City of Monterey | Recreation & Community Services

Coastal Trail

MONTEREY BAY COASTAL TRAIL: This is an ocean front linear park system which spans the coastline a total of 18 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville. In Monterey it is open from the Aquarium to the Seaside City limits. This portion travels through the City's Monterey Bay Park. The "trail etiquette" for bicycles and pedestrians on the path will help make it a fun and safe place for everyone.

Remember these guidelines:

1) Just as on the street, please stay to the right whenever possible.
2) Please do not walk or ride abreast in large groups so that you block the Trail for other users.
3) Stop and look both ways before crossing a street intersection.
4) Remember that you are sharing the park with others. Please be considerate and patient, especially in congested areas.

It really boils down to just being courteous and using common sense. The Trail is designed to link together our waterfront areas and to accommodate many, many people. We hope that you will enjoy it often.

Coastal Trail Users

MIND YOUR MANNERS! We are very pleased that our Recreation Trail is so very popular. We wish to remind ALL Trail Users to be aware of the safety and rights of all users EQUALLY.

Refer to City Code, CHAPTER 22 - Offenses - Miscellaneous (READ DISCLAIMER)

It is unlawful to ride a skateboard on the Monterey Coastal Trail between the head of Fisherman's Wharf and the City limit with Pacific Grove. (Section 22-14 of the Monterey City Code)
It is also unlawful to ride any wheeled conveyance such as a bicycle, roller skates/blades or skateboard in an unsafe manner anywhere on the Monterey Recreation Trail. (Section 22-13 of the Monterey City Code)

Refer to City Code, CHAPTER 23, Article 1 - General Regulations (READ DISCLAIMER)
Refer to City Code, CHAPTER 6 - Animals and Fowl (READ DISCLAIMER)

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six (6) feet at all times. (Section 23-8(a) of the Monterey City Code). Any excrement deposited by the animal must be promptly removed. (Section 6-16.6 of the Monterey City Code).

TO ALL USERS:

1. The Recreation Trail is a PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE Trail. Walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skaters are permitted.
2. Walk/ride/skate on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the Trail in the direction you are going.
3. Keep moving in a safe manner.
4. Be COURTEOUS and CAUTIOUS of others.
5. Do not impede the rights of other Trail users.
6. Be patient, especially in congested areas.
7. Stop and look both ways before crossing a street intersection.
8. BE AWARE OF OTHER TRAIL USERS!

WALKERS/JOGGERS:

1. Walk or jog only 2 abreast.
2. Do not block the Trail.
3. Do not step into the flow of traffic on the other side of the Trail without looking to see if it is safe.

BICYCLISTS:

1. Ride single file.
2. Ride at a safe speed.
3. When passing, signal in advance with bell or horn, loudly announcing "passing on left."
4. Pass at slow speed always aware that others unknowingly may move in your direction.

SKATERS:

1. Skate only 2 abreast.
2. Skate at a safe speed.

SKATEBOARDERS:

No person shall ride or propel a skateboard at San Carlos Beach Park or on the Coastal Trail between the head of Municipal Wharf No. 1 and the City limit with Pacific Grove. Visit our Skate Park.

1. Skateboard individually and not abreast in groups.
2. Skate at a safe speed.
3. Skate in a forward movement and not swagger.
4. No acrobatic tricks while skating.
5. Do not damage public or private property with your skateboards.

Your help and cooperation in these Coastal Trail Etiquette guidelines will help make the Trail a fun and safe place for everyone. Enjoy the Coastal Trail!

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