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Outdoors

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail Bike Ride

Ride a paved path along the shore of Monterey Bay on the old Southern Pacific railway line, past Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, downtown Monterey and a string of beaches and parks to the north. Watch for harbour seals, sea otters, sea lions and seabirds, and sometimes whales.

For The Reps · Updated

bike ride scenery for Monterey Bay Coastal Trail near California
Photo: Monterey path 2003 (10221485995) by Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
California, USA
Distance
29 km (18 miles) one way for the full trail
Climb
About 98 m (320 ft) over the full length

The route

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Pacific Grove to Castroville (full length).

Start at the Pacific Grove end or anywhere along the Monterey waterfront. Several businesses along the path rent bikes and surreys (canopied four-wheel pedal cars for up to six people); Adventures by the Sea is one.

Before you go

  • Keep right, ride single file, and warn people with a bell or a clear 'passing on left' before you overtake.
  • In Pacific Grove the path has separate sections for cyclists and pedestrians; stay in the one for your activity.
  • All classes of e-bike have been allowed on the Monterey section since 1 January 2024; mopeds and motorised scooters are not.
  • Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 1.8 m (6 feet).

What to bring

  • Helmet
  • Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
  • Water and snacks
  • Front and rear lights
  • A layer for descents and stops

Getting ready for it

Time in the saddle matters more than speed.

If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.

Staying safe

  • The path gets congested around Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf; slow down and be patient.
  • Stop and look both ways at every street crossing.
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
  • Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against monterey.gov, seemonterey.com and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.