Monterey Bay Coastal Trail

Too many urban waterfronts are obscured by traffic, buildings and congestion, but around Monterey Bay, even the developed sections of the Coastal Recreation Trail are easy on the eyes. The paved, multi-use trail stretches 18 miles, from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south, hugging the coast along a route once used by the Southern Pacific Railway.

The trail is a great way for families to reach the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Asilomar State Beach and much more, avoiding busy roads all the way.

It’s most scenic section just might be the Pacific Grove segment, which has separate lanes for bicycle and foot traffic. It hugs a stretch of coastline characterized by dramatic rock formations, crashing waves, cawing gulls, squawking sea lions and passing whales. Leashed dogs will enjoy strolling in the perpetually cool climate as much as their owners.