44 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 course? Links Club is a restaurant with several bays for simulated play using the high-tech Trackman system. Choose from 250 courses. The clubs are real, so is the frustrating fun of golf…with tacos. Ocean and Mission (Carmel Plaza), Carmel. (831) 250-7816, linksclubgolf. com Lynn’s Arcade Lynn’s is an unusual place in today’s video world. It’s a throwback pinball parlor, where words like “flipper” and “bonus” are still common. Pay one fee and play all you want. It’s also a “can slangery,” meaning there are canned beers and soft drinks available. Let the digit counters fall. 1760 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. (831) 641-7173, lynnsarcade.com Marina Club Casino Do you know when to hold and when to take a risk? This casino is the area’s top card room, featuring blackjack, Texas hold-em and other challenging games. It’s where the action is. 204 Carmel Ave., Marina. (831) 384-0925, casinomonterey.com Monterey Mirror Maze “Get lost” is not an insult here, it’s a reality. The mirror maze is difficult to solve, but also a lot of fun. And if you find your way out, try the laser challenge. Try to find a way through the beams, just like in the big heist movies. 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 649-6293, montereyfamilyfunadventure.com Oscar’s Playground An arcade with a view. Oscar’s overlooks Monterey Bay, but your attention will more likely be on the mix of arcade games, from throwbacks (you can even buy quarters) to the newest video simulations. Oscar’s has two escape rooms, as well. And there’s also a bar and a relaxing lounge area—something for everyone. 685 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 241-6616, oscarsplayground.com Tipsy Putt A pub and miniature golf all in one, with tacos. The Monterey edition of Tipsy Putt is all ages until 5pm and then drinking-age only. There is a more typical mini golf experience and a tabletop layout. Their slogan is “drink local, putt tipsy.” 95 Prescott Ave., Monterey. (831) 297-9048, typsyputt.com Treasure Hunt: The Ride A pirate-themed dark ride takes you through caverns on the search for hidden treasure, with plenty of heart-thumping special effects along the way, and a lot of targets to gun for. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 747-1426, treasurehuntride.com PLAYGROUNDS, SKATEPARKS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES Carmel Valley Community Park The grassy fields form a Carmel Valley Village gathering place, complete with a pool (open seasonally), horseshoe pits and various picnic areas. There’s also a playground inclusive for children of all abilities. 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. 659-7275, cvrpd.specialdistrict.org. Dennis The Menace Playground This vast playground opened in 1956 thanks to Hank Ketcham, creator of the famous comic strip. There are slides, walls to climb, swinging bridges, a maze and much more. A great place to let kids play. 777 Pearl St., Monterey. 6463866, monterey.org El Estero Boating Glide over the waters of Lake El Estero in paddle boats shaped like ducks or dragons. Or take out one that looks like, well, a boat—probably just as fun. Pedal at your own pace. 798 Del Monte Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-1484, elesteroboatingmonterey.com Handcar Tours The railroad tracks that parallel Highway 1 and the ocean, winding through the dunes are a scenic gem. Use your arms and legs to propel your group of up to four people along the tracks (there are electric rail bikes, too). Weekends only. Starts at Del Monte Boulevard and Palm Avenue, Marina. handcar.com Marina Pump Track Located in Gloria Jean Tate Park, this paved pump track is actually three courses—a small one for beginners and two large tracks that intersect. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and all ages allowed. 3254 Adby Way, Marina. cityofmarina.org Monterey Skatepark The skatepark was designed with the help of skateboarders, so the layout has what you want. The facility is unsupervised. Located on the 45-acre El Estero Park complex. 725 Pearl St., Monterey. 646-3866, monterey.org Monterey Skates An indoor roller skating rink planned to launch in the summer of 2025 with monthly sessions. There will be rental skates, music and lessons. King City Room, Monterey Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. (831) 8552758, montereyskates.com San Lorenzo County Park A perfect place to post up for a barbecue and game of volleyball, or for kids to explore the playgrounds. Broadway exit off Highway 101, King City. (831) 755-4899, co.monterey.ca.us/ parks Seaside Skate Park A layout with ramps, pipes, rails, decks and steps—everything, in other words. Located at Cutino Park. 3 Buena St., Seaside Tatum’s Garden Tatum Bakker was born with spina bifida, but her parents had a vision in which she could play alongside other children in an accessible, setting. The result is this inclusive playground for all. Eastern side of Sherwood Park, 1 Maryal Drive, Salinas. tatumsgarden.org Mad Dogs and Englishmen COURTESY MAD DOG AND ENGLISHMEN
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