It stretches for 18 miles, between Castroville, California and Pacific Grove, California, and passes several tourist attractions along the way, including Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Much of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail follows the former route of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which connected Castroville to Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.

[2] When the railroad was abandoned, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District partnered with the Coastal Conservancy, as well as the cities of Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Seaside, to create the coastal trail in 1986.

The trail also connects to multiple beaches, and passes many local restaurants and businesses.

Several businesses along the trail offer bicycle, kayak, surfboard, scuba, and paddle rentals.