Monterey County is home to some of the most iconic landscapes on the Central California Coast. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich biodiversity on hiking trails in Monterey, CA, and explore redwood forests, coastal wetlands, picturesque beaches, and rugged coastlines. Stay at Seascape Beach Resort overlooking Monterey Bay and start your exploration on our resort’s on-site walking trails and private beach. Whether you are looking for a leisurely kid-friendly hike or a challenging all-day adventure, there is a trail for everyone near our Monterey Bay resort:
Old Growth Loop, Nisene Marks State Park
Distance: 2-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Drive three miles to Nisene Marks State Park from Seascape Beach Resort and hike the Old Growth Loop. This scenic trail includes moderate elevation gain and takes you past a streamside picnic area, a twisted redwood forest, and the largest redwood tree in the park.
Oak Marsh Loop, Elkhorn Slough Reserve in Moss Landing
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Visit Elkhorn Slough Reserve in Moss Landing and explore one of California’s last great coastal wetlands along the Oak Marsh Loop. This loop takes you through all of the reserve’s major habitats, including oak woodlands, grasslands, salt marsh, and tidal flats. See a wide variety of wildlife here, such as egrets, raptors, snakes, bat rays, sharks, seals, and sea otters.
Cypress Grove Trail, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Distance: .9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
For a short and scenic hike along Monterey Bay, we recommend the Cypress Grove Trail at Point Lobos. Walk through one of the last groves of Monterey cypress trees and stop to admire the spectacular ocean views. This trail also offers a great vantage point for whale watching in the winter and early spring.
Joaquin Murrieta Trail, Toro Park
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
If you are looking for a challenging trail to keep you busy all day, we recommend hiking at Toro Park in Salinas. Hike to the summit of Mount Toro for incredible views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and Salinas Valley.
Creamery Meadow Trail, Andrew Molera State Park
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Travel south of Monterey and soak in views of the Big Sur coast along the Creamery Meadow Trail. This easy trail follows the Big Sur River and takes you to the rugged ocean beach.
Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail, Jacks Peak Park
Distance: .8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Ascend to the summit of Jack’s Peak along the Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail. See fossils from the Miocene epoch and learn about the plants and animals that thrive here along the way.
Book Your California Getaway at Our Monterey Bay Resort
Reserve your getaway with Seascape Beach Resort and stay close to the best hiking trails in Monterey, CA. Discover the allure of our 40-acre property featuring magnificent views of Monterey Bay, 17 miles of serene coastline, and fantastic on-site amenities. Dine on-site at Sanderlings, have a beach bonfire, relax with in-room spa services, work out at the Seascape Sports Club, or reserve a tee time at the golf club. Fun for the whole family awaits at our Monterey resort!
