The best walks and hikes around Sand City
4.8
(99)
1,452
hikers
94
hikes
Hiking around Sand City, California, is characterized by its coastal setting on Monterey Bay. The terrain features expansive sand dunes and wide beaches, providing a distinct backdrop for outdoor activities. Most hiking trails offer open views of the Pacific Ocean and generally have minimal elevation gain. This landscape provides a network of routes suitable for various activity levels.
Best hiking trails around Sand City
- The most popular hiking route is Cannery Row – Cannery Row, Monterey loop from Monterey,…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
2
hikers
12.2km
03:07
50m
40m
Hike the moderate 7.6-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, enjoying ocean views and wildlife spotting along the California coast.
4.5
(6)
188
hikers
5.39km
01:24
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
163
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
63
hikers
10.6km
02:46
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
48
hikers
10.1km
02:36
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely wharf you should see
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Nice flat run on footpath to aquarium.
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Great paved trail that runs along the Pacific Ocean. You get wonderful views of the water and will pass through several popular cultural attractions in the area.
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Kalisa Moore, known as the “Queen of Cannery Row,” was born in Latvia and came to America after World War II. She bridged the eras, opening her fine dining restaurant when most canneries had already closed. Over the years, “Kalisa’s” evolved into a bohemian coffeehouse where artists, writers and poets “hung out.” Her weekend cabaret was filled with musicians, dancers and the occasional celebrity from the Monterey Jazz Festival. As time went on and Cannery Row was reborn, Kalisa became a major factor in preserving memories of Steinbeck’s era and promoted tourism and commerce as president of the Cannery Row Foundation. For fifty years, she was a friend to the famous and a mother to the needy with a local following that knew and loved her. Kalisa's La Ida Cafe was a very special time and place, and Kalisa will always be remembered as the "Queen of Cannery Row."
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Cannery Row, the waterfront district that boomed in the 1850s - For thousands of years it was home to the Ohlone, Esselen and Salinas tribes, and in the 19th century immigrants from Europe and Asia settled here to fish the waters, especially for sardines. Thanks to the canneries that resulted, Monterey became known as the "Sardine Capital of the World." John Steinbeck, born and raised in nearby Salinas, immortalized this era in his 1945 novel Cannery Row, and the name stuck.
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Bruce Ariss Way is a narrow alley, the pedestrian-only continuation of Irving Avenue between Wave Street and Cannery Row. What was once an unofficial walkway between the residential area of the row, across the railroad tracks, and the waterfront canneries has been converted into a small park. In the early 1990s, the City of Monterey relocated three worker's shacks from 866 Wave Street to this site and opened them to the public. They are interpreted as being occupied by a Japanese, a Filipino, and a Spanish family, respectively, alluding to the cultural mix that characterized cosmopolitan Cannery Row and representing the living conditions of workers between the 1920s and 1950s. There were many shacks like this in the neighborhood in the early 20th century, but these are the only remaining remnants of this housing type on Cannery Row.
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Nice, small (and free!) museum just before Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Nice exhibition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails in the Sand City area?
Yes, there are over 80 hiking routes to explore around Sand City. The vast majority are rated as easy, with a smaller selection of moderate trails, making the area very accessible for most fitness levels.
What is the general difficulty of hikes around Sand City?
Most hikes in the Sand City area are easy and relatively flat, especially those following the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. You'll find gentle paths along the coast and through sand dunes with minimal elevation gain, perfect for relaxed walks and family outings.
Are there any good circular hikes?
Absolutely. Many trails in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to enjoy a varied scenic journey without retracing your steps. A great example is the Cannery Row, Monterey – Monterey State Historic Park loop from New Monterey, which offers a pleasant walk along the historic waterfront.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are welcome on many trails, but policies vary. Leashed dogs are generally permitted on the paved Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail and in certain areas of Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Always check signage at trailheads for specific park rules before you start your hike.
What are some good options for a short, easy walk?
The area is perfect for short and easy hikes. For a straightforward coastal walk with great views, consider the Shoreline Park Path – Old Fisherman's Wharf loop from Monterey. It's a manageable distance and showcases the beautiful shoreline.
Where can I find the best coastal views?
For stunning ocean vistas, head to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The park features a bluff-top platform with panoramic views of Monterey Bay. The Eolian Dunes Preserve is another local favorite, offering an elevated perspective of the coastline from the dunes.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The coastal environment is rich with wildlife. While hiking along the Monterey Bay shoreline, keep an eye out for marine life like sea lions and sea otters. The dunes and parklands are also home to many bird species, including California brown pelicans and western snowy plovers.
Are the trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, Sand City is very family-friendly. The paved and flat Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is ideal for strollers and little legs. The Sand Dune Boardwalk in Fort Ord Dunes State Park is another excellent choice, offering a safe and engaging 1.5-mile walk through a unique landscape.
What are the main parks or areas for hiking near Sand City?
The two primary destinations for hiking are Fort Ord Dunes State Park and the Eolian Dunes Preserve. Fort Ord offers miles of trails through coastal dunes and grasslands with historical context, while the Eolian Dunes Preserve provides beautiful views from its sandy trails right next to the city.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Sand City?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the easy accessibility of the routes.
Where can I find information on trail conditions at Fort Ord Dunes State Park?
For the most current information on trail status, accessibility, and any park alerts for Fort Ord Dunes State Park, it's best to consult the official California Department of Parks and Recreation website. You can often find a park brochure with a map and rules, like this one for Fort Ord.
Is parking available for the main hiking trails?
Yes, parking is available at key access points. Fort Ord Dunes State Park has a dedicated parking lot near the main trailhead on Beach Range Road. For the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, you can find parking in various lots and street spots in Monterey, Seaside, and Sand City, though they can be busy on weekends.
Most popular attractions around Sand City
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