The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Monterey County, Monterey County

Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.

Garland Ranch Regional Park is the “granddaddy”' of the MPRPD properties, representing the District's first parkland acquisition. The park was purchased in 1975 from William Garland II, who generously gifted a portion of the cost by reducing the purchase price to below fair market value. An eminent southern California community leader, Mr. Garland spent many summers with his family on the "ranch". This park is home to a variety of landscapes that occur at elevations from 200 to 2,000 feet. From the willow covered banks of the Carmel River through the cottonwood-sycamore stands of the old floodplain, the trails ascend steeply. Atop the northern crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the trails encounter open oak savannas and spectacular vistas. Along the way, you will travel through maple-filled canyons, dense oak woodlands, and thick stands of chaparral. Garzas Creek gently bisects the park and provides a peaceful, shaded trail that reaches a secluded side canyon of redwoods. The park is also home to a wide variety of insects, birds, plants and animals, descendants of the first residents. Species lists of common birds, mammals, and plants are available at the Visitor Center or the District Museum, both located in the park. Throughout the park there are reminders of Carmel Valley's past: Rumsen Indian habitation sites; homestead, hunting and logging remains; livestock trails, ponds and springs; and Rancho Don Juan.There is a ranger/volunteer staff to help you enjoy your visit. The District provides both in-class environmental education programs and outdoor interpretive hikes and other events for all ages.Day use activities include hiking, photography, horseback riding, jogging, walking, bird watching, painting and simple solitude, and limited mountain bike riding in the Cooper Ranch area. A small visitor center is located at Garland and staffed by volunteers.

The name of this State Beach means "a refuge by the sea," which describes the breathtaking views of forest, surf and sand on more than 105 secluded acres of scenic forest and sand dunes.

Welcome to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of our nation's most spectacular federal marine protected areas (MPAs). The sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea" includes pristine beaches to peruse, jewel-like tide pools to explore, and lush kelp forests to dive into. A variety of recreational activities are available to visitors, including wildlife and bird watching, diving, surfing, paddlesports, tide pooling, and so much more. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is also a popular fishing spot, and anglers can target a variety of fish including coho salmon, chinook salmon, albacore tuna, and Pacific halibut.

Popular hiking trail running along the Pacific Grove and Monterey coast.

The historic home of the poet Robinson Jeffers is open to the public for group tours Fridays and Saturdays. First Tour at 10AM, last tour at 3PM. Tours last about 1 hr 20 minutes. Docents describe the life and times of Robinson and Una Jeffers, his poetry, philosophy, and accomplishments of building his home of sea-tossed granite. Wear walking shoes to cope with uneven ground and steep stairs. No photography during tours. Special events annually are the Spring Garden Party held the first Sunday in May when photography is permitted in Tor House and Hawk Tower. Jeffers Fall Festival is held the first weekend of October and includes discussions and presentations on Jeffers' poetry and his life in Carmel. Both are paid events. Check the Tor House web site for details near the time of event.