Explore Monterey Bay and Beyond
Scroll for more information and resources to help you responsibly explore the beautiful central coast of California. Download the BrochureExplore Monterey Bay and Beyond - Activity Information
1. Año Nuevo State Park
MPAs Visited: Año Nuevo State Marine Reserve2. Natural Bridges State Beach
See tide pools brimming with marine life at Natural Bridges State Beach. Call 831-423-4609 for information on tide pool explorations, including docent-led tours.
3. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4. Santa Cruz Wharf
5. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
6. Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
7. Lovers Point Park
8. Asilomar State Beach
Explore the colorful tide pools at Asilomar State Beach. Remember to practice water safety by always checking local surf conditions before activities near or on the water.
9. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
10. Point Sur State Historic Park
Step into the past on a walking tour of a historic Lighthouse at Point Sur State Historic Park. Tours are available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, in summer months. Call 831-625-4419 for information on guided tours.
Explore Responsibly – Know Before You Go
California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
California has a network of 124 MPAs along the entire coast. MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. Rules are in place to ensure that these special places are preserved and protected for present and future generations. MPAs differ in what they allow and prohibit inside their boundaries. Know the rules before you go – click here!
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This “Serengeti of the Sea” stretches along the central coast from San Francisco to Cambria. Across the United States, National Marine Sanctuaries protect the natural and cultural resources of 14 unique marine areas. Dive into the sanctuary – click here!
Ocean Sport Fishing in California
Any person who is 16 years of age or older must possess a valid sport fishing license when taking any fish, shell fish, reptile, or amphibian in California. When recreationally fishing from a “public pier” in ocean or bay waters, a fishing license is not required. Even though a fishing license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations apply while fishing from a public pier. Know the rules before you go – click here!
Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
Encountering wildlife can be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity! For their safety as well as yours, please follow the guidelines, give wildlife plenty of space, be aware of local regulations and use your zoom lens or binoculars if you want that close-up view. Take the pledge for wildlife – click here!
Exploring Tide Pools
Get Involved
The MPA Collaborative Network is a statewide organization made-up of 14 county-based volunteer groups. Our mission is to empower coastal communities to advance MPA management and encourage ocean stewardship. Join your local collaborative – click here!
Additional Resources
Discover Indigenous Lands with Native Land Digital: Since time immemorial Tribal people across the state have had an ongoing relationship with the ocean. They continue to manage, depend on, and have a sacred relationship with ocean and marine resources today.
Stay Safe at the Beach: It’s important to be aware of dangerous waves and currents on the California coast. Never turn your back to the ocean and before leaving for the beach, check the official surf zone forecast and/or beach advisories and closings. Photo by Rewa Bush (California State Parks)
Flying Aerial Drones: Motorized aerial vehicles can pose a special threat to marine animals. It is illegal to fly a drone in many coastal areas of Santa Cruz and Monterey County, including Big Sur.
Find Bathrooms in Big Sur: Public restrooms and cell phone services are scarce in Big Sur. Make sure to bring plastic bags and toilet paper in case of emergency – please don’t leave toilet paper or anything else behind for someone else to discover.
Find Dog-friendly Beaches in California:
Wildlife and pets can cause stress, harm, and sickness to one another. If pets are allowed, always keep them on a leash and away from wildlife. Visit these links for dog beaches in Santa Cruz County and Monterey County. Photo by Erika Delemarre.
Report a Poacher: If you witness a poaching or polluting incident, any fish and wildlife violation, or have information about such a violation, immediately dial the toll-free CalTIP number 1 888 334-CALTIP (888 334-2258), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Photo by CDFW
Report an Animal: The Marine Mammal Center rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. Photo by The Marine Mammal Center
If you see an animal in distress, call their hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325).
This information is provided by the Monterey and Santa Cruz Marine Protected Area (MPA) Collaboratives – local collaborative groups dedicated to advancing MPA management and encouraging ocean stewardship. This project was completed in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and is supported by the Sustaining California’s Ocean program of Resources Legacy Fund.