I recommend renting from Adventures by the Sea. They have multiple locations including one on Cannery Row near the aquarium. The recreation trail runs right through Cannery Row so you don't need your car. I believe the weather is generally mild year round in that area with temps in the 60-75 degree range.

There were several right along Cannery Row just by the Aquarium. The bike pathway is really great! there is a bike rental place by the Lovers Point area too.

You can see everything from the trail. It was truly beautiful and amazing from the trail. A great exercise too!

The answer depends on a lot of things. First, anywhere you start will require a return trip unless you have two cars and can drop off one at either end. Assuming you would bike this trail to really enjoy it, you need to figure out what you want to see and how much you want to ride. In it's entirety you would be riding round trip up to 40-50 miles. So let's start with assumptions. I'll answer from what I know. Since some of the information will become dated, you might want to check online to see changes. First, figure out what you want to see. The most popular part of the trail is from Asilomar all the way to the Monterey Fisherman' Wharves. From Asilomar to Lovers Point there is mostly beach and ocean and the trail is on the side of a road well used by vehicles. The really popular part of the trail is from Lovers Point to the Wharves. The section from Lovers Point to the Hopkins Research Center is a separate path away from traffic and is right at the waters edge with lots of wildlife and vegetation. From the Hopkins Center all the way to the Wharves, is still a separate path but one has to watch at street crossings. This section is very historic and has many older buildings, businesses and restaurants to experience. To the north of the Wharves is the lesser traveled way for visitors, but I am sure it is very beautiful as well. Also you would get to see other communities in the County. Depending on the part of the trail you want to see, here are some start and endpoints. Most likely unless you bring your own bike, you will want to rent one. Good starting points are at one of several locations. Note that since all but one are located in the middle of the trail, to "see it all" you would have to go in one direction, come back and then go in the other direction and come back. Here are a few with notes for the most popular and most used parts of the trail: Adventures by the Sea has several shops. The one located on the east end of the Cannery Row area on Cannery Row is the largest and is located very close to the trail. There is a parking area one long block south of the shop at Reeside Ave and Cannery Row. Not sure about long term, but it always has available spaces. Bikes rent for $20 to $30 depending on how long you want to rent them. They have surreys and electric bikes as well. The most popular section of trail is from here to Lovers Point (north and west). The other direction takes you to the Fisherman's Wharves and other communities. Adventures by the Sea, has a location right on the trail near the old Edgewater Packing building. It is located about a block from long term parking at Wave St and Hoffman Ave. They park the surreys right off the trail, so you cannot miss it. Adventures by the Sea has a location at Lovers Point and is at the end of the separate path. To the north and west the trail is on the road side of Ocean View Blvd and Sunset Dr all the way to Asilomar. To the south and east are very nice views, the aquarium, cannery row, the wharves, etc. I believe that most of the parking in the close vicinity is 2-hour, but you may be able to park a few blocks away on the street and walk down. It's worth driving in this quaint town to find parking. The Asilomar Conference Center location is very close to the trail. I have seen bikes here and understand that they do rent to the public. There is parking available here long term and I don't think there is a charge. The nice thing about this location (if they still rent) one can go east and all the way along the trail as far as you want and turn around. Also, if you go south two blocks, you will be at the 17 Mile Drive which takes you through a beautiful area (although the roads can be narrow and well traveled by vehicles). My preference would be to drive the 17 Mile Drive rather than bike it. Bay Bikes is a shop which is located such that the back of the shop is on the path. It is also a very short distance from the public parking lot at Wave St and Hoffman Ave. Not sure how much it is to park, but it is available long term parking. The bike rentals run from $24-64 depending on the choice of bike and the amount of time you will be using the bike. If you want to experience the northern portion of the trail you could start at any one of the above and just head south and east. It will eventually end up going north through Seaside, Marina, Fort Ord and all the way to Castroville. I have not been on the path outside of Monterey, but I imagine it is pretty. If you are a good rider and would like to experience the northern part of the trail, you could start in Castroville at Haro St and Merritt St. Not having been there I looked online for bike rentals, but could not find any in the city. If that is the case, you might want to start at Lovers Point and go to Castroville. It is a bit of a ride (18.4 miles one way) through various areas and a significant elevation gain along the ride. If you are interested look up "the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail Castroville" on map my ride.

The Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail runs 18 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville to the north. If you "Google" it you will get a lot of information. The trail has easy access all along the way and runs close to the ocean. Most people enjoy starting at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, and going north to Cannery Row, and Fisherman's wharf, or you could do the reverse, of course. Along the way one would pass the Monterey Bay Aquarium. There is a lot to see along this suggested way. It is easier to find free parking in Pacific Grove. In the Cannery Row area be prepared to park in a pay lot. There is also on street metered parking. I think the charge is $1.50/hour 9 Am to 8 PM.

well the whole trail is 29 miles! But when we park on Forest Ave near Lover's POint and walk to the wharf it takes an hour..then an hour back. When we park in Monterey by Dennis the Menace Park and walk to Lover's POint it takes an hour then an hour back. That includes stopping and sitting on the benches to take in the view and also the seals (which are getting ready to birth!)

well one option..coming from the north on hiway 1 take the Pacific Grove exit (hiway 68) which turns into Forest Ave..park on Forest at Lover;s Point at the sea. Or take the Fisherman's Wharf exit and continue on to Cannery Row...park anywhere along the coast and start walking/biking in either direction.

Hello Diana. I went to Monterrey last Octrober 2014; and wish you have lots of fun.. Concerning your question, I went on WALKING, part of the trail, and didn't pay any fees. But I didn't walk this path all the way, and didn't ride a bike. I had just a little time to expend in Monterrey. Despite I hadn't ridden a bike, I could see lots of people riding'em...I haven't seen any specific entrance you can pay a fee.. But if I were you I'd contact the chamber of tourism and commerce in Monterrey... The trail starts by the warf. I feel so sorry, I couldn't answer exactely qyou request, but suite yoursef to get in touch with me whenever you want... may God Bless you...Have a nice trip

Hi. I park either on Forest Ave right at Lover's Point. it's all day free parking. then you can opt to go either left or right on the trail. OR, I park at the cemetery across from Dennis the Menace Park (again all day free) and walk to the wharf and then on to Lover's Point and back. That's around 5 miles.