Take it down a notch. Cool your jets. Just chill out. It's time to go coastal at one of the best summer weekend escapes: Monterey.

1) Hike "the greatest meeting of land and water"—Point Lobos State Preserve. Don't miss detours to China Cove and The Pit.

2) 18 miles of car-free coastal bliss are yours for riding on the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail.

3) Bring the dog and hike with locals at Carmel Valley's wildflower-filled Garland Regional Park.

4) Catch an outdoor show under Monterey Pines in the heart of Carmel at the Forest Theater.

5) Kayak among 300 species of birds, and the occasional sea otter, in Elkhorn Slough.

Horsing Around

You've heard it before: Pregnant man gives birth! But come on, really? The Monterey Bay Aquarium has its own secrets of male pregnancy to share this summer—The Secret Lives of Seahorses. With a head like a horse, a tail like a monkey, and a kangaroo-like pouch, these charismatic underwater creatures will "have you at hello." Check out their elaborate courtship dance (hey, ladies!) and learn about seahorses' amazing male pregnancy (baby daddy!). You'll be awestruck by the strangely beautiful leafy sea dragons and fascinated by the upside-down antics of the shrimpfish—just a few of the more than 15 different species featured in this brand-new, interactive exhibit. Saddle up!

TIP: Can't get enough of the seahorses? Click here and become Pacific seahorse Herbie Hippocampus's friend on Facebook for seahorse surprises and special events.

Visit MontereyBayAquarium.org to plan your visit and purchase advance tickets to avoid summer lines.