The best parks & outdoor spots in Monterey County

“M. activities, the Monterey Public Library Bookmobile, face painting, and the MyMuseum Wheelie Mobilee. Mark your calendar for September 12, 11am to 1pm, then let the kids run while you catch up with neighbors.”

From the Monterey newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Between errands or school pickups, Capra Park is that easy neighborhood escape with two playground areas (upper and lower), a picnic spot, and paved pathways for a slow loop. A Seaside staple since 1965, it’s perfect for quick kid energy dumps or low-key catch-ups.”

From the Seaside newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Laguna Grande Park, Seaside, CA gives you lake views, easy walking paths, picnic tables and barbecue spots, a solid playground for the kids, plus fields for pickup games and community concerts. When you just need fresh air and a familiar place to gather, this is it.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Natividad Creek Park packs a legit skate park, disc golf, sport courts, an amphitheater for community vibes, plus playgrounds and picnic spots, all stitched along creekside paths. Bring your board and a few discs, then call it your midweek reset.”

From the Salinas newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Skip the crowds and slip into Laguna Grande Regional Park, Monterey Side for a low-key dose of greenery by the water. Perfect for a pre-work walk, a catch-up chat, or five quiet minutes that magically turn into thirty, it’s the kind of neighborhood calm you forget you needed.”

From the Monterey newsletter, October 14, 2026

“Spacious park featuring a swimming pool, barbeques and a playground, plus a history museum.”

“When the kids need to climb, slide, and burn off wiggles, El Estero Park delivers with the iconic Dennis the Menace Playground and a breezy loop around the lake for duck and goose-spotting. Bonus points if you paddle a swan boat and call it cross-training.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 24, 2026