Custer State Park
Established in 1912, Custer State Park is home to a famous herd of 1500 free roaming bison. Elk, coyotes, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, river otters, pronghorn, cougars, and feral burros also inhabit the park. The park is famous for its scenery which can be seen in all its glory on Needles Highway and the wildlife loop.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Anyone visiting Monterey should make the short side-trip a few miles south to Point Lobos. It's not a large park, but contains many interseting sights. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea.