Monterey masterfully balances premier hiking trails with delicious alfresco dining. Here are three hike 'n' feast excursions that blend the best of both.
It's been called the greatest meeting of land and water in the world. Point Lobos State Reserve, just 2 miles south of Carmel, marks the unofficial start of Big Sur. And what a start it is! Rough and tumble headlands, huge jagged rocks amidst rollicking waves, quiet beach enclaves, and tranquil turquoise coves make this old whaling station an explorer's paradise. Wildlife includes seals and their pups, birds of all feathers (cormorants and oystercatchers, to name a few), and charming sea otters. Most visitors make Point Lobos a park 'n' picnic destination, but they're missing out on the full Lobos. To really experience the reserve, do a 5-mile grand tour loop. Walk the cypress-lined coastal trail, observing multiple tide pools swirling with the ocean's ebb and flow; to get the full flavor of the area, take small detours to untrammeled coves like "The Pit" (pictured) and rugged promontories. Point well taken.
OUTDOOR EATS: The fact that Clint Eastwood owns Mission Ranch in Carmel may be its claim to fame, but this ruggedly stylish 22-acre resort has way more than just Hollywood good looks. Enjoy fresh American fare on the restaurant's outdoor patio. It's got some of Carmel's best coastal views, with meadows and wetlands and Carmel River Beach as scene-stealers. In the foreground, a white picket fence frames a pasture with grazing sheep. (Note: The restaurant is open Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
TIP: Mission Ranch's sprawling, down to earth grounds make a relaxing place for an overnight escape. The resort has 31 charming and unfussy rooms, some in a restored historic farmhouse and others as private cottages on the grounds.
Point Lobos State Reserve: Visit their website for directions. Pay $10 at the entrance station and continue past the first big parking area to the final parking area. Park there. Take the Bird Island Trail south toward China Cove. Then turn left (north) onto the South Plateau Trail back to the entrance station; cross the reserve road and continue on Carmelo Meadow Trail. Go right at Granite Point Trail to make a side-trip to The Pit and Granite Point before continuing west on Granite Point Trail toward the old Whalers Cabin. Continue on the North Shore and South Shore Trail with optional side-trips to Allan Memorial Grove and Sea Lion Point. No dogs. Mission Ranch, 26270 Dolores St., Carmel; 831-624-6436. Rooms start at $120.
With its consistent warm weather and laid-back charm, Carmel Valley is a local's favorite for escaping coastal fog. Bring your dog and head to Garland Ranch Regional Park. For a nice hike through a variety of terrain, cross a small bridge over the willow-covered banks of Carmel River and combine the Lupine, Waterfall, and Mesa Trails. This trio loops together a 4-mile jaunt that begins in a honey-hued meadow blooming with lupine, then winds through a rainforest-like canopy with wooden bridges and a seasonal waterfall, and tops off at an expansive grassy plateau. The highlight here is tranquil, fish-filled Mesa Pond. It's a good place to have a snack and savor the vast views of Carmel Valley's Mediterranean-worthy landscape. When you're ready, head back on the Mesa Trail and complete the loop.
OUTDOOR EATS: Just a few miles back toward Carmel, the lively Baja Cantina (pictured) has a wooden outdoor patio festively shaded by giant red umbrellas. Try their Monterey Bay Quesadillas (shrimp and artichoke hearts) or their Rosarito Beach Fish Tacos. Live music is a staple on Sunday afternoons.
Garland Ranch Regional Park: Pick up a complimentary map at the Visitor Center, where the loop begins and ends. Start on the Lupine Loop Trail that borders the Carmel River. Take this up to the Waterfall Trail and follow the signs and map to Mesa Pond. Return via Mesa and Lupine Loop Trails. Dog-friendly! Baja Cantina, 7166 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel; 831-625-2252.
Pebble Beach is best known for its world-class golf and romantic 17-Mile Drive, but it's also a coast-walker's haven. Paralleling 17-Mile Drive are an ocean-side boardwalk and maintained trail that pass through protected sand dunes to Point Joe, on the far south end of Spanish Bay. (Avoid the $9.25 Pebble Beach entrance fee by parking at Asilomar State Beach.) From the cypress tree-dotted landscape, watch the rugged coastal waves crest and crash, and intrepid local surfers test their skills. After the 1.5-mile walk to Point Joe, the trail continues another 1.3 miles along the rocky coast to raucous Bird Rock. The entire path is flat, the views uninterrupted. Flip it and return when the time feels right. Coasting!
OUTDOOR EATS: On your way back to Asilomar Beach, take an unsigned fork in the boardwalk to the Inn at Spanish Bay. The resort's enormous outdoor terrace has a full bar, light menu, and big views. Grab a bench near one of the five outdoor fire pits and enjoy a Fireside Mojito.
Boardwalk details: Driving from Hwy. 1 and Hwy. 68, take Hwy. 68 west toward Pacific Grove. After 3 miles turn left onto Sunset Dr. and go 1 mile to Asilomar State Beach. Park along the shoulder of the road at the very south end of Asilomar State Beach. The trailhead is on the south side of Sunset Dr. If you can't find it, just walk south along the beach and look left; the boardwalk is tucked behind the dunes. Follow it south as far as you like. The unsigned boardwalk turnoff for the Inn at Spanish Bay is about .75 mile in. Take it inland toward the golf course (don't worry—it's not just for guests!). It becomes a concrete golf path, then another boardwalk goes right. Take this all the way to the outdoor patio and bar.
Now's the time to shake off the winter cobwebs and have some fun with a little help from the experts at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT). You'll get the best coaches and an unparalleled training program for everybody from first-timers to seasoned athletes. They can help you and your friends get in summer shape while supporting a great cause.
Lace Up for The Nike Women's Marathon: TNT will help you prepare for—and get you entry into—one of the nation's most popular events, The Nike Women's Marathon. Not only will your body thank you, you'll be helping a worth-the-sweat cause. The course will keep you pumped and inspired all the way, passing local classics like the Golden Gate Bridge, winding through the lush green Presidio and alongside crashing waves on the Great Highway. Make it a marathon or choose the half marathon course. Run it, walk it, or run/walk it. Just get started soon! The Nike Women's Marathon sells out by lottery, but joining TNT guarantees you a slot.
BONUS: All finishers receive a one-of-a-kind finisher's "medal"… a silver necklace from Tiffany & Co. But, the Nike Women's Marathon isn't just for the ladies. Men can participate, too!
If you want to get out of town, try a half marathon, Hawaiian style, with TNT's new Kaua'i Half Marathon. Other upcoming events: Ride 100 miles through red rocks on the Moab Century Tour, or do the "kelp crawl" in the Triathlon at Pacific Grove.
You've gotta go to a TNT Information Meeting to learn more and get started. (See dates listed below.) RSVP here!
San Francisco
Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. San Francisco Marriott
Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. Presidio Sports Basement
Marin & North Bay
Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.: Petaluma Valley Hospital, Petaluma
Saturday, May 9, 9:30 a.m.: Mill Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
Saturday, May 12, 6:30 p.m.: Fleet Feet, Santa Rosa
East Bay & Solano
Saturday, May 2, 9:30 a.m.: Malcolm X Elementary School, Berkeley
Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m.: Fairfield/Cordelia Public Library, Fairfield
Saturday, May 9, 2:30 p.m.: Walnut Creek Sports Basement
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m.: Fremont Marriott
Peninsula & Silicon Valley
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am: Crown Plaza Foster City
Saturday, May 9, 10:00am: Willows Senior Center, San Jose
Monday, May 11, 6:30pm: Redwood Shores Library, Redwood City
Monterey & Santa Cruz
Monday, May 4, 6:30pm: Scotts Valley Community Center, Scotts Valley
Saturday, May 9, 10:00am University Inn & Conference Center, Santa Cruz
Thursday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.: Casa Munras Hotel, Monterey