Parks and nature in Monterey

Monterey's coastal landscape features the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, housed in a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row. The area offers diverse marine observation opportunities, from whale-watching excursions in the deep submarine canyon to shore-based viewing at San Carlos Beach. Historic sites like Monterey State Historic Park and the Lower Presidio Historic Park preserve California's early political history and military fortifications, while natural spaces range from the dunes of Monterey State Beach to the landscaped Memory Garden.

Monterey Parks & Nature — Map

Meij.kobayashi / Public domain

A

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit public aquarium in Monterey, California.

Cynthia Yock / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Princess Monterey Whale Watching

Climb on board with marine experts and watch real life killer-whales, humpback whales and other amazing marine creatures in their natural…

McGhiever / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey State Historic Park is a historic state park in Monterey, California.

D

Monterey State Beach

A protected coastline featuring three separate beach areas. It is a location for surfing, tide pooling, and surf fishing along the Monterey Bay.

E

Del Monte Beach

A beach known for its extensive sand dunes and a boardwalk that protects the local vegetation. It is located between Fisherman's Wharf and Seaside.

F

Memory Garden

A walled garden designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1927. It contains a circular fountain and original adobe walls within the historic district.

G

San Carlos Beach Park

A former cannery site and a primary entry point for scuba diving in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The park features lawn areas and harbor views.

H

Lower Presidio Historic Park

A 20-acre park containing the site of the original Spanish Presidio. It features historical monuments and views of the harbor from former military fortifications.

I

El Estero Park

Centrally located around a freshwater lake, this park includes the Dennis the Menace Playground, a skate park, and a multi-use exercise trail.

J

Shoreline Park

A coastal green space featuring a paved section of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. It offers vantage points for observing harbor seals and sea otters.

Other Lists

Monterey Essentials Museums & Galleries Coastal Views & Seafood