Leisure Activities on the Monterey Peninsula
The Monterey Peninsula is an unrivaled destination for activities and adventures on California’s Central Coast, and your stay at the Monterey Peninsula Inn places you within easy reach of it all. From dramatic coastal trails and world-class golf courses to scenic beaches, whale watching excursions, arts districts, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic attractions, there’s something here for every interest and pace of travel. Whether you’re exploring the storybook streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, biking along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, or enjoying ocean views in Pebble Beach and Monterey, you’ll find endless opportunities to create memorable experiences just minutes from our Pacific Grove doorstep.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point Park is located at the foot of 17th Street, and is a landscaped community park of 4.4 acres. It is used for picnicking, fishing, swimming, water sports, and surfing. Lovers Point’s amenities include a large lawn area, a beach volleyball court, a children’s swimming pool, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, a concrete pier structure, a restaurant, and a snack bar. It is popular for weddings, and is home of the annual Pacific Grove Summer Lights celebration. For weddings, a reservation and use permits for sound amplification and tables, chairs, etc. are required.
Asilomar State Park and Beach
This park has miles of boardwalks through beautiful white dunes. The property has many buildings designed by Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. Check-out the extraordinary tide pools at lovely Asilomar Beach. 800 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove 831-372-4076
The winter home to tens of thousands of migrating Monarch Butterflies. They congregate in a grove of pine, eucalyptus, and cypress trees and take to the air when the temperature rises above 55 degrees. October-March. Located less than a block from the Monterey Peninsula Inn!
Once home to 21 fishing canneries, the area that John Steinbeck made famous is now home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and many local shops and restaurants. See our Cannery Row page.
Carmel Beach. Quite simply one of the prettiest beaches in California. Take Ocean Ave. off Highway 1 and exit west to the beach.
Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771 it is considered the most authentically restored of all the Franciscan Missions. A must see piece of California history. 3080 Rio Rd., Carmel 831-624-1271 (masses) 831-624-3600 (tours)
Only one square mile in size, this famous town has a storybook atmosphere and great shopping. You might even run into Ex-Mayor Clint Eastwood. Take Ocean exit off of Highway One South.
Home to historic buildings and many colorful shops and restaurants.
Have a nose to nose encounter with a sea otter or shark at the most visited aquarium in the country. Over 100 beautiful exhibits. Quite simply a don’t miss stop. 831-648-4800 Automated information 831-646-4888.
Every Tuesday between 4-7p.m. (4-8 p.m. summers) Downtown Monterey becomes an outdoor market with over 100 vendors selling fresh foods, flowers & crafts. Alvarado Street from Pearl to Del Monte.
This crown jewel in the California State Park system has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world.” 550 acres of great trails and spectacular views. Take Highway 1 two miles south of Carmel’s Rio Rd. 831-624-4909.
The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast offers tours 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Take Lighthouse west to dead-end at Asilomar Blvd. and turn right. Parking available near the Golf Course. 831-648-3116.
Visit the thirty or so enchanting stops along this stunning stretch of Pebble Beach’s famed scenic road. A must see.
Want to see sea lions, seals, and sea otters from your kayak – or bicycle some of our great bike paths? Then head over to Adventures and suit up. Also rent the surrey bike – Great for families. 201 Alvarado Mall in Monterey or Lover’s Point Beach in Pacific Grove. 831-648-7235
See majestic California Gray Whales on their migrations to and from Mexico. Cruises Dec-March. Randy’s Fishing Trips 831-372-7440
Highway 1 South of Carmel to Big Sur and beyond is the most majestic stretch of road in the country. The drive to Big Sur is about an hour and twenty minutes. Here is a list of recommended stops along the way.
Was once the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. A lovely landmark poised against the backdrop of the majestic pacific ocean.
Explore this historic and windswept landmark. A short hike is required but the stunning views make this well worth the effort. 831-624-7195
Hiking trails through mountains of purple sage and pacific ocean vistas make these hiking trails a tonic for the soul. 4.6 miles south of Rio Rd. on Highway 1. Beginner to advanced hiking trails. 831-624-9423
Hiking through 4,800 acres of pristine wild lands. 831-667-2315
26 miles South of Carmel. This state park offers gorgeous hiking trail through redwood forests and beaches known for their purple sands. 831-667-2279
19 miles south of Carmel. 831-625-4419