If you're in the Carmel/Monterey area with kids, you have to stop here. It's a total hidden gem…read more There are so many wonderful play structures that kept our kids (ages 2 and up) entertained for hours--everything from the suspension bridge to the hedge maze and the classic steam engine. The park is also very well-maintained and clean, which isn't always a guarantee with public playgrounds. It's the perfect place to let the kids burn off some energy in a safe, fun environment. Highly recommend!

PLEASE place updated schedule on website/Yelp!!!!!…read more Went on a Tuesday and it was closed. Other than the aquarium this was the main reason we chose to come to Monterey and stayed an extra night just to have the day to visit the park. Lucky (I guess) I saw a worker and asked why it was closed. He said if kids are in school, then Tuesdays is when they close for maintenance.

Such a beautiful place to walk through. We were there during the off season but still enjoyed…read morewalking through the sanctuary.

Neat little walking spot, we knew butterflies wouldn't be around but spotted a blue jay and walked…read morethe path. Interesting how many non natives are planted, but then again so are eucalyptus, so maybe that's not the focus. Limited street parking on the grove acre road side, please be respectful of the surrounding apartments.

Lovely beach along the coast in Pacific Grove. You can follow the sandy path for miles and enjoy…read morethe sun and sea air.

Went on an afternoon in late June after visiting Point Pinos Lighthouse. We were happy to find…read morestreet parking all along this large beach area. Not too crowded on the beach and lots of different areas to explore tide pools. Keep in mind when visiting that no one is supposed to remove anything (including empty shells or rocks) from this protected area.

Seriously the best park in Pacific Grove/Monterey. There's a gated in toddler park, a decent sized…read moregrass field, a bigger kids playground, and just down the hill a basketball court and tennis courts. There's even views of the ocean.

Overall a great park. Nice grassy area to run around, picnic tables, and an inclosed area for…read moretoddlers to play. Few things that I didn't like ... the SUPER steep green slides on both the toddler playground and the big kid playground. Also the toddler playground doesn't have guards between some of the big steps. Definitely need to keep a closer eye on the kiddos then at other park structures.

There is limited parking spots for this open space and no bathrooms. There is a garbage can, which…read morewas appreciated. This is a beautiful area to walk your dog, and we met many dogs along the way. We found out that it's not a great place to bring a stroller because of all the tree roots. You cannot walk very far in any one direction because you will come upon a road on all sides of the area. And yet, it is still possible to lose your way because there are many paths, and they are all unnamed. Also, there are no signs to direct you. (I saw another review mention trail markers, but I did not notice them.) I am embarressed to say that I got turned around and thought our car was one way when it was actually the opposite way; this was a rare occasion in which my husband was right. LOL.

Lynn Rip Van Winkle Open Space is one of my all time favorite spots in the Monterey area to take my…read morepups and go walking! The trails wind through lush, dense greenery that makes you feel like you're walking through a secret forest. The trees are everywhere, and they provide the perfect amount of shade for a nice afternoon hike. The best part is that it is extremely dog-friendly and my dogs absolutely LOVE it here! Not only are dogs welcome, but they can roam off-leash as well! It is never super packed and it's such a peaceful trail to get in nature, yet its so close to the city! Parking nearby is usually available, though it gets busier on weekends. I honestly can't say enough good things about Lynn Rip Van Winkle Open Space! It is on my must-go-to places if you are in the Monterey area, and if you are looking for a peaceful spot to go for a walk and take your dogs! Highly recommend!!

Awesome park! We were looking for a place for our kids to get their energy out and this place was…read moreso wonderful! They have two playgrounds for different age groups which always helps. I love that they have so much nature areas that the kids can run and climb on besides the playground. They also have a basketball court, tennis court and basebAll! Downside: bathroom is not clean but I know I shouldn't expect much from a park. Best part: little library right next to the tennis court. It also has a lot of trails! We saw 2 deers too!!! This is what happens when you come from LA! Nature is a wonderful thing!

Awesome little park! It's super clean, manicured, quiet, and well layed out. I grew up going to…read morethis park since I lived in the neighborhood and now I take my toddler there. There is a playground for 2-5 year olds right next to a playground for 5-12 year olds. Across the grass from the playgrounds, there is a baseball field, with a basketball court next to it. On the other side from the playground are some very quiet tennis courts. Plus there are bathrooms, benches, and a fairly large picnic area up above. Also, there's walking paths around it and a canyon behind it. We took my dog today and did not see any No Dog signs, except understandably, on the baseball field and in the tennis courts. You should definitely keep them on a leash though because there are squirrels and other wildlife (deer, birds) in the park. Plus the park is surrounded by streets.

This is a hidden gem in a nice quiet neighborhood. There are no sidewalks surrounding the park so…read morewe just parked near the dirt to get out of the right of way. There are a few downed trees that have been turned into benches which is a neat idea.

I visited George Washington Park for the first time on March 2, 2020, and was impressed with the…read moremany species of birds I saw there, as this was the reason for my visit. I was part of a birding class led by Rita Carratello, offered through the Pacific Grove Adult Education Program. It is a quiet park, and many times you will hear the birds before you see them. I also saw a Monarch butterfly. The people that walked and jogged through the park were very friendly.

I didn't know that I loved lighthouses until I had the tour of the Point Pinos Lighthouse in…read morePacific Grove. Now I am drawn to lighthouses for their beauty, their history, and their unique mystique. The docents at Point Pinos Lighthouse were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The grounds are impeccable, and the exhibits within the lighthouse are a slice of living history. The setting is stunning, right at Asilomar Beach. You'll want to leave time to walk along the water after you explore the lighthouse. Even if you are not into history or the military or lighthouses, you should definitely drop in to visit this space. You will walk away having digested a bit of unique beauty. Check the hours online -- they are very specific and limited, and it's easy to get shut out. Many people don't know that women often worked the lighthouses back in older times. This is just one fact that stayed with me after my visit. A candle on the water helps lost sailors find their way home.

This is the oldest working lighthouse on the West Coast. It is absolutely beautiful. The volunteers…read moreare amazing and very knowledgeable. The weather was great today and we could not have asked for a more perfect visit. If you are into history or lighthouses or the military this place should be on your radar! This is 100% hands down!!!!