Quarry Park: A Natural Escape in Monterey
Discover a serene natural escape at Quarry Park in Monterey, CA, offering lush trails, diverse flora, and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and recreation near city attractions.
Quarry Park in Monterey, California, offers a serene natural retreat with lush trails and diverse flora. Once a quarry site, it has transformed into a haven for leisurely walks, jogging, and picnics. The park's winding paths provide opportunities to explore California's natural landscape, with berry bushes, unique flowers, and various mushrooms. Open daily from early morning until dusk, Quarry Park is ideal for those seeking relaxation and connection with nature. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Quarry Park provides a refreshing experience. Its location near Monterey's attractions makes it a convenient and worthwhile destination, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities for all visitors.
A brief summary to Quarry Park
- 108-186 Vía Del Pinar, Monterey, California, 93940, US
- Monday 6:30 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-8 pm
- Thursday 6 am-8 pm
- Friday 6 am-8 pm
- Saturday 6 am-8 pm
- Sunday 6 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to catch the beautiful sunrise.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique flora and fauna, especially if you're a photography enthusiast.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within the park.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the trails can be uneven in some areas.
- Check the weather before your visit to ensure a pleasant outdoor experience.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Monterey Bay Aquarium, head southeast on Cannery Row. Turn right onto David Avenue, then left onto Lighthouse Avenue. Turn right onto Del Monte Avenue and walk for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Vía Del Pinar and continue for about 0.3 miles. Quarry Park will be on your right. This walk is approximately 2.5 miles and should take about 45-60 minutes. Consider the free MST Trolley from Cannery Row to downtown Monterey to shorten the walk; it operates daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Parking at the Cannery Row Garage costs $20-$22 depending on the time of year.
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Public Transport
From downtown Monterey, take the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) system. Take Bus Line 1 (Monterey - Salinas) and ride for about 10 minutes until you reach the stop at Del Monte Center. From there, transfer to Bus Line 3 (Monterey - Pacific Grove) and ride for 5 minutes until you reach the Vía Del Pinar stop. Walk about 0.2 miles east on Vía Del Pinar to Quarry Park. A single ride on MST costs $2.00. Check the MST website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Monterey or Cannery Row, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Quarry Park will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between $15 and $25. Be sure to confirm the fare before you begin your trip. The drop-off point is at the park entrance on Vía Del Pinar.
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Driving
From Highway 1, take the Del Monte Avenue exit. Follow Del Monte Avenue east towards Monterey. Turn left onto Vía Del Pinar. Continue straight for about 0.3 miles. Quarry Park will be on your right at 108-186 Vía Del Pinar. Limited free street parking is available on Vía Del Pinar near the park entrance. Parking is free.
Discover more about Quarry Park
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