Lake El Estero Park
A vibrant Monterey park offering paddleboat fun, a huge playground, fishing, and a skate park, perfect for family outings and relaxation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for fishing and cooler temps
Lake El Estero Park
Best Time
Best for fishing and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Monterey park offering paddleboat fun, a huge playground, fishing, and a skate park, perfect for family outings and relaxation.
"Wonderful park for children. Vast ground with many facilities. Not only children but adults also can spend and relax here."
☀️ Sun Protection for Boats
Wear a shaded hat when on paddleboats; the sun can be intense.
🎣 Fishing Bait
Earthworms or any bass bait work well for fishing in the lake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dragon & Swan Paddleboats
El Estero Lake
Glide across the water in whimsical dragon or swan paddleboats for a memorable lake adventure. Affordable and fun for all ages.
Dennis the Menace Park
Adjacent to El Estero Lake
A vast, exciting playground offering endless fun for children with plenty of space to run and play.
Skate Park
Below the playground
A smooth skate park with diverse surfaces catering to various skating and biking styles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Paddleboat Fun & Family Adventures
Fishing Tips for El Estero Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sun Protection for Boats
Wear a shaded hat when on paddleboats; the sun can be intense.
🎣 Fishing Bait
Earthworms or any bass bait work well for fishing in the lake.
Fishing in El Estero
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
There's a dedicated dog park area, great for your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Spots
Plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a picnic by the bay.
What is the best times and bates for fishing El estero park
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sun Protection for Boats
Wear a shaded hat when on paddleboats; the sun can be intense.
🎣 Fishing Bait
Earthworms or any bass bait work well for fishing in the lake.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
There's a dedicated dog park area, great for your furry friends.
🧺 Picnic Spots
Plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a picnic by the bay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake El Estero Park is a highly-rated, versatile public space in Monterey, praised for its family-friendly amenities like the Dennis the Menace playground and affordable paddleboat rentals. Visitors appreciate the scenic lake, fishing opportunities, and skate park, making it a well-rounded destination for various activities. Some minor drawbacks include potential bird droppings on pathways and intense sun exposure during boat rides.
"This is wonderful park on all measures of park life!
El Estero is in a primo location in the center 💜 of Monterey. Surrounded by native plants that attract wildlife to add to this playground habitat trail!
There is a giant playground for kids on the upper level & a super smooth skate park below. The skate park has surfaces for a lot of skating and biking styled activities & sports.
The pontoon dragon & swan peddled boats at the lake look so fun to ride.
Lots of areas to pull up a folding chair and have a picnic and relax by the ocean!
Thank you for providing these creature comforts all in one public park by the bay!"
H-Pop Local Guide
"We've been going to this park since my kids were young specifically Dennis deMenace Park. However, we've never ever walked around or fish the lake. We recently got into fishing so chasing fish planting schedule was part of knowing where the fish are. Since El Estero Lake still received a trout plant in May, we decided to fish the lake to see what we can catch. As per this recent visit, I caught a couple of hatchery trout and my wife caught a handful of large bluegills. Parking was plentiful and lake looked clean. Pathways were clear but as any park with bird wildlife, droppings were a problem. Weather was nice and visitors seemed responsible about keeping their surroundings clean. In lieu of lake swimming, paddle boats were available for rental so visitors can enjoy the lake too. There's a skateboard park too. Overall, El Estero is a nice park."
Carlos Mangrobang
"Wonderful park for children.Vast ground with many facilities.Not only children but adults also can spend and relax here."
Rajendran K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake El Estero Park is centrally located in Monterey, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also serve the area, though specific routes would need to be checked with local transit authorities.
Yes, parking is generally plentiful at Lake El Estero Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake El Estero Park is a public park, and general admission is typically free. However, there may be rental fees for activities like paddleboats.
Operating hours for the paddleboats can vary seasonally. It's best to check with the park or rental vendor directly for the most up-to-date information.
The playground and skate park are generally free to use as part of the public park facilities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include paddleboating on the lake (dragon and swan boats), fishing, enjoying the large playground, and using the skate park. There are also open spaces for picnics and relaxation. +1
Absolutely! The park features the popular Dennis the Menace Park with a vast playground, making it a fantastic destination for families.
Yes, fishing is permitted in Lake El Estero. Anglers have reported catching bass and bluegill, with sunset being a good time to try.
Yes, there is a designated dog park area within El Estero Lake Park, making it a great spot for dog owners.
The park attracts various wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles, especially around the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no specific restaurants within the park, it's an ideal spot for picnics. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy it at the designated picnic areas.
Yes, the park offers numerous areas perfect for picnics, allowing visitors to relax and dine outdoors.
📸 📸 Photography
The paddleboats on the lake, the vibrant playground, and the scenic bay views offer great photo opportunities. Sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
With ducks, geese, and turtles often visible, the lake area is a good spot for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers on a Budget
🐶 Dog Owners
It's a great addition for dog owners who want to enjoy the park with their canine companions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Paddleboat Adventures on El Estero Lake
These paddleboats are a hit with families and friends looking for a unique outdoor activity. The variety of boat shapes adds a fun element to the experience. While the primary focus is enjoyment, some visitors have also found success fishing from the lake, particularly during the evening hours.
Family Fun at Dennis the Menace Park
Beyond the playground, the park also features a smooth skate park located below the play area. This skate park offers varied surfaces suitable for different skating and biking activities, catering to a wider range of interests within the park.
Fishing Prospects in El Estero Lake
The park's pathways are clear, though as with any park featuring bird wildlife, some droppings might be present.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit