Scenic Monterey County is one of the richest ecological regions along California's central coast, as proven by the diverse species that call it home. Whether you take your joy in spotting the creatures of land, air or sea, there's plenty to see here.
An easy place to observe nature from the shore is the Marina Dunes Boardwalk. Even young children who might tire struggling through a mile of sand dunes can enjoy the rolling boardwalk that traverses the sands of Marina State Beach, just off Highway One in Marina. In addition to informative signs describing rare plants and endangered birds like the delightful snowy plover, park rangers provide occasional guided walks.
Outdoor exploration opportunities continue inland, as well. Home to hundreds of varieties of birds and marine life, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is the remainder of an ancient river valley. The main channel winds seven miles inland, feeding 2,500 acres of rich marsh and tidal flats. Pelicans, herons and egrets, as well as countless fish, sharks, crabs, sea lions and otters call the slough home.
With such a thriving wildlife population, protection of these species has become a priority. The Ventana Wildlife Society's mission is to "perpetuate the animal and plant species native to central California coast through wildlife and habitat restoration, research and education." Public participation is encouraged through the bird banding program that takes place every day, weather permitting. The Sanctuary was responsible for successfully restoring the area's bald eagle population over a 10-year period and has been instrumental in returning condors to the wild both along Big Sur and inland in the Pinnacles National Monument. Avid birdwatchers will appreciate Carmel River State Beach's eastern marsh, a protected sanctuary for kites, harriers, swallows, hawks, mallards, terns, and other birds, and the Marina Dunes Open Space Preserve, an endangered species habitat for Smith's blue butterfly, the snowy plover and others.
Several specialist tour guides conduct guided birding walks, including Monterey Birding Adventures, based at Elkhorn Slough. Elkhorn Slough Safari takes birdwatchers through the Slough by boat. Other tours explore the habitats of southern Monterey County, the Pinnacles National Monument and Point Lobos.
As spring progresses and the days grow longer, the great migration of gray whales heading south from the Bering Sea to the calving lagoons off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula draws to a close. During the season’s peak (roughly December through March), as many as 7,000 gray whales pass south through the offshore waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Their place in the binoculars and spotting scopes of whale-watchers is taken by a multitude of other marine mammals. This abundance of marine life attracts year-round whale-watching cruises that depart from Monterey and Moss Landing in Monterey County. They’re led by experienced captains and naturalists who are delighted to introduce visitors to the fascinating and beautiful creatures who call our California waters home.
Sea otters delight all with their playful antics and can be seen at Municipal and Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, the Breakwater, Lover's Point, Otter Point, Point Piños, Point Joe, Bird and Seal Rocks, Cypress Point, Pescasdero Point, Carmel Point, and Point Lobos. Listen for the distinctive tap-tap of rock on shell—it’s likely to be an otter cracking open a lunch of abalone or clams.
Harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals are fascinating residents of the Central Coast. They often bask—and bark!—on local beaches and rocks. These lackadaisical sea creatures inhabit the same areas as otters, and can often be seen piled on mile markers, dinghies, floating docks, and any other available spaces around the harbor. Especially during the birthing season, these mammals' privacy must be respected, and screens may block your view on 17 Mile Drive. They are protected by law, so remember to keep your distance.
For an offbeat wildlife experience, plan a trip to Wild Things, a wild animal park on River Road in Salinas. Three 500-pound African lions, a Bengal tiger and a black bear named Brandy are just a few of the more than 100 residents at this exotic animal facility that serves as a training ground for animals who star in film, TV and live productions.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
