Coastal Walks of Monterey County

Coastal Walks in Monterey County

Taking a walk has proven health benefits. And taking a walk along the coast of Monterey County—well, that will add years to your life … and life to your years! Here are a few to keep you glowing through the fall.

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Moveable Feast: Maybe you've walked the cobblestone streets and admired the whimsical architecture of Carmel-by-the-Sea. But have you really gotten a taste of Carmel? Get the full flavor on the Carmel Food Tour—ranked the #1 activity in Carmel by TripAdvisor. The 3-hour walking tour through Carmel is a true palate pleaser as you experience unique restaurants and specialty food shops and enjoy wines that have emerged as best in class.

From Big Sur to Point Lobos: Some of Monterey's best coastal hikes are just steps or minutes away from beautiful places to stay. Hilton Garden Inn Monterey, located adjacent to Highway 1, is just minutes to hiking trails in Big Sur and the bluffs at Point Lobos Natural Reserve, where teal-tinted coves rival those of the Caribbean.

Pebble Beach to Asilomar: Pebble Beach is best known for its world-class golf and romantic 17-Mile Drive, but it's also a coast-walker's haven. Take a stroll on an ocean-side boardwalk from Spanish Bay, passing through protected sand dunes to Point Joe. Unwind at Asilomar, an oceanfront retreat cradled by pine forest and white sand beaches. Spend the evening sipping local wines by the fireplace in the Phoebe A. Hearst Social Hall (this fall, rates start from just $149 per night at Asilomar).

See what else is new in Monterey this fall. SeeMonterey.com/Fall

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

    View
  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

    View
  3. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

    View
  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

    View
  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View