Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Tours

Popular places to visit

The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more. The beach is a popular fishing site.

Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Castroville. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

Salinas River Dunes Nature Preserve
The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more. The beach is a popular fishing site.

Salinas River State Beach

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River State Beach, a lovely green space in Monterey.

Salinas River State Beach
Great hiking around the slough. Saw lots of sea birds and otters, crabs, lizards and even 3 different snakes. Trails are easy hiking and they also do kayak trips into the slough. Fun place to see nature.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a lovely green space in Elkhorn. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
The beach and dunes at Salinas River State Beach are part of Monterey Bay’s unique coastal dune system and it is home to many species of birds, including the California brown pelican, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, western snowy plover, western gull, black phoebe, western scrub-jay, California towhee, white-crowned sparrow, and more. The beach is a popular fishing site.

Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve

Explore the great outdoors at Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Monterey.

Salinas River Mouth Nature Preserve
Sanctuary

Marina State Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Marina State Beach during your travels in Marina? Stroll along the marina in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Marina State Beach
Colorful long stretched sand dunes featuring a lot of parachutes. #beach #beaches #roadtrip #california

Marina Dunes Preserve

You can take time to visit Marina Dunes Preserve during your travels to Marina. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Marina Dunes Preserve

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