Beaches

There are multiple gates that enter into 17 Mile Drive. One convenient gate coming from Monterey is at 2032 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove. Description 17 Mile Drive is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. However, while cars must pay a fee to enter the gates of 17 Mile Drive, cyclists can get in for free! Biking not only helps you to take in the beauty of

Merritt Street, Castroville  to Forrest Avenue, Pacific Grove seemonterey.com Description Stretching 18 majestic miles from Castroville on down through Pacific Grove, this waterfront (and car-free!) trail is an ideal way to Monterey and beyond sans gas guzzler. The Southern Pacific Railroad once ran this route, servicing the coast and Cannery Row when sardine business was big. Today it’s a paved path hugging the coast and passing Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, the

2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965-2619 (415) 289-7336 marinemammalcenter.org Description A visit to the Sausalito’s Marine Mammal Center is likely to trigger both outrage and inspiration. In that order. Since 1975, the nonprofit veterinary research hospital has been working to undo human carelessness, one marine mammal at a time. Devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating ill or injured elephant seals, sea lions, and others, the Center also strives to

400 Beach Street Santa Cruz, California 95060 (831) 423-5590 beachboardwalk.com Description Take a stroll down the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and you’ll be bombarded by the sheer intensity of Americana. Those rollercoasters right along the sea coast? Classic. And the Santa Cruz’s beloved Boardwalk really is a bona fide classic—it’s got National Historic landmark status. Built in 1907, this paradisaical playland is one of California’s oldest surviving amusement parks. Take a stroll down the

Voltaire Street Ocean Beach, CA 92107 originaldogbeachsandiego.com Description If you’ve been looking for the most popular dog beach in San Diego, look no further. Founded in 1972, unassuming Ocean Beach (also known as the “original dog beach”) is a true gem of a spot where your pooch can run to his heart’s content and you can enjoy a truly authentic beach town feel. The beach is nestled just west of the San

Fiesta Island Road San Diego, CA 92101 sandiego.gov Description Set on San Diego’s pristine Mission Bay, Fiesta Island is the perfect playland for your pooch. The dog park takes up a whopping 97 acres on the island’s southwestern section, replete with calm bay waters and plenty of dunes for leaping and bounding. There is a fenced in area, but most of the island is leash free. Bring water and watch out for

Ocean Boulevard (between Argonne and Roycroft Avenue) Long Beach, CA 90803 longbeach.gov Description Eleven years ago, a regular old beach in Belmont Shore was renamed Rosie’s Dog Beach after the lovable bulldog that inspired its existence. Now, the three-acre stretch is the only legal off-leash dog beach in LA County. The beach is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., and there are a couple restrictions at this gem: One

Pacific Coast Highway (between Seaport Avenue and 21st Street) Huntington Beach, CA dogbeach.org Description Huntington’s Dog Beach is much more than a pet-friendly promenade. Located less than a mile north of the town’s main “Surf City” center, this spot has a friendly, communal feel. And while dogs are officially supposed to remain leashed, authorities only remove potentially harmful unleashed dogs. The nonprofit Dog Beach maintains the beach and provides doggie