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California's Scenic Wonders

This collection highlights the diverse geography of Monterey County, ranging from the dramatic 80-foot drop of McWay Falls to the rugged peaks of the Diablo Range. It features the iconic 17-Mile Drive, home to the centuries-old Lone Cypress and granite formations at Bird Rock. Inland, the list covers recreational hubs like Williams Hill and a network of community parks in the Salinas Valley, alongside prominent summits such as Castle Mountain and Mustang Peak.

Brian Lopez / Public domain

McWay Falls

McWay Falls is an 80-foot-tall waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round from McWay Creek in Julia…

Tuxyso / CC BY-SA 3.0

17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California, much of which hugs the…

17 The Ghost Tree

Landmark on 17-Mile Drive known for its bleached, weather-beaten Monterey Cypress trees and proximity to a famous big-wave surfing break.

Cypress Rock Lookout

Coastal vantage point overlooking granite rock formations and the Monterey Cypress groves of Pebble Beach.

10 Bird Rock

Offshore rock formation frequented by Brandt’s cormorants, pelicans, and California sea lions.

Point Joe

Historic site where early mariners often mistakenly crashed, believing it was the entrance to Monterey Bay.

China Rock

Site where Chinese fishermen built lean-to shanties against the rocks in the late 1800s.

photophat / CC BY 3.0

16 The Lone Cypress

One of California’s most enduring landmarks, this Monterey Cypress has stood on its granite pedestal for over 250 years.

Bird Rock Vista Point

Elevated overlook providing binoculars for viewing harbor seals and sea birds on the nearby rock.

Sunset Point

West-facing coastal overlook known for views of the Pacific horizon and evening light over the Pebble Beach coastline.

The Crocker Cypress Grove

Home to some of the oldest and largest Monterey Cypress trees in the world, protected within the Pebble Beach area.

ABoukai / Public domain

Gamboa Beach View Point

Overlook on Highway 1 providing views of the remote Big Sur coastline and the rugged beach below.

Spanish Bay Beach View Point

Viewpoint at the northern end of 17-Mile Drive where Gaspar de Portolá’s expedition camped in 1769.

Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0

Saddle Rock

Coastal rock formation near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, adjacent to McWay Falls.

King City Skate Park

Public concrete skate park located within the King City Recreation Center complex.

Monroe Lake

Small body of water located in the remote hills of southern Monterey County.

Big Sandy State Wildlife Management Area

Protected area featuring riparian habitats and grasslands, managed for wildlife conservation and hunting.

Cesar Chavez Park

Community park in Soledad named after the civil rights activist, featuring green space and play areas.

Bill Ramos Park

Local park in Soledad offering sports facilities and picnic areas.

Greenfield City Park

Central recreation area in Greenfield with playgrounds and open lawns.

Patriot Park

Neighborhood park in Greenfield featuring walking paths and recreational space.

Vosti Park

Small community park located in the residential area of Soledad.

Skate Park

Public skating facility in King City.

Pine Meadows Park 2

Neighborhood green space in the King City area.

Covington Lake

Seasonal lake located in the arid eastern portion of the county near the San Andreas Fault.

Aurelio Ramirez Park

Community park in Soledad featuring soccer fields and picnic pavilions.

Stone Canyon

Rugged canyon and peak area in the southern Diablo Range.

Stockdale Mountain

A 3,000-foot peak in the southern Diablo Range near the border of Monterey and San Benito counties.

Castle Mountain

Prominent summit in the Diablo Range known for its distinctive rocky outcrops.

Reason Mountain

Remote peak located in the southeastern corner of Monterey County.

Eagle Rock

High point in the rugged interior hills of the Central Coast.

Mine Mountain

Peak in the Diablo Range, historically associated with regional mining activity.

Negro Hill

Summit located in the southern Salinas Valley uplands.

Chalk Peak

Notable summit in the southern Diablo Range named for its light-colored rock compositions.

Semas Mountain

Peak located in the rugged terrain south of King City.

Table Mountain

Flat-topped summit in the Diablo Range, offering expansive views of the surrounding valleys.

Mustang Peak

A 2,900-foot summit in the eastern hills of the county.

Charley Mountain

Remote peak situated in the southern Gabilan or Diablo Range foothills.

Center Peak

Central summit within the rugged interior mountain chains of Monterey County.

Mesa Coyote

Elevated plateau and peak area located near the San Antonio Reservoir.

Williams Hill Recreation Area

Bureau of Land Management site offering dispersed camping and trails with views of the Salinas Valley.

Redwood Spring Peak

High point in the Santa Lucia Range near the Big Sur coast.

Gold Hill

Peak located near the Cholame Valley, known for its proximity to the San Andreas Fault.