Parks & Outdoors
El Estero Park
798 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831.646.3866
Family, Friends and Fun!!! The El Estero Park offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for everyone. From the paddle boats to the Dennis the Menace Park, El Estero is an ideal location for families with children. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and it offers an ideal location for a picnics! Just remember to bring your four legged friends to leash-free dog park.
San Carlos Beach Diving
Monterey Bay offers some of the best scuba diving in the entire state, despite the chilly temperatures, (averaging between 55-62 degrees F). San Carlos Beach, adjacent to the Coast Guard pier, is one of the most popular sites for a recreational beach dive because of its easy access. Restrooms and an outdoor shower area are also provided. A grassy area and several picnic tables make this park a great place to spend the day.
Near the Coast Guard Pier, Monterey, just minutes from the Casa Munras Hotel!
Point Lobos State Park
Point Lobos State Reserve (Three miles S of Carmel) is one of the most beautiful places in the world. At the Reserve, take in the 750 acres of underwater wonders and 550 acres of protected land full of trails and views. Whales and dolphins can be seen in the distance, seals bark on the rocks, and a variety of birds soar over head. Divers, photographers, painters and nature lovers will love this beautiful place.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is located seven miles south of Carmel. This park is a hiker's dream, offering 2879 acres of Big Sur beauty including trails, beaches and forests. Soberanes Point offers wonderful panoramic views. Rock climbers can enjoy the rocks at the south end of the beach.
Andrew Molera State Park
Andrew Molera State Park has 4800 acres of meadows and woodlands through which the Big Sur River winds. Hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and camping are available. This State Park is located approximately 35 minutes from the Casa Munras Hotel in the heart of Big Sur.
Julia Pfeiffer State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has a great guided nature walk, with trails to suit all levels of fitness; there are campfires and programs for children. One of Big Sur's largest redwoods grows here amid other ancient giant trees that have been known to live for over 2000 years. Pfeiffer Falls, is a 60-ft. waterfall within the park and the nearby Pfeiffer State Beach has beautiful natural rock bridges out in the ocean. Escape to Julia Pfeiffer State Park only 40 minutes from the Casa Munras Hotel.
Carmel River
Carmel River State Beach at Carmelo Road is also known as Carmel River Lagoon and Wetlands Natural Preserve. Great place to watch wildlife and birds. Part of the California Sea Otter Game Refuge that extends to San Luis Obispo. There is a small land trail leads to Monastery Beach. A modern cross marks the spot where Gaspar de Portola erected a cross in 1769.