Located as you are heading into downtown Monterey on Del Monte Avenue (you can't miss this large lake on your left).
Hours:
Sunrise - Sunset.
Description:
45 acre city-wide multi-use recreation area in the center of Monterey at Del Monte Avenue and Camino Aguajito, Fremont Avenue and Camino El Estero. This large lake is close to downtown and the ocean so you can take a nice stroll after your picnic. Lots of ducks and geese. There is also a nice trail that winds around the lake. For the semi-adventurous, you can even rent a paddleboat.
Located just off of Ocean View Blvd and near downtown Pacific Grove. Just head to the ocean and where the coastal recreational trail just begins (or ends).
Hours:
Sunrise - Sunset.
Description:
This beautiful park overlooks the ocean with views all the way across the bay to Monterey and Marina. The facilities include a small beach, restrooms and picnic tables. This is considered a very romantic area -- many weddings actually take place here every weekend. Afterwards, the coastal recreational trail and quaint downtown Pacific Grove are just steps away.
Windows on the Bay Park
Location:
Downtown Monterey across from Lake El Estero
Directions:
Follow Del Monte Blvd into downtown Monterey. You can't miss this huge grassy knoll on your right.
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset.
Description:
This has been a huge project for the city of Monterey over the past few years. There is an extensive, wide beautiful lawn which lies adjacent to part of the coastal recreation trail, the beach and of course the ocean. If you are a fan of volleyball, there are usually plenty of games going on in the 5 sand volleyball courts located nearby.
Follow Ocean Avenue, the main street of downtown Carmel, all the way down to its end and park.
Hours:
Sunrise-Sunset.
Description:
This is a great place for a "dinner" picnic. This large, white sandy beach is highly regarded as the nicest beach in the area. With views out towards Pt. Lobos and Pebble Beach, many locals flock here to watch the beautiful Sunsets.
Seal Rock Picnic Area
Location:
17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Directions:
There are several gateways to Pebble Beach. Upon entering and paying the day use fee, ask the guard for a free map and the best route to the picnic area.
Hours:
Open 7 days a week dawn to dusk
Description:
This picnic area includes views of the famous "Bird Rock" along 17 Mile Drive. Views of the ocean, sea otters, and seals basking in the sun. Beach, picnic area that allows bonfires.
From Hwy 68 starting to head East towards Salinas, turn right onto Olmstead Road and follow it to Jacks Peak Park Road.
Hours:
Oct - Jan:10am- 5pm, Feb:10:30a - 5:30pm
Description:
Picnic Sites can be found adjacent to the Jacks Peak and East parking lots. All sites have a table. Sites at the East parking lot also have grills. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby. Many sites have spectacular views of the Monterey Bay and the world-renowned Monterey Peninsula, making a picnic at Jacks Peak a must for any visitor to the Monterey Peninsula.Mon-Fri-$4 a day, Sat-Sun & Holidays $5 a day
Toro Regional Park
Location:
Off Highway 68, Salinas
Directions:
Drive east on Highway 68 towards Salinas and take the Portola Road exit. Follow the signs in to the park.
Hours:
Vary by month but generally open from 8am - 5pm (up until about 7 or 8p in the Summer months).
Description:
The weather in Salinas in this area is usually about 10 degrees warmer than Monterey/Carmel so you have a good chance of relaxing under the sun. This park is so great because there are so many places to picnic -- large expanses of carefully manicured grass, barbecues and picnic tables combined with play yards for the kids, volleyball courts and a softball diamond. After the picnic, check out one of many hiking and/or biking trails. Note: This was picked as the top place to Picnic by readers of our local entertainment weekly.
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Picnics in the Park