Colton Hall lawn
570 Pacific St., Monterey
Just steps from where the California Constitution was adopted in 1849, a glorious pitch of grass beckons. While water supply and land-use constraints have limited the number of large and level playing fields locally, perhaps the best, and most underutilized, is on the steps of Monterey City Hall. No reservations needed, just show up and do your thing, because whether it’s frisbee, football, hacky sack or croquet, there’s almost always room for everybody. And when the games have ended, downtown Monterey is just a stone’s throw away.