Marine Preserves and Sanctuaries are for the ocean what National Parks are for our land: areas protected for their, ecological, historical, or cultural significance.

Have you ever dreamed of watching the sunrise from the sea shore of Carmel? Or just having a relaxing day of seeing the hidden corners of Santa Cruz or Monterey? Whether your preference is to immerse yourself in the quiet solitude of the coastline or navigate a stretch of churning white water, all our Coastal Tours are full of breath-taking beauty, coastal scenery, natural history, and human history.

See Cannery Row, Pacific Grove, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach & Big Sur. Come join us as we tour enchanted, scenic coastal trails of magnificent splendor!

 

Wilder Ranch is one of the showcase coastal wetlands and one of the Bay areas most popular off-road destinations. The path runs along the ocean bluffs winding through coastal terraces and valleys, sweeping through grassland filled with Dogwood, Alder, Cottonwood and Willows.

The riparian corridor along Wilder Creek has been widened to about 100 feet. Wetland birds, and hawks nest in habitat that formerly was farmland. Red-legged frogs and other wetland animals have moved into the area. Several places along the trail, offer beach access. We will stop to check out the grotto, where seeps have created a lush alcove packed with ferns.

Although trails climb from nearly sea level to about 1200 feet, the elevation changes are mostly gradual, and Wilder Ranch is a great place for easy cruising. It's a more than 10 mile round trip to the park's northern border at the Twin Gates entrance on Empire Grade. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. Surrounding grounds include Victorian homes, gardens, and historic adobe. Bring lunch, water, binoculars.

Natural Bridges State Beach is a magnificent oasis of natural beauty located between the edge of the ocean and the outer limits of the city of Santa Cruz. The beach trail is an excellent vantage point for viewing the famous Natural Bridge, as well as shore birds, migrating whales, seals and sea otters.

Further along the beach, tide pools offer a glimpse of life beneath the sea. Low tides reveal sea stars, crabs, sea anemones, and other colorful ocean life. The park also includes a large area of coastal scrub meadows, with bright native wildflowers in the spring.

Moore Creek Trail passes through coastal scrub, riparian, fresh water marsh and dunes ending in a seasonal lagoon at the ocean. Natural Bridges State Beach is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. The tour offers an opportunity to Cruz through the nature preserve and the Moore Creek Estuary.

 

The tour begins with a visit to the lovely town of Carmel by the Sea, a popular retreat for writers, artists, and celebrities.

The tour allows free time to stroll the charming downtown lined with shops, galleries and outdoor cafes.

A highlight of the journey is the spectacular 17-Mile Drive with magnificent ocean vistas, seals and otters basking in the sun on jutting rocks, famous Pebble Beach golf course, and the tenacious Lone Cypress.

 

 

The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail is a recreation and interpretive pathway that links existing and new trail segments into a continuous coastal trail around Monterey Bay. It is a coastal path for walkers, joggers, bikers, families, locals, and visitors.

This trail invites pedestrians and bicyclists to “experience” the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary from vantage points on land.

Interpretive features foster stewardship of this natural treasure and its shoreline communities. The route enables visitors to explore and enjoy the coastline of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, while respecting residential, agricultural, and environmentally sensitive surroundings along the way.

 

 

Elkhorn Slough is one of the premier bird watching sites and by far the best water-bird habitat in the western United States. More than 340 species visit or find permanent refuge here.

The entire State Beach itself is full of birds -- gulls, terns diving offshore in season, shorebirds flocks of Snowy Plover in season, and rarities such as Wilson's & Mongolian. Huge swirling flocks of Sooty Shearwaters can be just offshore in spring through fall. Sea ducks, loons, grebes and gulls are the specialties, and in winter all 3 scoters may be present (Black is rare) plus an occasional Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe, or something even better (Emperor Goose in 1978).

The more northerly ponds are mostly kept dry for an important breeding colony of endangered Snowy Plovers. The tremendous number and variety of birds at the slough attracts thousands of bird watchers from across the country each year. The tour covers Elkhorn Slough and adjacent marshlands, uplands, beaches, and near-shore birds seen from these beaches. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!