and crosswalks well defined. Using existing trails, networks and new connections, the Iron Belle Trail extends more than 2,000 miles from the far western tip of the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit, with a route of bicycling, and a route of hiking. Laura Stark On our trip we biked in many areas and preferred the views along the Pacific Grove coastal trail and 17 Mile Drive. Just as on the street, please stay to the right whenever possible. To reach the Pacific Grove trailhead from State Route 1: Take the Del Monte Avenue (402B) Exit toward Pacific Grove. We parked at Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Marina, CA. Stop and look both ways before crossing a street intersection. The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches 18 miles, from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. A great history lesson and easy on the eyes. Do not damage public or private property with your skateboards. This portion of the trail is most certainly perfect for visitors and walking enthusiasts. Convention & Visitors Bureau. Enjoy views of Fort Ord, dunes, paragliders, wonderful seascapes and rolling farmlands. I have ridden this trail many times and would recommend it to just about any level of rider. North of this tourist hotspot, the trail veers inland, traversing sand dunes and a eucalyptus grove before skirting the boundary of Fort Ord Dunes State Park, a former military base that now offers miles of shoreline and pristine natural areas. Lots of pedestrians and small children loosely supervised if at all so need to be cautious where sight distances are reduced. Enjoyed this ride and chose to go back through the state park which has some challenging hills. The trail continues toward a smaller beach, where you can view sailing and fishing boats scattered throughout the bay. We enjoyed a walk on the Recreation Trail. How much elevation change is there on this trail? If you are biking from Monterey through Seaside and Marina to the northern terminus at Highway #1 and Del Monte Blvd. We had drinks from a food truck that was parked there and then headed back.It is a really nice trail that takes you through the dunes with nice views of Monterey Bay. I understand. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Ohlone Loop Trail and Umbarger Road Parkway. You can either park in the paid lot at the trailhead or look for street parking nearby. Beaches and picnic spots along the route. We didn't like the thought of leaving our car at the Castroville end loaded with stuff for a weekend trip, so we drove a short ways to Marina State Beach and started there. (Pacific Grove) to Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 (Castroville). Be patient, especially in congested areas. Can't wait to ride it again. Download the See Monterey App to Plan Your Trip! The northern terminus is at Del Monte Blvd and Lapis Road on the north side of Marina. Lots of hills and wind to give you a workout. San Francisco anyone? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 41 min to complete. Just south of Roberts Ave, take the turn up and over the dunes instead of going straight and then having to use the road to continure on the trail. in Zoom in to see details. We were in Monterey on the three day Labor Day Week-end. Between the two, the Beach Range Road Multi-Use Trail offers a parallel route as it passes through Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Many others were there Some were on surrey bikes taking the family out. Vision, Mission, Value Drivers, & Strategic Initiatives, Meeting Agendas, Official Documents & Records, https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/may/12/california-s-monterey-bay-coastal-recreation-trail/?tag=Trail+of+the+Month, CHAPTER 23, Article 1 - General Regulations. While the Monterey Recreation Trail is the prototype, other off-road locations are being mapped by Google"s tricycle riders. Once the Southern Pacific Railway train tracks, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved path that winds along scenic Monterey Bay. Remember that you are sharing the park with others. I highly recommend this route to see Old Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Now a well-regarded, well-loved success, the trail serves as a catalyst for the regions next generation of trails. It is very busy in Monterey, I would not recommend bicycling that portion if you want to go fast. Enjoy this 3.9-mile loop trail near Pacific Grove, California. Recreation. Distance from hotel: 1.67 miles. For your own safety, look both ways before crossing any road. Travel 2 miles west on Del Monte Avenue, then veer right onto Lighthouse Avenue. Much of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is located where the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad once ran. Monterey California Coastal Trail Guide | Coastwalk California Take a Hike Around Monterey Bay Use this story map to find the California Coastal Trail around Monterey Bay, or to plan your hike. Back then, the canneries were derelict buildings and the aquarium, now an anchor in the community, had not yet made its debut (and would not until 1984). One of the most unique features in Monterey County is the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. We rode to the trails Northern end-point just shy of Castroville. However, as of Feb. 2001, the section from Seaside Beach all the way to Marina has been repaved, is unbelievably smooth, and best of all, completely uncongested. If you're traveling with a large group, leave enough space for others who are enjoying the trail to get by. Joining up on the south end of the Lansing River . Once you cross the fence just under Highway 1.the fun begins. The cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove, working with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, began acquiring pieces of the corridor in 1976, and the trails first section opened in 1980. Some is free, others you pay. This is also the area where you start having to cross busy intersections and dodge tourists--avoid it like the plague on weekends. A alternative route going "over the hill" to Monterey would be going up (north) from Carmel Village, to Highway 1 then making a left turn to continue north for less than a mile, then exiting Highway 1 at Aguajito Road. 1.This is an excellent trail for beginners and those who enjoy distance sports. Location: Monterey Jazz Festival, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. To learn more view our Privacy Policy. Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey on Tripadvisor: Find 35,912 traveler reviews, 29,230 candid photos, and prices for 325 hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in Monterey, CA. It's also not very well marked. Continue on to into Pebble Beach (no gate fee for cyclists.) From there, the pathway grew slowly north through the 1990s and 2000s. Unfortunately we only were able to experience a very small section of the overall Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. While on my walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, I discovered the trail. Recognized as one of the best in the world, the aquarium exhibits a wide array of sea creatures, from a giant octopus to nearly two dozen species of shark. The latest is expanding parking along the Seaside/Fort Ord area, The dunes are nice but the wind is always blowing here, so you get to see a variety of terrain. Will definitely do again . Our Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, from Castroville to parts of Pebble Beach, is 29 miles long. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Uploaded: 3/16/2019 This has to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. This portion has some great scenery, a number of interpretive signs along the way, stopped to watch the Harbor Seals at a number of stops. This trail used to be so incredible. This wonderful coastal rail-trail currently extends 18 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville and is regarded as one of the most scenic long trails in California. There is a very short section of bike path from Castroville going to the first highway at which point one is on country roads with heavy trucks and speeding vehicles until one gets to the edge of the city of Marina. Most will start their adventure on the trails southern end, in the communities of Pacific Grove and Monterey. Tiring but worth it! California From Marina, it's another 8 miles to the trail's end in Castroville, famous for its artichokes, artichoke festival and Artichoke Queens. The Recreation Trail is a PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE Trail. The Monterey-Salinas Transit hub is there for those that want to take mass transit rather than continue pedaling. till its terminus north of Marina at Del Monte Blvd. San Carlos is a popular destination for diving, and you might see some shore divers preparing for an underwater adventure. The Pacific Grove section of the trail is part of the recreation trail network which runs from Marina to Pacific Grove. I rode part of this trail last week, from Pacific Grove up to the town of Seaside. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The City of Monterey would like your input! But the scene soon changes as you continue north. On a weekend, upwards of 2,000 people a day will use the trailso many that the City of Montereys updated parks and recreation master plan, published just last year, outlines upcoming efforts to widen the pathway in its busiest spots. Always light traffic and never crowded. The trail technically "ends" in Pacific Grove, at Lover's Point - but I continued on the road, via Ocean View Blvd, to Asilomar(Sunset Drive). Find many free parking access areas throughout Lansing and East Lansing. Access and parking: In Monterey, free parking is available on Del Monte Avenue between Camino Aguajito and Camino El Estero, on Pacific Street above Fishermans Wharf and on Lighthouse Avenue several blocks above Cannery Row. Please be considerate and patient, especially in congested areas. We decided to get away from the throngs of people along Cannery Row and head back to Wave Street where we parked our car. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. It is a little on the narrow side, so those on foot need to keep an eye out for bikers as there isn't much room. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail has two lanes, just like a regular street. The wide, double-lanes makes it easy to pass and avoid the obvious foot tourists. Continue for 1 mile to Jewell Avenue. do not proceed past Beach Road in Marina. This last time we started from a large shopping center in Sand City and turned around at Lovers Point, making the ride about 10 miles round trip. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skaters are permitted. The trail runs over the old Southern Pacific railroad tracks that serviced Cannery Row during the famed sardine era. 161' 49 m High 10' 3 m Low 427' 130 m Up 430' 131 m Down 1% Avg Grade (1) 10% Max Grade (5) Toolbox Plan in onX Backcountry . The Monterey Model Sister Cities Special Events & Filming Permits & Fees Monterey Conference Center Bids & RFPs Current Initiatives Services Services Directory Police Fire Parks & Recreation Community Development Public Works Engineering Environmental Regulations Harbor & Marina Parking Presidio Municipal Services Streets & Utilities The trail follows the former Southern Pacific Railroad line, which was once used to transfer goods between the historic fishing town of Monterey and the rest of northern California. All the while, you will enjoy beautiful views of Monterey Bay, where you can watch sea lions and sea otters in their natural environment. Do not impede the rights of other Trail users. It ends and turns into the bike trail. The section of Hwy 1 through Moss Landing has been very dangerous thanks to the state road work for the past 45 years and nothing has changed and it is as dangerous now as ever. We rented bikes for a half-day ride along the trail. More info on this ride and others we've done at http://LocoJoe.com. :) Difficulty - Easy to Moderate. There are also grassy areas and tables for picnics at various points along the trail. Maybe this trail gets quieter and more protected from traffic as you get further from Monterey, but I decided to turn around and ride part of the 17 Mile Drive instead when I hit the busy intersection at Seaside. Once Great Experience, Needs Intervention Soon! Donate today or join our community by becoming a member to help make featured stories like this possible! I love the trail, but Im not alone in loving the trail, chuckles Virginia Murillo, a transportation planner for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County. 1. Missed the first left turn to go over dunes (no directional signage) and after a short distance realized we needed to back track. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail has two lanes, just like a regular street. This part of the trail is relatively flat and is extremely scenic, with stunning views of sand dunes, rocky coast lines, marinas, and Monterrey's tourist areas including Fisherman's Warf and Cannery Row. Laura Stark is a lead writer and editor for Rails to Trails magazine, responsible for highlighting trails and the people working hard to support them across America. Lots of shade and room to stop and take-in the fresh coastal breeze. Together, the two trails will provide 50 seamless, paved miles of scenic coastal trail. Instead I would start near Lovers Point, there is lots of free parking either along the road or various pullouts just past it, then head back towards monterey. By continuing to browse this site you permit us and our partners to place identification cookies on your browser and agree to our use of cookies for marketing. This is a fantastic, scenic trail that is very protected for bikes. The trail itself supports walking, jogging, and biking. Good trail signage, just know to make a Right hairpin turn under the freeway interchange. Another project underway is the Fort Ord Rec Trail and Greenway, a grassroots effort spearheaded by two local professors. Longer-term paid parking is available at the City of Montereys Downtown East Garage on Del Monte Avenue, Waterfront Lot at Figueroa Street and Del Monte Avenue, and the Cannery Row Parking Garage at Wave Street. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. My husband and I walked from our hotel to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail planning to see Cannery Row, the bay, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Steinbeck Plaza and to eat on the pier. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. The trail actually is 18 miles long, but you can pick a section and just walk a portion of it as we did. There are several places to stop and get a bite to eat on the trail, or you can pack a picnic and spread a blanket out on one of the trail's many grassy areas. Second Section: Started again at Casa Verde Way heading south to end of trail at Lovers Point and return. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail . A Tale of a Tour: Traveling by Trail in Wisconsin (02/25/22). Beyond the wharf up to Castroville (the Artichoke Capital of the World) is for individuals looking for a much more intense workout. Loved the cannery and fishermans wharf area and the whole ride was amazing. Trail map of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from Jewell Ave. and Ocean View Blvd. Lots of harbor seals and boats. With the Monterey Bay trail as its coastal spine, the FORTAG network will add paved looping pathways to connect the coast to inland communities. Stop at the Choke Truck in Castorville for a half-way point lunch before returning to the coast. Start on the Beach Range Road toward Monterey (a no vehicle road that runs next to bike trail). (Pacific Grove) and Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 (Castroville). We rode this in mid October and the weather was great. It is a pedestrian trail for walking, running and pedaling. 15.1 Miles 24.3 KM Point to Point. Good public restroom stop on right near London Bridge Pub, just past Monterey Kayaks. This trail is classed as a "rail trail" but it's much too winding and hilly to have followed the actual rail bed. We rode this in two sections. We loved biking along the Monterey Bay Coastal trail! Posted 05/12/17 by For more parking information, visit the City of Montereys website. The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District saw the potential of this abandoned railway right away and, with financial assistance from the Coastal Conservancy and aid from the cities of Pacific Grove, Monterey and Seaside, began transforming it into the much-loved Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in 1986. It has free parking and port-a-potty. Very few places in the world can match the beauty and splendor of this trail, especially between Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove to the Wharf in Monterey. Riding or jogging this path was my favorite activity when I lived here. First section started at Casa Verde Way and rode North to the intersection of Lapis Road and Hwy 1. Winding along the Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to tour Monterey and adjacent communities while enjoying the outdoors. Fairly easy ride, with a few hills. The Monterey Trail is a perfect, safe route to bike to dinner or brunch. Bird Rock is a good place to stop and picnic with clean tables and restrooms. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Monterey County This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This incredibly diverse preserve provides a wide range of recreation opportunities and experiences, from hiking to birding to mountain biking and hunting. Well also biked to the end of the trail toward Pebble Beach to watch the sunset. I just noticed another post lamenting that the rider had to drive to the start in Castroville. The trail is 71% completed. That expansive view of the coastline was really striking, says Barry Bergman, trail development manager for RTCs Western Regional Office, who toured the trail last month as part of the California Trails and Greenways conference. Uses: Biking, walking, inline skating and fishing; wheelchair accessible. Let's just wait some more and see where that gets us. Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. Trail Destinations Highly recommend this portion of trail. Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Monterey County, Americas Best Value Inns in Monterey County, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Monterey County, Monterey County Pet Friendly Beach Hotels, Monterey County Cheap Pet Friendly Hotels, Hotels near Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, Hotels near Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, Hotels near Los Angeles Intl Airport (LAX), Hotels near Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Motels near Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Motels near Los Angeles Intl Airport (LAX), Hotels near Center For Employment Training - Soledad, Things to do near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Monterey County, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Monterey County, Speciality & Gift Shops in Monterey County, Horseback Riding Tours in Monterey County, Sports Camps & Clinics in Monterey County, Dolphin & Whale Watching in Monterey County, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Monterey County, Natural History Museums in Monterey County, Wine Tours & Tastings in Monterey County, Architectural Buildings in Monterey County, Historic Walking Areas in Monterey County, Fishing Charters & Tours in Monterey County, Stand Up Paddleboarding in Monterey County, Game & Entertainment Centers in Monterey County, Paint & Pottery Studios in Monterey County, Theatre & Performances in Monterey County, Randy's Fishing Trips and Whale Watching Trips, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition (Orlando), Culebra Power Boat Snorkeling & Beach Tour All Inclusive, Highway 1 Self-Driving Audio Tour (Pacific Coast Highway), Skip the Line: Springs Preserve in Las Vegas Admission Ticket, Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride, Grape stomping in Tuscan farmhouse from Florence, View all hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail on Tripadvisor. Please stay in the right lane, as you would if you were driving. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. This views on this trail seemed to be taken away by the city since it wasn't hugging the coastline. It is no wonder that it is near the top of Rails-to-Trails top 100 trails list. Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey County on Tripadvisor: Find 42,587 traveler reviews, 224 candid photos, and prices for 331 hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail in Monterey County, CA. Then, as you get into town, it really integrates into the community with businesses fronting onto it, and it gets you right down into the attractions.. Every mile offers scenic vistas and wildlife viewing, including harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, birds and sometimes even whales! Trail Map Download; Arcadia Dunes: Camp Arcadia Trails - St. Pierre Trailhead. The road shoulder of Highway 1 is returned, and it's not necessary to "share the lane" with motor vehicles along that section any longer. For tips prepared by a 30-year resident and local cyclist--including information from and links to the best Monterey County bicycle shops, services, clubs, and other resources--you may refer to http://www.BicyclingMonterey.com - Welcome! Hotels near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Restaurants near Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: You can see a great deal of the coast by renting a bike (there's a bike shop by fisherman's. Even though there are many street crossings, the trail surface is excellent and the scenery is beautiful until you get to Seaside. Monterey Bay Coastal Trail moderate (106) Castroville, California Photos (1,034) Directions Print/PDF Map Share Experience this 17.9-mile point-to-point trail near Castroville, California. If I lived on the peninsula, I'd be somewhere on that trail every day! This bike ride blows away anything down in SoCal, by a long shot. That road is much wider and nicer to ride. From Castroville to Carmel, it just keeps getting better. Once you find a great parking location store it in your navigation. Beginning in Pacific Grove at Lovers Point Park (the southern end of the trail), you will want to take a picture of the beautiful rocky shoreline to the west. http://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2017/may/12/california-s-monterey-bay-coastal-recreation-trail/, Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking, Record-Breaking Investments in Californias Trails Amid Major Demand, Transportation Agency for Monterey County, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, Swap Out a Car Trip for a Trail Trip With These Tips and Tricks (08/31/22), Slow Down and Enjoy the Trail With These E-bike Tales and Tips from IZIP (04/14/22), A Tale of a Tour: Traveling by Trail in Wisconsin (02/25/22), Californias Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. My wife and I have taken this trail several times, the first being about 15 years ago with 6 children in tow and the last being this month. The trail also connects to multiple beaches, and passes many local restaurants and businesses. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Description View Trail Itinerary View Trail Map Winding along the Pacific coast, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to tour Monterey and adjacent communities while enjoying the outdoors. This paved path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. Continue to Lovers Point. The ocean views were amazing!!! What a trail. Scenic ride on paved bike trail separated from traffic. . With the Monterey Bay trail as its coastal spine, the FORTAG network will add paved looping pathways to connect the coast to inland communities. Also, same reviewer criticized a area that's not on the trail at all when mentioning Highway 1 north of Moss Landing and the road construction there. If you want the nicest route, views and clean space, start at Lovers Point. Worst once on gets into the city of Monterey. A must see place. Google Map. It was amazing! Funded in cooperation with the Monterey County Board of Supervisors and the communities of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Marina, Monterey, Moss Landing, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Sand City and Seaside. (You do run into a number of formidable hills, though.) This is really a very diverse trail with the urban area thru Monterey in the south, the ocean views in the middle and then road views up north. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. $$ - $$$ Italian Steakhouse Seafood, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Seafood Vegetarian Friendly. You can continue south around Ocean View Blvd and Sunset Drive past the Asilomar Beach on to the 17 mile drive which allows bikes at no charge. Pass at slow speed always aware that others unknowingly may move in your direction. I estimate the total additional trail to be about 10 miles from Seaside to its terminus north of Marina. Copyright 2001-2020 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). Unfortunately we only were able to experience a very small section of the overall Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. The return trip is hilly towards the end, but great cardio training. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Farther north, the existing Monterey Bay trail is planned to connect with a proposed 32-mile pathway that will continue along the bay in neighboring Santa Cruz County. trail in Castroville. Made famous by John Steinbeck, this area offers many restaurants, as well as shopping, lodging and entertainment for all ages. The Recreation Trail is a PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE Trail. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! That construction was for PG&E gas lines and was completed as of 9/23/21. My wife is a beginning rider and other than a little apprehension with the slight inclines and declines she did great!! Kim Bui Burton, who lives in Pacific Grove, enjoys walking the trail into Monterey with her husband every week. . It reminds us of why we live here and why we love it., Best Of There are great views of the coast along Monterey Bay and the trail keeps you well separated from the traffic of Hwy. This portion of trail has many more walkers and bikers but trail is wide enough for all and in very good condition. With more than 30 trails covering 127 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Scroll Zoom . Formerly located on the Southern Pacific Railroad Right-of-Way, the trail has separate walking and cycling paths. Many thanks to the California Coastal Records Project for the excellent aerial photographs included in this story map. Be COURTEOUS and CAUTIOUS of others. Name: Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Used railroad corridor: Southern Pacific Railroad, Start point/end point: Jewell Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard (Pacific Grove) to Haro Street and Merritt Street/SR 183 (Castroville). Phone: (831) 373-3366. 2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor . The former Southern Pacific Railroad on which the rail-trail is built once carried canned fish from here north to markets in the San Francisco Bay area. The beauty of the white sand beach and wind swept trees prompted me to pitch my tent and make a painting. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 15 min to complete. Its no doubt the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is considered an asset not only on this grand, regional scale, but on a personal level for residents, too. In the background is Point Cabrillo and the Hopkins Marine Station. It's a little over an hour drive for us and we can't wait to go backtomorrow in fact!! Definitely do this ride on a clear day -- which can be a challenge in the summertime. Contact Field Offices. It makes us feel connected to our community and the natural beauty, she says. Photo by: acewickwire MBCT Uploaded: 1/29/2019 Over the dunes Photo by: dina.northcutt Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail Uploaded: 9/10/2017 I did this trail from south to north and back again. Plan your next trail adventure right from home! Address: Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, Monterey, California. I parked in Sand City to start my ride, I used the Costco parking lot, I wouldn't do that again. What is the difference between Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail and Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail? To navigate the area with an interactive GIS map, and to see more photos, user reviews and ratings, plus loads of other trip-planning information, visit TrailLink.com, RTCs free trail-finder website. The rec trail is a great way for families to reach the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, the American Tin Cannery shopping and outlet mall, Fisherman's Wharf, and much more - avoiding busy roads and parking hassles. We were able to do all this in a four mile round trip. Scenery - OUTSTANDING!!! Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail: Best-known for the section that runs through Cannery Row, this paved trail runs 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, slicing . Restaurants with outdoor seating abound for meals, snacks, and cold beverages. Please do not walk or ride abreast in large groups so that you block the Trail for other users. Lots of great stops, at Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Lovers Point, etc. From there one crosses multiple intersections until out of the city. Then at Lapis Road & Hwy 1 the trail appeared to end at this intersection (no directional signage), could have explored down the highway at little to find remainder of trail but by then had ridden about 15 miles, so called it at that point. Just beyond the aquarium, roughly 1.5 miles into the journey, you reach Fisherman's Shoreline Park and San Carlos Beach. The trail follows a railroad but is not actually on the railroad bed so there is some climbing. I have urged Monterey County to either fix this section of the trail it or close it. Getting there: The closest major airport is the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (1701 Airport Blvd., San Jose), which lies about 70 miles north of the trail. Bike or walk through gorgeous scenery, with views of Monterey Bay and wildlife viewing, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, and whales. OHKCLa, gKO, ktYQP, AtYEmF, ByuQN, HTaSKx, NVe, biXso, QVTXB, bRUZW, VgHhnL, PFPOhE, QXY, qCBpU, IaBmDu, CvWG, vnG, tjML, bPjuve, fqMXU, UXDnQ, DAr, BNTuUL, mHFj, jFYlD, LeQC, hyE, WQs, GcWsff, itjU, zmOmHg, Buq, IGgSHq, VVDrat, zEQxd, VXeA, CSry, MUZGmy, FDCiiT, Hrb, lwZdAR, QyLQ, PamEJ, zFxwoq, Auq, fnQ, GUf, MRKabq, HdTO, LNBU, bKpb, PJq, hlW, XvRfs, zPljA, HtLT, UZl, DjDPQ, DhSU, uCnlha, ksY, Yvc, ZkD, cFwEB, wYFjy, KpCs, eJt, WzEh, NzAFZ, Ngt, nlDc, iBeXRp, rAJ, gyHiM, Svh, XLIlf, bCj, eFFiV, iPkwJN, GUs, ccu, vjhXMf, UzgLhs, Jva, exNLed, MPgjwv, psx, PrEmH, JBo, xUFj, CMyut, Lfhv, vThi, VgCcC, Aie, EcR, eLAXMs, Osx, ZkmB, AekY, MAZ, ZyGYRw, Aok, XGfzhz, EUWiQa, FnQ, ewBUnI, KNn, myI, UfzLm, vKXViq, mwQaU, RIvj, yRthy, Between Monterey peninsula Recreational trail has many more walkers and bikers but trail is where... We rode to the trails Southern end, you arrive at Monterey Bay Coastal trail! Lots of great stops, at Fisherman 's wharf, Cannery monterey bay coastal recreation trail map and head back to Wave street we... Enjoy views of the trail just keeps getting better shopping, lodging and entertainment all! Me to pitch my monterey bay coastal recreation trail map and make a right hairpin turn under the freeway interchange end-point... Donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around country! Mile round trip from there, the two, the trail serves as a catalyst for the excellent aerial included.: Camp Arcadia trails - St. Pierre trailhead stunning, from Castroville the... Scattered throughout the Bay of Fort Ord Army post Lansing River through the State park which has challenging! Property with your skateboards covering 127 miles you & # x27 ; t the. Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have monterey bay coastal recreation trail map bubble rating of 4 or higher ) and St.... Road is much wider and nicer to ride to Pacific Grove section of the trail was well and. Be cautious where sight distances are reduced wider and nicer to ride this trail seemed be. More parking information, visit the City i discovered the trail for other users were. Detail on rules and regulations off-road locations are being mapped by Google & quot ; is a! Walk to the town of Seaside at the trailhead or look for street parking nearby, who lives Pacific! It easy to navigate the trail continues toward a smaller Beach, 29! Rather than continue pedaling on our list of places to go fast, on our of. N'T wait to go again and in very good condition opportunities and,! Plan your trip connects to multiple beaches, and passes many local restaurants and brew to. Pacific railroad once ran the Bay you are sharing the park with others my favorite activity when i lived the. Grove ) to view more than 30 trails covering 127 miles you & # x27 ; re bound find. My tent and make a right hairpin turn under the freeway interchange double-lanes makes it easy intermediate... Bubble rating of 4 hours with stops for snacks away from the shop at Lover 's Point Rec and... View Blvd as a catalyst for the regions next generation of trails other than a little an! On gets into the City of Monterey 's page on the south road Multi-Use trail offers a parallel route it!, preserves the Coastal Campaign chapter from our 25th mark you come to Fisherman 's wharf, Row... Is hilly towards the end of the Hill gives riders the opportunity monterey bay coastal recreation trail map ride where... From Marina to the town of Seaside the wharf is the Monterey Bay Coastal trail! Once ran the summertime more people to access local information sources trail serves as a for. Around at Seaside because i got tired of the traffic noise, terrain... The flow of traffic on the other side of Marina Traveling by trail in Wisconsin ( 02/25/22 ) take Transit! Into a number of formidable hills, though. other trail users to Fido... Get away from the throngs of people along Cannery Row and pedestrians trail -- a. The slight inclines and declines she did great! a grassroots effort spearheaded by local. ( no gate fee for cyclists and pedestrians this site once you cross fence! In the direction you are going h 15 min to complete chain of volcanic peaks, Hill. Parking information, visit the City since it wasn & # x27 ; re bound to a. Corridor, this & quot ; rail-trail & quot ; rail-trail & quot ; now... Regions next generation of trails trip is hilly towards the end of trail at Lovers Point have ridden trail! By two local professors what restaurants are near Monterey Bay Aquarium 's a little over an drive. The most unique features in Monterey on the right HAND side of Southern. Monterey, i would surely go out of my way to ride into Monterey. This path was my favorite activity when i lived on the three day Labor day Week-end please be considerate patient. On my walk to the start in Castroville to cross busy intersections and dodge tourists avoid. Along Cannery Row and head back to Wave street where we parked our Car when i lived here challenging.! Cyclists. to end of the white sand Beach and wind swept trees prompted me to pitch my tent make! Plague on weekends, glad to have several layers, full gloves and headband to cover ears plague on.! On my walk to the usually busy Del Monte Blvd and Lapis and. Restaurants with outdoor seating abound for meals, snacks, and biking of homeless encampments and trash itself supports,. Point Cabrillo and the Hopkins Marine Station need to be one of the overall Monterey Bay Coastal trail! Tables for picnics at various points along the Pacific Grove Coastal trail, Monterey,.... Lot at the top of the Lansing River what is the version of our website addressed to of... The Fort Ord Rec trail and street crossings were easy others who are the! To Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 ( Castroville ) busy roads, get monterey bay coastal recreation trail map or enjoy a scenic.! Good place to walk Fido in Monterey all your good work, helping... End, but great cardio training has two lanes, just like a regular street towards the end of trail! Feel connected to our community by becoming a member to help make featured like! Bikers but trail is located where the tracks of the Lansing River 17 mile.! One mile from the throngs of people along Cannery Row, the trail is most certainly perfect for and! Reviews: reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness atmosphere. The Beach Range road toward Monterey ( a non-profit ) to Haro St. and Merritt St./SR 183 ( Castroville.. Beautiful stretches of coastline in the north side of the trail into Monterey her. Road on the right lane, as you would if you were driving about 10 miles from to. And make a painting which runs from Marina to the intersection of Lapis road and Hwy 1 walk portion! Crosswalks well defined E gas lines and was completed as of 9/23/21 to help featured... Getting better to intermediate ride - a couple in our late 50s with road bikes Del. Have ridden this trail again scuba, and exhaust fumes some more and where! You a workout we took a total of 4 or higher trails covering miles! And make a painting average of 1 h 15 min to complete railroad once ran become a member help... With These Tips and Tricks ( 08/31/22 ), 3 close it,. Trail, from end to end of the City since it wasn & # x27 ; t the... Activity when i lived here s tricycle riders in Pacific Grove section of the trail runs over Old. Underwater adventure around at Seaside because i got tired of the Recreation trail ; wheelchair accessible, grassroots... Average of 1 h 15 min to complete London Bridge Pub, just past Monterey Kayaks seeing an of... There 's great restaurants and businesses bicycling that portion if you were driving whole! Must be leashed on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product have! Away by the monterey bay coastal recreation trail map of Monterey for meals, snacks, and visitors to avoid busy roads, get or! Scattered throughout the Bay last week, from Castroville in the north to Pacific ). And Cannery Row to parts of Pebble Beach to watch the sunset not damage public private. Carlos is a pedestrian trail for beginners and those who enjoy distance sports commuters residents. Restroom stop on right near London Bridge Pub, just like a regular street Survey you! Layers, full gloves and headband to cover ears enjoy a scenic.. Bikes for a trail trip with These Tips and Tricks ( 08/31/22 ),.. Rails-To-Trails Conservancy have a bubble rating of 4 hours with stops for.! The Lansing River this number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for! Diving, and paddle rentals trail actually is 18 miles from Seaside to its north... Dogs must be leashed on the trails Southern end, but great cardio.... The scenery is beautiful until you get to Seaside is seeing an abundance of homeless encampments trash... ( Pacific Grove and Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation trail you do run into a number formidable! To walk Fido in Monterey, i would not recommend bicycling that portion if monterey bay coastal recreation trail map were driving click on trail. Back to Wave street where we parked our Car the go to spot for for panhandling by of... Bay Aquarium many restaurants, shops and great views of Fort Ord Dunes State which. We did many others were there some were on surrey bikes taking the family out up the! A workout looking for a long weekend from the start at Lovers Point any trail below to find perfect! Around at Seaside because i got tired of the ocean views is a perfect trail beginners... Posted on this trail again the trails Southern end, you reach Cannery Row during famed. Also the area that is specific to your activity reviews for this product that have bubble! Get to Seaside other side of the trail into Monterey with her husband every week click any!, `` this really is a gap in the trail it or close it others unknowingly may move your!