Jacks Peak County Park

4.1 (61 reviews)

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Open • 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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Jacks Peak County Park - Skunkweed - Parks Near Me - Monterey, California

Jacks Peak County Park - Parks Near Me - Monterey, California

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Andy S.

Beautiful hiking trails with great views. You are supposed to pay $2 per adult for walk ins and drive ins but it's honor system since you are just supposed to put money in an envelope into a bin. Not the best system since people can just drive in without paying and I didn't see anyone checking once they parked inside. Not a far drive from downtown Monterey. There are a few trails going every which way, I'd recommend taking a good look at the map before starting. We ended up taking a few wrong turns and was unable to do the route we planned. They have 4 way intersections of trails which are insanely confusing to know if you go the correct way. Overall pretty views and well maintained. Easier to navigate a second time around so would come back.

John H.

Magnificent birdseye views of the city and the bay. The Skyline gives you the best aerial views and is a mile loop with gradual inclines. Most trails are well marked. Pine trail runs along the entrance road and comes up along the woods. Two picnic areas with rest stations.

Chris C.

First time visit to this park even though I'd been to the Monterey peninsula multiple times over the years. This is probably one of the best places for hiking (with some elevation) and for the aerial view of the city and coastline (Skyline trail). We did the Skyline and Pine trails - the former definitely a lot more popular than the latter although on a weekday even the Skyline isn't too crowded but the Pine trail being all the way at the other end of the park is where you can have more solitude. Park entry is free at the moment (per website it'll remain so through June 2022).

Emma W.

It's $2 to park (and support the park) in their parking lot by the peak, but many cars end up parking on the street going up where they don't have to pay. We ended up dropping the dollar bills and parking by the top where there were a multitude of spots still left on a Sunday morning. They have restrooms and garbage bins there too. We did the loops that goes around the peak and were greeted with a wide open trail and views of Monterey and Carmel. We barely came across anyone else, which is great during COVID times. There are a few educational signs along the trail that show major signs of age. Maybe if more people paid the $2 fee they could be updated and replaced? Definitely recommend this park!

Dale S.

We brought our pup here to hike and mutually agreed this park is about 3 1/2 stars out of 5. First off, it's dog friendly, so that's a huge plus to us. However, we saw at least a dozen other dogs and none seemed very well behaved :( We put our dog back on leash after witnessing a near dog fight between two other visitors dogs. I understand this isn't the park's issue, it is a problem with the people visiting, however it dampens the experience. As other reviews have stated, the charge you $2 per person when you enter the park. You can park outside the booth about a mile down and walk in for free and we saw many people walking their dogs outside the actual park. The ranger was very nice and gave us a map to use which came in handy. You can go one of two ways when you enter and to quote the ranger "Right takes you hikes with beautiful views of the bay and left gives you trails with lovely Redwoods." We opted to go right, but so did everyone else it seems :( Also, like many reviewers have stated, the "views" were fairly non-existent. Sure, I can show you a photo with some blue off in the distance that is the Monterey Bay, but the trees obstruct any real view. So, when it got busier, we decided to try the other direction towards those redwoods. We much preferred that side. The Earl Moser Trail was not nearly as steep as many on the coastal side of the park and our favorite part was that there were no people so we were able to enjoy the peace and quiet. Lastly, and most importantly, there is a Regional Park about 20 minutes away with ample free parking and much better trails so I would highly recommend checking out Garland Ranch if you are in this area looking to hike with your dog. We will not be returning to Jack's Peak but if you do choose to come here, it's possible to have a lovely day of hiking so cheers either way and happy hiking!

Alex R.

Some portions of these trails are pretty steep and can be fun/challenging at times. There are many different trails and you can pretty much choose to go on one or all as they intertwine. However, much of the hike is not that "scenic." Only a small portion has the ocean view, which isn't a big issue but I went here expecting more of that! Overall, there are fun trails that are definitely worth checking out if you haven't been here before!

Jill S.

My husband and I took our two dogs to hike here. We're from out of the area on an anniversary trip. We really loved it! We were charged $2/person and $2/dog. I felt it was worth it. You can see the ocean from many points. And where you can't see the ocean you'll see beautiful trees and other flora/fauna. We did a 10k and the trails were in good shape. If you prefer a casual stroll in the woods, be sure to check the topo map before you start hiking so you can choose a good route. A lot of the trails we used were VERY strenuous (we like that sort of thing). So plan your route before you start hiking. We'll be back again.

Kathryn Y.

If you like great views! And mild to moderate hiking. This is the spot for you. You can get views of Monterey, Carmel Valley, all the way to Santa Cruz on a clear day. It's a beautiful park. There are bathrooms at the beginning of each trail head. There are also various routes to take. From 3 miles up to 5 mile hikes. Which all going to loop around jacks Peak up-and-down valleys that's around jacks Peak. There is now a two dollar walk-in fee if you park below the gate.Get out there and enjoying nature!

Christina M.

This is a great place to hike and get a good workout ‍ I took the Iris trail so it was very good. The forest is beautiful and smells like pine and good views of the ocean

Jasmine S.

I kept asking...where is the view?? Are we here??? There were 2 benches at the top, from the bench you you can't see anything. You have to walk down to see a view of anything. Maybe with a large group, you can bring food, make it worth your time but just for 2 to go and have a picnic I did not like it. It's also $2 entry just FYI.

Kat L.

We headed over out of curiosity. We read lots of mixed reviews about charging and all sorts of pricing. No one was in the booth when we went, a self service envelope with two signs, one on prices and one where to drop your money. I've attached a picture for you all as I figure it may bring clarity. There were restrooms and a board but no maps or anyone to give any idea of the best route to take or where to go. We took a trail and enjoyed exploring although none of them yielded good views. Cyclists were tearing up and down the trails. The kids loved it and the trail was easy to hike. Lots of poison oak on the trails, so wear long pants. As we left the maps were on the exit side of the booth ‍ seriously guys. Still no one in the booth.

Dani P.

Looking for a hiking trail in Monterey with ocean views!? Jack's Peak can't be beat. Several trails ranging from beginner to intermediate. Dog friendly. Gates open at 10 a.m and close at 6 p.m.

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Caleb D.

8 years ago

This park is great for a walk in the afternoon after a long day. If you don't want to pay the entry fee you can park halfway up the entry way drive and walk into the park and do the loop I feel it is a little over 3.5 Miles, though I have never GPSed the actual distance. There are some great over views of beautiful monterey along the loop. read more

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Cecilia C.

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11 years ago

Amazing experience hiking here and breathtaking views. Good for kids. Lots of trails that are not that steep for kids. And markers to show points of interest. There are letter boxes on site if you're into that. Made for a fun Girl Scout activity. Picnic tables for use. read more

Jacks Peak County Park - Perfect for scouts! - Parks Near Me - Monterey, California

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Ahmed H.

Elite 16

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8 years ago

This place is beautiful. I was carrying my son in a carrier and just did the quick scenic route and it's so beautiful. I need to come back and do a full hike. read more

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Gins C.

9 years ago

Jack's Peak Trail was a nice, short hike. It was just a little more stenous than "easy." This is the opinion of someone who is not in shape. The Vista views were nicer along the Skyline Nature Trail. Bathrooms were clean. read more

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K R.

13 years ago

A fun and convenient day adventure. 5 bucks on the weekends, 4 on the weekdays, dogs and horses welcome, easy to moderate level trails with beautiful scenery of the bay, valleys and surrounding areas. Easy to find. We were able to walk the perimeter trails of the park in about 3 hours. Way worth it. Hope to return soon. read more

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Adam T.

Elite 17

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14 years ago

A pretty nice little hike in the Monterey area. Nothing too strenuous but still pretty nice to get a up a few feet and get some nice views of the surrounding areas. I'm pretty sure I saw a California condor as well. read more

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Jeremy K.

12 years ago

This place was great! We love going for runs, walks and hikes and this was perfect for that. They have trails rated at different levels of difficulty. We broth our dog with us and she loved it! You have to pay for parking unless you park outside of the park, then it's free. The park is very big and we saw some wonderful scenery! They also have grills there. read more

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John-Michael C.

Elite 12

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14 years ago

hmmmmmmm its a nice place but I was here for a july 4th lazer light show... yeah.... I dont want to sound unpatriotic so I will leave it at that. otherwise it was a nice ballpark! ;D read more

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Mel B.

14 years ago

Wonderful choice for the whole family. You are rewarded with breathtaking views for very little effort on the Skyline trail. Horseback riders can often be seen on some of the broader trails like the Iris. read more

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Fe L.

13 years ago

Great place to hike and to see a view of the Monterey bay. I have to warn you, Jack's Peak is known for poison ivy. Also, it's posted in the park that it's possible you may encounter a mountain lion and what you should do if you see one. So don't hike alone but with friends who you can have a good time with. Then when you're done with your hike, have a picnic. read more

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Russell S.

311

18 years ago

Here is another one that i am surprised to be the first one to review. Views galore! Bring a camera. The hiking here is pretty basic. Nothing too strenuous! Go on a nice day if you can. You see the Bay and the peninsula on one side from atop and Carmel and the valley area from the other side. Check out the website for hours as this place is gated! read more

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J R.

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14 years ago

Another park I can't believe I've never spent significant time in (until today). A bit hard to find (the sign off Olmstead Road is kind of puny & set back from the road), and it's $5 to park there, but well worth it. Quiet (almost too quiet--where are the birds & other wildlife?), peaceful, not crowded, and great views going up & down the coast & of the mountains. Was that Point Lobos we could see? See one of the biggest remaining stands of Monterey pines & so much more. Easy trails to more rigorous hills. I can't believe there weren't more than about four cars in the parking lot on a Saturday afternoon in July! read more

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Rochelle S.

13 years ago

We went by this park for a short hike before heading the the Bay Area. As we were checking out the board with the maps in the parking lot, a couple by there asked if we were there for the docent tour. We said....sure! They gave us (basically a private) a fabulous tour (Skyline Trail) of this fairly unique Monterey Pine forest, the geology (check out the seabed rocks on the road cut), the ecology and history. We so lucked out. Local docents lead tours the second Saturday of the month (I think at 11am) but check them out www.friendsofjackspeakpark.com. We spent a couple of fascinating hours with them! (no horse poop on the Skyline Trail) Great unique California landscape with some gorgeous views. Mary (the docent) recommended The Monterey Pine Forest Coastal California's Living Legacy if you want to delve deeply into this landscape. read more

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Marchello C.

15 years ago

Beautiful views yes. Quiet picnic areas with clean tables, pits and comfort station nearby on the Sunday we visited. Hike was supposed to be only 1 mile but kept descending into the canyon. Trails are not all marked and despite map, managed to take a wrong turn. Two hours later, back at the parking lot... the other parking lot on the other side of the park. Ended up getting a workout! Hills can be quite steep and plenty of poison oak to avoid so be careful! May come back and try Skyline Trail which looks easier. Also, you cannot play any "sports" in the picnic areas which means no tossing a ball or frisbee with the little ones. Acceptable practices include photography and viewing nature. I love our state parks but I can understand why families may not visit this lovely place.. too restrictive. read more

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Jason H.

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12 years ago

A decent short hike with a couple of views, but nothing incredible. Good if you live in the area and want to keep exploring.

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Mike Y.

8 years ago

Been to this area many time over the last five years visiting friends that live nearby. Done all the "touristy" stuff in the area. Heard about this place and hadn't been, so took the fam to check it out. The drive was about 15 mins from the peninsula. The entrance came out of nowhere while rounding a curve. The entry gate was not staffed - honor system. There were envelopes and a secured container to place your $5 in. The envelope requires a lot of information filled out - but, no pens. The trail map holder was empty. A short drive from the gate at the trail head was ample parking, clean restrooms and picnic tables. The 0.6 mile hike on the Jack's Peak trail was fairly easy with slight elevation gain to the peak. After a short merge with the Skyline Trail there was a scenic overlook with some pretty spectacular views. Overall, this is well worth the stop and the time. Would have been nice to have the trail maps for the kids to use for the nature trail..... but, maybe next time. read more

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diem s.

13 years ago

I LOVE Jack's Peak. It's beautiful in any kind of weather.

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Juri M.

Elite 18

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14 years ago

Awesome view, sure. Good picnicking areas, yup. Parking available right where the walking to the views begins, yes. Trails are not all marked and despite the big map to look at, not very helpful. Can't say I got a work out walking around this park like I hoped for. Not many steep hills, doesn't matter your age or size, there is no challenge in exploring these grounds. Only concern- LOTS OF POISON OAK. I may go back in the future to figure out where I went wrong the first time. I don't know that I saw all I wanted/needed to be satisfied. read more

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Naerolad Z.

12 years ago

Beautiful views of Monterey from the mountain top! Great, well maintained trails. Very close to Monterey, so if you are staying in the area, its about a 10-12 minute drive. Hikes are short, so its great if you have a spur of the moment idea to go hiking because it wont take you all day to do them. I give 3 stars because the trails are not well marked AT ALL. You will come up on forks with no signs. Which way do you go?! We got lost twice. Ended up at a different parking lot/trailhead which, was a mile away from where we parked. We had taken a picture of the posted map before starting the hike (There were no more paper copies). Not only do a lot of the trails not have signs, but they didnt seem to follow the map either. We were told by one of the regulars (a man whom we saw on one of the trails as we were lost and helped us go the right direction) that he gives rides to soooo many people to the other parking lot because a lot of people get lost on these trails. Very beautiful area, but Id rather not get lost in the woods due to unmarked (or mismarked) trails. read more

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Ivy H.

11 years ago

I went for a hike during Valentine's weekend with my bf. It's not the biggest park, but it was the only option we could find in the area. There are some good view points, not a ton though. We sort of randomly walked and covered most of the park by the end of the hike. The trails aren't super intensive, I'd say fairly easy! Overall, not my favorite hike ever, but if you're in the area, why not? read more

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Nichole R.

15 years ago

If you are looking for a place to get your kids out to run and burn off some energy, then you will definitely want to go to Jack's Peak Park. There are a few hills, but our 2 year old was able to hike it and only asked to be carried once. There is a spot that you can stop with a wooden bench and platform. The views are breath taking. You can see the ocean and the entire peninsula. Its gorgeous. Bring your camera....you'll get some GREAT photo's. READ THE INFO BOARD when you park and first walk in. There are mountain Lion warnings, its completely rare that you'll even encounter one, but if you have kids, definitely read what your supposed to do if you encounter one. I felt a lot safer knowing that I knew what to do.....And the HUGE stick I found as my make-shift sword to slay the evil mountain lion-villians. You can also find fossils in the random rocks along the path......Very cool and its FREE exercise. read more

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More info about Jacks Peak County Park

25020 Jacks Peak Park Rd
Monterey, CA 93940
Directions
(831) 755-4899
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/parks/jackspeak.html

Hours

What time does Jacks Peak County Park open?

Jacks Peak County Park opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Jacks Peak County Park close?

Jacks Peak County Park closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Outdoor Amenities

Does Jacks Peak County Park have bike parking?

No, Jacks Peak County Park does not have bike parking.

Does Jacks Peak County Park have parking?

Yes, Jacks Peak County Park has parking options. Private Lot Parking

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Review Highlights - Jacks Peak County Park

“The hiking trails up here are so beautiful and breathtaking.”

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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!

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This park is great for a first stop before heading out for an adventure or watching the sunset…read morewhile dining on some pizza from Gianni's. Lover's point offers plenty of opportunities for the kids to get worn out, like a public beachside swimming pool, beach volleyball, an actual beach area just inside the cove, and a grassy area for picnicking. even though this beach/park was packed, the vibe was still super chill and didn't feel overcrowded. This beach also offers some great opportunities for people to enjoy tide pools, watch wildlife, and take-in gorgeous views. There is a public bathroom here, but if you can avoid. Not the most clean.

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Adj: beautiful, breathtaking natural reserve…read more Always a nice place to visit and "hike" (really just trail walking). I love coming here. It's so serene, scenic, natural, cool, and both the botanical plantlife as well as the animals (air, land, and ocean wildlife) you can find and view here are just so amazing. Being it's in the Monterey Bay, it's almost always cool when it's hot in the valley, so it's another great place to escape to. It's just a very nice and unique point in the bay and although you can spend the whole day here, or even several days, a couple of hours will also be very rewarding for a change of scenery for those of us who are urban dwellers who want to reconnect with God's natural wonders once in awhile. Overall, Point Lobos is an authentic, breathtaking, and calming place for those who enjoy seeing the ocean and taking in all the native plants, vegetations, and all the air, land, and sea creatures one can encounter or at least observe here.

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A beautiful mural before you enter the Sanctuary

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(81 reviews)

2.7 mi

A calm, peaceful and clean beach. It's located next to the…read morepier - which has good food places. The parking near the beach is paid and has a relatively clean washroom.

A very beautiful beach where my partner and I went towards the end of the day to catch the sunset…read more It ended up being quite foggy - so, the views far off into the ocean were very difficult . We were still able to appreciate the beach - and were even surprised to see some California Sea Lions close to the shore. Overall, a beautiful beach with literally power soft sand!

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The Spanish Bay Club

4.5

(53 reviews)

5.2 mi

Beautiful course and layout!…read more Went for one of my kids 23 bday! Beautiful weather and staff were great

Location: Tucked into the luxe confines of The Spanish Bay Club at The Inn at Spanish Bay, the café…read moreis less a full-blown dining destination and more a delightful pitstop for those mid-workout or post-tennis cravings. This isn't the place for a sprawling brunch spread or a candlelit dinner; it's a grab-and-go gem that knows its lane and owns it with Pebble Beach panache. Ambiance and Decor: The café's vibe is like a warm hug from a barista who's secretly your best friend. Expect a tight menu of fresh coffee, teas, and juices that hit the spot after a swim in the 25-yard heated pool or a yoga class that left you feeling both zen and smug. Pure Monterey Peninsula magic. You're sipping your latte surrounded by the club's sleek fitness facilities, with the Pacific Ocean winking at you through the windows. It's the kind of place where you might spot a deer nibbling grass outside while you nibble a croissant inside. Service: The service at The Spanish Bay Club in Pebble Beach is the kind of polished, personal touch that makes you feel like you've wandered into a five-star fairy tale Food: While the selection is spot-on for what it is, don't expect much in the way of customization or vegan/gluten-free fanfare, this is classic, not trendy. The coffee is a standout with rich, aromatic, and poured with the kind of care that makes you feel briefly like you're in a boutique roastery. Overall, if you happen to be golfing, try this for a quick bite.

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Bar set up near golf store

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Drinks

Monterey Sports Center

3.8

(174 reviews)

2.8 mi

Great gym and not too expensive. They had a couple of basketball courts, a big pool for laps, a…read morespin room, and great weights. It worked nicely on our trip.

Way to many teenagers just wandering around the free weights or just looking at their phones on…read moreexercise equipment.

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Pattullo Swim Center

3.6

(14 reviews)

2.9 mi

This is a wonder facility proving swim lessons for all ages. The pool & locker rooms are kept nice…read moreand clean. There are showers and a spinner for wet swim suits. The prices are so affordable. The staff is fun! I enjoy the aquatic classes. They are wonderful! Aqua Zumba is great! The participants are so friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend the Pattullo Swim Center. It's AWESOME!

My little boy has been taking swimming lessons at Patullo Swim Center on and off for a couple of…read moreyears. It's really hard to get in classes there because they fill up quick but when we do, the cost is affordable, location is great, and the swim center staff is fantastic. My son's swimming has improved greatly and he was just promoted to Marlin. Yay! While the swim instructors are fun and good with the kids, they seem to come and go. There are two faces that have been consistent and awesome, though, Mark and Kemar. They are always around to answer questions and be kind to the kiddos. We really appreciate that! I'd definitely recommend Pattullo Swim Center. If you want in, prepare to register early! See ya there!

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Main pool.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.1

(2.3k reviews)

28.9 mi

Our first time at the famous Coney Island of the West. Admission is free. Ticket prices dependent…read moreon rides, and pay for the games individually. Although we hoped for a beach breeze, it was a surprisingly hot day. We started our visit with Strawberry Cruz'n and Surf'n Mango smoothies. We walked to view a majority of rides and games before purchasing tickets. After enjoying a good handful of rides, we attempted the ring toss bottle game and won a TV! A wonderful ending to a our first visit. Unsure we can top it, but we sure plan to return and try.

There's an unmistakable sense of nostalgia as soon as you step onto the boardwalk…read more Even if you didn't grow up here or are visiting for the first time, the analog vibes of mini-golf, roller coasters, pinball machines, and carnival games creates a charm that many millennials, like myself, are constantly searching for. Maybe it's because there are so few screens here? There is a large arcade at one end, but it was surprisingly empty during our visit. My kids loved the carnival games and bumper cars, though my daughter wasn't quite tall enough for many of the rides yet. To play games or go on rides, you'll need a reloadable game card, which also works as payment for food and drinks. Card stations are located throughout the boardwalk, and you can add money at any time. Food options are plentiful! Enjoy pizza, nachos, corn dogs, teriyaki bowls, candy shops, and ice cream, with a few spots serving alcohol for adults. The food was reasonably priced, but the alcohol was shockingly expensive, $38 for two 20oz beers! The best part about this place is the location... it's right on the beach! So, start your day with some time in the sand, and end it with a sunset ride on the Sky Glider or their giant Ferris wheel. Have fun!

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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, summer 2019.

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Apple pie funnel cake yum

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4 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Michelle S.

10 years ago

Just found this awesome Park after seeing Point Lobos was way too crowded during Thanksgiving weekend. We drove through the gate and contacted one of the park employees who told us where to hike and gave us a map. The first thing we noticed was that it was very empty for such a beautiful place. Our first hike was the skyline trail, a very easy, wide trail with several views of Monterey Bay. All of the trails were well marked and easy to follow. There are areas to bar b q and picnic and there are restrooms. There is a $5.00 gate fee to get in. Can't wait to go back! read more

Emmeline D.

2 years ago

Jacks Peak County Park is peaceful and quite lovely; hiking is one of the best reasons to come here. Unfortunately, the trails here are all both overgrown, and painfully lacking in maintenance. I'm not sure why this is, as Monterey doesn't come up short in the revenue department. Bottom line: If you can overlook an abundance of poison oak and high weeds, this is still a decent hiking destination. Tip: There's a parking fee here of $5; only cash is accepted to be sure to bring some. read more

Leo T.

168

583

17 years ago

Jacks Peak is the perfect place for a weekend hike. My dad and I would go here all the time when I was living at home,and we still go here sometimes. I've been to a department picnic from the times when my mom taught at DLI(Defense Language Institute)as well as a birthday party. If you're looking for a place to celebrate a birthday for an adult,make Jacks Peak County Park your first choice. read more

Joel R.

15 years ago

Great views of the bay. The hiking trails are all fun not steep but still fun. Took my kids and they loved it!!

Jacks Peak County Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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4 Jacks Peak County Park reviews that are not currently recommended

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4 reviews that are not currently recommended

Jacks Peak County Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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