Andrew Molera State Park

This 5,000-acre state park stretches along the Pacific for 4 miles, with access to one of the longest beaches in Big Sur. It offers fishing, hiking, equestrian trails and picnic facilities, as well as walk-in camping in a huge meadow close to the ocean. 21 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur, 667-2315,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582

Garland Ranch Regional Park

Miles of nature and equestrian trails wind through this 4,500-acre park, a local favorite that rises from the Carmel River to the headlands of the Santa Lucia range. An hour of energetic uphill hiking affords sweeping panoramic views. About 8.5 miles east of Highway 1 on Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 659-4488,
http://www.mprpd.org/index.cfm/id/19/Garland-Ranch-Regional-Park

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata is a microcosm of everything Big Sur has to offer. Its 3,000 acres encompass scenic shorelines, deep canyons and steep mountains. The Rocky Ridge trail heads inland and upward for some spectacular views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, while the Soberanes Canyon trail is lined with redwoods and offers a rewarding hike without quite as much physical exertion. 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 624-4909,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=579

Jacks Peak County Park

This readily accessible park, named after pioneering real estate mogul David Jacks, boasts 10 miles of hiking and riding trails, as well as unsurpassed views of the Monterey Bay and Carmel. This is a great family park with easy day hikes, picnic grounds and a self-guided nature trail. Off Highway 68 on Olmsted Road, Monterey, 755-4899,
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/jackspeak.html

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The southernmost state park in Big Sur encompasses close to 4,000 acres stretching from the Pacific coastline to the 3,000-foot peaks of the Santa Lucia Range. Hikers can revel in beautiful redwood groves, river walks and views of the picturesque McWay Falls as they empty into the Pacific Ocean. Two coveted campsites available by reservation. 37 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 667-2315,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578

Los Padres National Forest

Almost half of the 2-million-acre forest that overlays the Coast Range from Big Sur to Los Angeles County is wilderness. Translation: superb hiking and backpacking (though the popular Pine Ridge Trail remains closed from the 2008 fire). There are 11 non-wilderness campsites in the Monterey area. The ranger station is 32 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 385-5434,
http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Established in 1933, this popular state park offers hikes through dense redwood canyons leading up to scenic peaks. Located within its 850 acres are the Big Sur Lodge and cabins, a store, a restaurant, camping, and numerous sites for picnicking, swimming and fishing. Main Camp expected to be closed all summer for renovations. 31 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 667-2315,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570

Pinnacles National Monument

The jagged remains of a long-extinct volcano jut out of the Salinas Valley to form this hiker’s paradise, with 32 miles of trails, two talus caves and spectacular terrain that doubles as a launch site for California condors being reintroduced to the wild. A must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. Tent and RV camping available at east entrance. From Salinas, Highway 101 south 25 miles to Soledad, Highway 146 east 13 miles to park, 389-4485,
http://www.nps.gov/pinn

Point Lobos State Reserve

“The greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” as landscape artist Francis McComas called it, Point Lobos offers 14 interconnecting trails that wind through lovely Monterey pine forests, cypress groves and breathtaking, rugged coastal scenery. Whalers Cove and other locations provide plenty of opportunities to view 250 bird and animal species, including sea otters, sea lions and, from December to April, migrating gray whales. Day use only. 2 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, 624-4909,
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

Veterans Memorial Park

This 50-acre city of Monterey park offers overnight RV and group camping facilities, trails, picnic areas and play fields. Check in at the kiosk for availability, as camping is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis only. At the end of Skyline Drive, Monterey, 646-3865,
http://www.monterey.org/en-us/departments/montereyrecreation/parksandbeaches/veteransmemorialpark.aspx