Monterey District

SNOWY PLOVER BREEDING SEASON UNDERWAY AT MONTEREY STATE BEACHES

California State Parks Reminds Visitors to Share Monterey Bay Beaches with Wildlife and Local Habitat
In preparation for a busy beach season in Monterey Bay’s state beaches, California State Parks is reminding the public to respect wildlife and the local habitat. The state beaches and dunes found in this region support diverse and sensitive vegetation and wildlife, such as the Western Snowy Plover, and the department needs the help from the public to keep them that way.

The busy season in Monterey’s state beaches coincides with the Western Snowy Plover breeding season, which extends from March 1 through September 30. The Western Snowy Plover is a small, light colored ground-nesting shorebird with black or dark brown marking on the head and breast. This small shorebird is listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act. They are vulnerable to human disturbances because they lay their eggs and raise their flightless chicks on the ground. Stealth and camouflage are the Snowy Plovers’ primary defense against people and predators, so it is not surprising that they go unnoticed by many beach goers.

The public visiting the beaches will encounter post and cable fencing that delineates areas that are closed to protect breeding Snowy Plovers as well as the sensitive dune ecosystem. Always respect these closed areas.
Below are some key things that visitors can do to help protect the sensitive beach and dune ecosystem:

• Plan ahead to learn about park rules.
• Leave your pet at home. Dogs are prohibited at most state beaches in the southern Monterey Bay.
• Use designated trails.
• Keep out of fenced or posted closure areas.
• Dispose of garbage properly to avoid attracting Snowy Plover predators. Do not feed any wildlife.
• Leave kelp and driftwood undisturbed. It provides special habitat features for plovers.
• Do not approach birds or nests.

Find more information about the western snowy plover online at ca.audubon.org/westernsnowyplover.

BIG SUR AREA - WHAT'S OPEN UPDATE March, 2021

PLEASE CHECK individual park unit webpages for the most current updates regarding access, camping, weather-related closures, etc.

Andrew Molera State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570

Point Sur State Historic Park: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565

Big Sur Station/Multi-Agency Facility: Telephone: (831) 667-2315; Fax: (831) 667-2886

WELCOME TO MONTEREY DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS

Welcome to the California State Parks - Monterey District website!     
We hope to provide information on this site to welcome and prepare our visitors to the beautiful Monterey District State Parks!

Due to recent concerns regarding COVID-19 (Corona Virus) and after a great deal of careful consideration, the California State Parks Monterey District Front Office has been temporarily
closed until further notice, but you may contact us using the information below.

HOW TO REACH US: 

Monterey District Front Office Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - by appointment made in advance due to COVID-19 safety compliance
Please note: our office is closed from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. daily.
We are also closed on all recognized California State holidays.

Monterey District Front Office 

TELEPHONE   (831) 649-2836
FAX   (831) 647-6239
MAILING ADDRESS   2211 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940

Brent Marshall - Monterey District Superintendent: (831) 649-2836
Maria Avelino - Monterey District Administrative Officer III: (831) 649-2826

MONTEREY DISTRICT STATE PARKS

Please visit the individual webpage for the State Park you are interested in learning about:

ANDREW MOLERA SP
ASILOMAR SB AND CONFERENCE GROUNDS
ASILOMAR DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE
CARMEL RIVER SB
CARMEL RIVER LAGOON & WETLANDS NATURAL PRESERVE
GARRAPATA SP
HATTON CANYON
JOHN LITTLE SR
FORT ORD DUNES SP
JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS SP
MARINA DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE
MARINA SB
MONTEREY SB
MONTEREY SHP
MOSS LANDING SB
OHLONE COASTAL CULTURAL PRESERVE
PAJARO RIVER MOUTH NATURAL PRESERVE
PFEIFFER BIG SUR SP
POINT LOBOS SR
POINT LOBOS RANCH
POINT SUR SHP
POINT SUR DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE
SALINAS RIVER DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE
SALINAS RIVER MOUTH NATURAL PRESERVE
SALINAS RIVER SB
ZMUDOWSKI SB

California State Parks Pass Price List

California State Parks Pass Sales

Please note: Pass sales are currently being conducted by appointment ONLY. To schedule an appointment please call: 831-574-9018. The pass price list is above.

The California State Parks Monterey District Front Office has resumed CA State Parks Pass sales and renewals   
by appointment only at our customer service window located adjacent to the
District Office front entrance.

We are selling the California Explorer, Golden Poppy, Golden Bear, Limited Use Golden Bear, and Disabled Discount passes,
Monday through Friday, between the hours of  8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
(Office is closed for staff lunch between 12:00 noon and 12:45 p.m.) 
At this time the Monterey District Office is accepting payment for pass sales
and renewals by credit card only.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Monterey District Front Office at 831-574-9018,
or send us an email request at Monterey.AdminStaff@parks.ca.gov 

Be "In The Know": Alcohol, Bonfires and Pets at Monterey State Beaches

NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19 PROPER SOCIAL DISTANCING AT BEACHES IS REQUESTED. 

IS ALCOHOL ALLOWED AT STATE BEACHES?
Alcohol consumption is not allowed at Monterey District State Beaches. Please check with local municipalities regarding alcohol consumption at other Monterey Peninsula beaches.

ARE BONFIRES ALLOWED AT STATE BEACHES? 
Bonfires are NOT allowed on State Beaches due to environmental and safety concerns. Portable camp stoves, such as Hibachi or Weber, are permitted for food preparation and consumption on site. Persons using approved devices for cooking must remove all unexpected fuel (coals, briquettes, etc.) from the beach. Dumping hot coals and ash, and burying in the sand not only harms the environment, but can potentially harm other beach goers.

YOUR HELP is needed to keep our beautiful beaches CLEAN and SAFE by packing out trash. Trash receptacles are located at beach entries for your convenience.

CAN I BRING PETS TO STATE BEACHES?
Dogs are allowed ON leash at Asilomar State Beach, Carmel River State Beach, and on paved trails at Fort Ord Dunes State Park.

Please consider families with infants and young children who frequent the beach when walking dogs. You are required to keep your dog under control and we ask that you pick up after your pet.

THANK YOU for keeping out beautiful beaches CLEAN and SAFE for ALL!! To learn more about CA State Parks' policy regarding dogs at State Parks visit or Dog at Parks page.

NOTE: Dogs are NOT allowed on the beaches at Zmudowski, Moss Landing, Salinas River, Marina, Fort Ord Dunes, Seaside, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and Garrapata park units. Many of these beaches are home to nesting sites for the Western Snowy Plover. Point Lobos is a State Reserve with highly protected habitat areas that do not allow for visitation with pets.

FOR FAMILIES: MPA Coloring Book

Marine Protected Area Coloring Book - Zonas marinas protegidas libro para colorear

Embark on a journey of discovery about Marine protection in a fun and easy way!!
The Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book - Zonas marinas protegidas libro para colorear - helps students of all ages learn about the rich diversity of plant and animal life found in California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This weblink has more information: Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book