California State Parks Near Monterey

Monterey State Beach features wide sandy beaches, gentle waves, and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Its proximity to downtown Monterey and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail makes it a convenient destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Asilomar State Beach features a mile-long stretch of sandy beach and rocky coves along the Monterey Peninsula. Renowned for its natural beauty, it offers accessible walking paths, tide pools, and spectacular sunsets.

Carmel River State Beach boasts a beautiful lagoon, sandy shores, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The park is ideal for kayaking, wildlife observation, and enjoying coastal views.

Point Lobos SNR offers dramatic ocean views, unique geological formations, and abundant wildlife. It's a premier destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Marina State Beach features expansive sandy dunes and panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas. The park is popular for hang gliding, kite flying, and beach walks.

Moss Landing State Beach features sandy dunes, excellent birdwatching, and access to the Elkhorn Slough. Visitors enjoy fishing, surfing, and scenic views along the Monterey Bay coastline.

Salinas River State Beach is renowned for its pristine dunes, diverse wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities. The park provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and beachgoers alike.

Zmudowski State Beach features sandy dunes, rich wildlife habitats, and prime fishing spots. Its remote setting makes it ideal for nature lovers seeking a quiet coastal experience.

Andrew Molera State Park is a natural gem along the Big Sur coast, offering miles of hiking trails, beach access, and stunning ocean vistas. Its diverse landscapes provide opportunities for exploration and relaxation in a less-crowded setting.

Point Sur SHP features the iconic Point Sur Lighthouse perched atop a volcanic rock, offering guided tours and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The park highlights California’s maritime heritage and the rugged beauty of the Big Sur coastline.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is renowned for its majestic redwoods, scenic river, and diverse wildlife. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of California’s iconic Big Sur region.

Sunset State Beach offers expansive sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and coastal bluffs perfect for relaxation and recreation. The park is known for its family-friendly campsites and stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

San Juan Bautista SHP features restored adobe buildings, a historic plaza, and the renowned Mission San Juan Bautista. Visitors can explore museums, gardens, and period furnishings that bring California’s early history to life.

Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Property is a historic park featuring a beautifully restored 19th-century adobe home and interpretive displays. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about early California history, and enjoy guided tours.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park features dramatic ocean vistas, lush redwood forests, and the famous McWay Falls. Visitors enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring one of California’s most picturesque coastal landscapes.

Seacliff State Beach boasts a picturesque stretch of sand, the unique SS Palo Alto concrete ship, and excellent spots for picnicking and fishing. Its gentle surf and accessible facilities make it ideal for visitors of all ages.

Manresa State Beach features wide sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Its peaceful setting attracts visitors looking for a classic California beach experience.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park features towering redwoods, scenic creeks, and miles of multi-use trails. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

John Little SNR preserves a pristine stretch of Big Sur coastline with dramatic cliffs and rare plant communities. The reserve offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation, though public access is restricted.

Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile-long stretch of sand, calm waters, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Its proximity to the harbor and local amenities makes it a favorite for families and beachgoers.

New Brighton State Beach features a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline, blufftop campsites, and sweeping views of Monterey Bay. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse coastal activities.

Natural Bridges State Beach features a striking natural rock arch, tide pools, and a seasonal monarch butterfly grove. It’s ideal for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

Lighthouse Field State Beach features the historic Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, panoramic ocean views, and is a prime location for surfing and wildlife watching. Its open grassy fields and easy beach access make it ideal for picnics and relaxation.

Santa Cruz Mission SHP features the last surviving building of the original Mission Santa Cruz, restored adobe rooms, and interpretive displays. The park provides insight into the region’s Spanish colonial past and Native Californian heritage.

Wilder Ranch State Park features historic ranch buildings, dramatic ocean views, and extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Its coastal habitats and cultural history make it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Limekiln State Park is renowned for its coastal redwoods, scenic hiking trails, and the historic limekilns that give the park its name. The park also features a beautiful beach and a stunning 100-foot waterfall.