Overview
Following the gentle, undulating contours of the Monterey Peninsula coastline, this easily accessible trail is popular with walkers, bicyclists and in-line skaters. Currently, the north end of the trail begins at Locke-Paddon Park in Marina and ends just onshore from Seal Rock in Pacific Grove, at the intersection of 17-Mile Drive and Spyglass Hill Road. In some spots, it's a dedicated pedestrian and biking path; in others, it's a lane in a roadway shared by automobiles. Plans are pending for an extended, dedicated trail to connect Point Lobos State Reserve with the Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge.
The Experience
The trail winds from wind-swept ocean views along Asilomar Beach to the commercial bustle of Monterey's historic Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. As the trail crosses through Pacific Grove, there are restaurants, beach access and kayak rentals at Lover's Point, with plenty of benches along the way for enjoying the view.