Biking Bliss: A Family Adventure from Pacific Grove to Fort Ord

An Unforgettable Family Adventure Along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Recently, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail with my two young sons. We decided to make the trip even more exciting by renting an electric 

bike from [Big Sur Adventures in Pacific Grove](https://www.bigsuradv.com/). They offer a variety of bike options, and we opted for one with a toddler seat for my little one and a bench seat for my older son. My older son brought his bike along, eager to ride the trail himself.

Setting Off from Pacific Grove

On a sunny morning, we set off from Pacific Grove, with my older son riding alongside us on his bike. The trail was perfect, with the Pacific Ocean to our left, offering breathtaking views and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. As we cycled through Monterey, the iconic sights of Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium greeted us, their history and vibrancy adding to the excitement of our journey.

A Scenic Ride with a Delicious Stop

We continued along the trail until my older son needed a break. We found one of the many convenient stops along the way, locked his bike, and he eagerly hopped onto the e-bike for the rest of our journey.Our first major stop was at Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Dominico's. The clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl was a hit, and my personal favorite, Monterey Bay calamari, did not disappoint.

Exploring Fort Ord National Monument

Refreshed and ready for more, we hopped back on our bikes and made our way towards Fort Ord National Monument. The transition from the coastal path to the more rugged trails of Fort Ord was seamless, and we found ourselves surrounded by rolling hills and sand dunes. We explored old military bunkers, marveling at how nature was slowly reclaiming the space. It was fascinating to see history and nature intertwine in such a beautiful setting.

Sweet Treats and Sea Life

After our exploration, we turned back and rode towards Cannery Row in Monterey. We made a special stop at Ghirardelli's, where the boys experienced their first giant ice cream sundaes. 

The delight on their faces was priceless, and it was a perfect way to celebrate our adventure. On our way back home, in what we lovingly called our post-ice cream coma, we popped by the Coast Guard Pier. It's our favorite spot to see sea life up close, and we were lucky enough to spot a few jellyfish and other sea creatures. It was the perfect end to our day, adding a touch of marine wonder to our land-based adventure.

A Day Well Spent

We finally made it back, our legs (or at least mine) feeling like jello, but it was worth every moment. The day was a perfect blend of play, exploration, and quality family time. Playing tourist in our own backyard reminded me of how special the Monterey Peninsula truly is. I highly recommend this adventure to anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and historical richness of our region. Whether you're a local or a visitor, biking the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail to Fort Ord National Monument is a day trip you won’t soon forget.