Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

This an amazing jewel of the State Park system. You can't take a bad picture as you walk along the coastal trails. This place has something for all levels of physical fitness. No one needs to miss it. Well maintained trails and quite a few docents to answer your questions. A few small parking lots for those that want a shorter hike.

What an incredible place to come for a nice long walk and hike this is a gorgeous gorgeous reserve!! Looking at all the muscles that were growing among the rocks was really truly an amazing site💗 Obviously we didn’t pick them because that is a reserve but we did manage to see them living on those rocks! 🪨 what an incredible site to see! Went here with my family my kids my sister’s kids and it was such a great time we did such a long walk and saw so many incredible things learned a lot on the reserve made sure we respected by not taking anything from there because it is a reserve for a reason ! Highly recommend to go here highly highly recommend to go here with your family ! Follow Fauzia for more world adventures in California - you can follow us on our YouTube channel TikTok and Facebook and Instagram as well for more amazing content!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🥹

Point Lobos was easy to find and entrance/parking had clear signage. We parked outside of the park as their lot was full. Free to park outside, just as long as you pay attention to the posted signs otherwise, expect a ticket. We appreciated the park rangers and volunteers sprinkled throughout the reserve offering information and direction. Easy to spend hours at the reserve as everything, whether it’s closer to the ocean or within the greenery, was absolutely stunning; beautiful and peaceful. Plenty of wildlife to observe as well. We will definitely come back. We spent only $5 for an area map.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is an absolute treasure! The park’s breathtaking beauty—from dramatic coastal cliffs to crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife—never ceases to amaze. The staff and docents are exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to share fascinating information, making each visit both enjoyable and educational. I’ve visited multiple times, and it’s no wonder this park has become so popular. Weekends can get busy, so arriving early for parking is highly recommended. Whether you’re seeking stunning scenery, peaceful hikes, or a chance to connect with nature, Point Lobos is simply unforgettable!

Thoroughly enjoyed my hike at Point Lobos. I was pleasantly surprised that such stunning views didn’t have a strenuous hike attached to it. Most hiking trails are easy to moderate for the average person. And some are super short with great views (good for those just wanting to get in and out). I can in mid-October on a weekday. Arrived one hour after opening and there was still ample parking. I left close to lunch time and there were still parking spots available. I’d say come early if you are coming during peak season (summer), holidays, or a weekend.

I went to this place not reading anything about it and I was very impressed by its natural beauty. We went on a Saturday and it was unsurprisingly busy. The hiking was great. Lots of good views of this jagged part of the coastline. Not a shortage of Instagrammable shots. The cypress trees among rocky cliffs and bluffs were a unique sight for me in California. Only wished that there were more picnic tables and picnic tables built on shaded/covered areas. Also, parking can be quite difficult if it's a busy day in the reserve and the amount of street parking available (along the main highway) can make you park wayyy far from the reserve's entrance (they close it if the lot is full). Alot at least 3 hours for this state reserve if you plan on taking a break for a picnic/snack. I liked that there were park rangers at the entrance and information areas, ready to help you with questions. Lastly, take care on the trails - there are lots of poison oak. Just make sure not to touch them! The guides can help you identify what they look like.

Fantastic reserve. Excellent walking trails with wonderful ocean vistas. Signage is plentiful and extremely clear. Parking is tough, but keep driving to further out lots and you’ll find one. We spent about two hours.

Did a 7 mile loop that covered most of the main attractions, was very gentle and did it with 5 children! We parked down the road and got there too early, hikers can't walk in until 0800! So that's good to know, figured that was just for vehicles.

Carmelo Meadow Trail in Point Lobos State Park is a peaceful, easy walk through beautiful coastal forest. It's perfect if you're looking for a gentle, less strenuous hike/walk with a big reward; the bay views at the end are stunning!!! This hike is perfect for people of all ages, fitness levels and perfect for families. This is a great way to soak in the beauty of Point Lobos without a strenuous hike.

This review is for Lace Lichen, North Shore & Cannery Point Trail which was a ~3.1 miles round trip that took ~1 hours to complete. Point Lobos State Natural Preserve was extremely popular and crowded! Lace Lichen, North Shore & Cannery Point Trail was a combination of trails that takes you to the top half of the state preserve. Started the loop clockwise; trail was mostly flat with a little bit of incline on a narrow dirt path along with some stairs. Take a look at the map first; there were a few other trails within the state park and all are connected in some way. Make sure to download the GPX route. Free parking on the side of the streets on Highway 1 just before and after the entrance of Point Lobos. Don't park on the street if there are "No Parking" signs; rangers will write up a ticket. If you don't want to walk too much; the option is to pay the entrance fee to drive into the preserve and park at each scenic spot. Restrooms are available near the trailhead as well as the parking lots of each scenic spot. The whole preserve opens at 8am; rangers don't allow you to hike before 8am. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/s-1g8v4bNOU If you have the time, I would recommend doing the full loop which was ~6.3 miles and ~3.5 hours to complete. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://youtu.be/PVUJ-eIwt8M

Point Lobos is now my favorite place for hiking trails because of the beautiful scenery. I went there for the first time a few days ago and it was breathtaking. It is beginner friendly and there are many trails to choose from. We picked the right side to explore in the beginning and it was a short walk until we reached the ocean! Took lots of pictures and I could watch the ocean for hours because it's so relaxing and peaceful. After we were done with the area on the right side, we took a little break and went to the left side because we heard there are thousands of birds and it was true. The trail on the left side was slightly longer and steeper. Watch out for all the tree roots along the way because it's easy to trip on them! I recommend going as early as you can because finding parking can be hard. Instead of paying to park inside, you can park for free on the curb! We were able to find a spot on the side of the road, but we had to drive quite a distance for it because all other spots were taken. Even though there were tons of cars parked outside, we surprisingly didn't pass by that many people along the trails.

Entrance fee $10, you can park on street and walk. Lot of great trails and the visitor center is helpful. We only have two hours and she recommended me to walk the south plateau trail to see the bird island and china cove. Then we walked along the trail to hidden beach and Weston beach, and all the way to sea lion point trail and exit thru lace lichen trail. Total 1.45 hours. The views were incredible better than the 17 miles drive. I highly recommend this park.

We love the Carmel area and we go to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve any time we can. It's best to arrive early because by 10:00 am the park may be closed for cars and so you have to park on the 1 Hwy. This can be a considerable walk just to get to the trails and coast. It's 10$ a car and we try to arrive between 8-9. We go all the way in and park in the parking lot by the South Island Trail. We always find parking here even though the lots are crowded as you drive further in. From the point you can walk north or south with great views. We like to go south and take in China Grove to see Seals sunning and Gibson Beach. It's so restorative and well worth the time. There is also a nice restroom between the South Island Trail parking and China Grove. Do it at least once in your life!

Absolutely amazed I've been in Carmel numerous times & have never been to this state park. I love hiking & enjoy the coastal weather. Came here on the most perfect day during Memorial weekend. They have so many different trails, all fairly easy to walk, and considerably longer trails for those looking to get something steps in :) as I mentioned there are numerous trails to choose from and the beach just a few steps away. Neither trail is overly crowded and the area is full of amazing things to do. Its not too far from Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Big Sur. Only advice is to make sure to pack all the essentials: a great camera, portable charger, sunscreen and some snacks for the hike.

It was our first time here and it was a great experience! We paid $9 for parking (thanks Mom for the senior discount). Some parking areas were full but we parked in the South area. There are many trails to explore along the coast and in the meadow. We decided to do the Cypress Grove Trail (5/5) and the Bird Island Trail (5/5). The Cypress Trail is the most "iconic" per the ranger. It was beautiful! So many breathtaking views. The Bird Island Trail was cool. Just a little smelly when you get to where all the birds ( herons & pelicans) are. They had signs posted to be "quiet please" due to harbor seal birthing area. But we didn't see a baby seals. There are bathrooms available and areas for sitting. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. Overall, great place! We'll be back.

IMHO If you're going to visit Carmel, take a short side trip to Point Lobos State Reserve, just a short 10-minute drive south. Pay a $10 day pass parking fee (or $9, if you're a senior). If you like easy hiking with amazing coastal views, this is your place. You may hear sea lions in the distance. Depending on the time of year, you may even see whales! Tip: Get there early for parking or go later in the afternoon. Don't forget binoculars.

It's a must see spot along HWY 1 in the central coast. Very well maintained trails providing easy access for wildlife viewing. South Shore Trail will take you throughout the park to all major lookout spot. We saw hella "fake pelicans " at Pelican Point. According to my limited knowledge and GOOGLE search of native birds, I concluded the bird perch on Pelican Point was Guillemots or Cormorants; LOL. I'm a bird expert now. I saw marine mammals from my origin country. The family of native SeaLion must be Chinese as they gave birth to some young sea-lion pups in the in a place name after the mother land, China Cove. -If you're lucky enough to have slanted eyes (16x9) wide vision, star into the open ocean for whales and dolphins sightings. We caught a glimpse of a few whales while we were there. It's was overall a "Good Day." I would recommend visiting to hike along the coast line to get in touch with/nature.

We had been to Point Lobos before, many years ago. The tourist traffic there has expanded exponentially. The park opens at 8 am. We were in line with our car at 8:30 this morning (Sunday) and we must have been one of the last cars to get in. Parking is limited. People park on the road as much as a mile away and walk in. We were able to park out at the point and walk the Bird Island trail. It was fantastic. Go early, and not on the weekend, if you can manage it.

Natural reserve with water, dirt, rocks, flowers, birds and nature. Went on a gloomy day unfortunately but the natural beauty still won out. I can imagine on a sunny day it is truly spectacular. Wound up walking over 8 miles. They have 14 designated hikes...Bird island where all birds convene was the stand-out and it is at the end. You have to pay $10 a car to enter or park outside which is already a hike. It is worth the $10. Parking can be tricky or tough to get...all dirt lot and first come first serve. Went on a week-day. Would go back!

You could spend a whole day here! We saw quite a bit of people parked outside when we first arrived in Point Lobos which was confusing because we weren't sure if there were any trails nearby. We ultimately decided to turn inside which was the right move as there was quite a stretch of road before you approach any hiking trail. A day pass per vehicle is $10. Here are some of my favorite parts of Point Lobos: - I love how many different viewpoints you can get. We got to do the Sea Lion Loop where you get to see sea lions on a distant rock and the beautiful Carmel Highlands. The other trail we completed was the Cypress Grove Trail which had a lot of cypress trees as well as views on Monterey / Carmel. Just in a little area there is so much to see. - I love that each trail isn't very long so that you can enjoy the best views on the trail without being overly tired. - The Cypress Information Booth was also so cute as they had this area where you could touch the fur pelts of different animals such as seals and otters. It's interesting that seals of different kinds can have drastically different fur textures. I will definitely be coming back for longer to explore all there is to see in Point Lobos, hopefully on a clearer day too! I will also be bringing binoculars next time or borrowing it from the information booth to better see the spectacular views.

Point Lobos is a stunning state park along the Monterey bay that is definitely worth a visit. I came on a Sunday morning, which is likely peak time for crowds but it wasn't terrible. There's a $10 fee to enter the park and parking lots around the perimeter. The hike we did was 6 miles and went allll around the park with beautiful ocean views and some woodsy sections too. There wasn't much elevation and there were lots of interesting stopping points along the way- even a museum! There are sections where you're on or close to the road, so it's not a secluded hike but worthwhile nonetheless. Bring binoculars if you have them for whale watching and seals!

so worth the travel. stopped by on a wednesday around 1. There wasnt a long line. you can park outside or pay for parking inside. Normally $10 love that they have a $9 senior discount. The people in the booth were amazing super knowledgeable and helpful. The map is $2 or you can take a picture. The trails we're pretty easy to follow. My favorite is the bird island trail and cypress. The views are just amazing and absolutely breathtaking. It is windy so I suggest a jacket.

This place is awesome! This state park is very nicely kept. We only had to wait for parking once. But do try to get there early. Lots of nice trails that are very easy. The beaches have some nice tide pools where lots of urchins, hermit crabs, fish, anemones, and other wide life hang out. Also the waves that crash into the Rockies are quite magnificent and majestic and breathtaking. Even in early spring to late fall, the views are good all year round.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a great place to visit. There's multiple hiking trails, that are easy to moderate in terms of distance and difficulty. It's a very nice place to spend the day and you can see wildlife and wonderful views! I would recommend bringing a picnic lunch (or snacks and water). Just a note that parking can be limited on weekends, so arriving earlier would help. Definitely recommend visiting, if you're staying in Monterey or Carmel!

Point Lobos State Natural Park is considered the crown jewel of the California State Park System with a rich ecological recovery story. I was fortunate to be on site for a few days in 2020 with a local. My main camera met its demise unfortunately and I lost most every photo except and iPhone shot which was amazing! Features of the reserve boast a diverse and rich marine habitats, beautiful vistas, and magnificent animals. Activities guest can enjoy are sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and a jogging trail. Point Lobos has several trails, including the Sand Hill and Sea Lion Point Trail, which is even wheelchair accessible trail. I spent time on both and neither are rigorous, but are beautiful! The reserve is open year-round with varying admission fees. It's a stunner! Don't miss it!

Such a great preserve with clean walking paths. Most of it isn't paved but it's clear of sharp debris so you shouldn't trip or get poked if you stay on the path. Beautiful views of the cove with lots of ocean breeze which isn't salty or smelly like some beaches I've been where the seaweed dries out and has that smell. Lush forest scape with sun peaking through. It's just so picture perfect stroll in the morning. They have a scuba launch point where divers do explore the cove with a topographic map of the surrounding sea floor. I don't have any gear, but it was cool to see, hopefully they have a set up where they can display some underwater pictures or set up a live feed underwater so those who don't have gear can also enjoy the view!

Wonderful (and very easy) hike! Perfect for a lazy weekend when you want to walk purse but not overly exert yourself. Very flat and significantly shady in the trees. Of course don't and hot when you walk ankle the weather. Perfectly blue and gorgeous water. Sea lions and birds. Pro tip: if you get there after 8:30am you might as well go straight to find street parking. It's an extra five minutes walking... so what??!

It is a glorious spot to soak in nature. Problem? It is ridiculously crowded. I don't think even leashed dogs are allowed in to not disturb the wildlife, I'm not sure Dogs people should check before being disappointed. Yesterday, the parking was full. Parking along the highway appeared to be more than a mile in both directions on or near holidays. If you go, prepare to bring patience, kindness, plenty of time with a no rush attitude and you'll enjoy no matter what.

Such an amazing place to visit and hike with the family! Then you could enjoy a nice warm clam chowder down at the wharf.

Gorgeous. Went there for our second time and saw not only a raft of sea otters, but two other solo otters! Great weather, quiet in nature, and good facilities.

I went on a rainy day and had myself a peaceful hike. If you need to decompress from a hard work week and escape for a few hours, I would most definitely recommend coming to Point Lobos. When arriving you will need to pay $10 up front (cash, Apple Pay or card) but if you are looking to save $ there is street parking 15 minutes (walking distance) from the front sign. I parked at the Cypress Grove and Sea Lion Point Parking Lot which was the closest lot to the three hikes I went on. I got lucky since a group of folks were just leaving and let me have their spot. If I did not arrive at that exact moment, I would have had to park even further from my hiking point. Ranking the trails I went on: Best Trail: The Cypress Grove Trail had the best views out of the three. I stopped at each lookout and ocean viewpoint to take everything in. It is also the perfect trail for photos that contain foliage, the ocean, and sea stacks in the background. Challenging Trail: The Whaler's Knoll Lookout Trail contains a small amount of incline and stairs. This got me sweating even on a cold rainy day. When I went, two huge trees were blocking the trail so there was climbing involved in finishing the trail. You would need your hiking boots/shoes for this one as I nearly rolled my ankle several times while hiking in my Hokas. Easiest Trail: The Sea Lion Point Trail was a walk in the park in running shoes. It gives you a good view of the ocean and does not require you to trek through any incline/decline. Definitely a hike I would want to take my mom on. The great part is that each trail had a number of benches spread throughout different points of the hike so you can catch a break and finish your hike with easeeeee. A bonus was that there were rangers/guides stationed at the parking lot who had a booth full of educational items ranging from local animal skulls, furs, and info to help you learn more about the critters that occupy the area.

Super beautiful. Explored several trails with my friend who has never been and loved pointing out the different plants and animals with the pamphlets available at the start of the trail. There's restrooms available inside the park at several parking lots and plenty of people working on the reserve to talk about the species that live there and just to talk to. Admission per vehicle is $10 cash or card and then physical copies of the map are $2, but you can always just snap a photo of the map before you're on your way. We stayed inside the park for about 5.5-6 hours and had not gone through everything despite a good amount of time on the trails. These trails are not difficult either as I was able to get ~22,000 steps in with sore legs. We saw a bunch of rabbits, lizards, and deer that did not seem to be afraid of us. No sea lions sunbathing unlike the last time I visited, but the weather and scenery were still beautiful. The bottom most parking lot is good for picnics since there's a bunch of tables available, restrooms nearby, and a nice view of the ocean. Some of the parking lots on the way down have beautiful tide pools that were easy to climb and we were able to observe hermit crabs, crabs, sea urchins, etc. Just don't forget your sunscreen and lots of water!!

An amazing natural area teeming with birds, flowers and awe inspiring views. We had a free morning so on the recommendation of our hotel, headed over to the park which is only about 15 minutes from Carmel. After paying the $10 parking fee to drive in, we easily found parking in one of 4 small lots (park in the second one if you can). We arrived about 9 am on a foggy summer Friday so it wasn't crazy busy as I'm sure happens. As there's only one road-navigating by car is easy. There are several beautiful and well-maintained hiking paths-most flat but there are some steps in places-but overall easy for most anyone. Our favorite paths were the sandstone path along the sea and the big cypress path that goes through a bit of woods. We spent about 3 hours there taking in the amazing array of colorful wildflowers clinging to rocky out croppings as well as trying to spot wildlife. Pelicans and cormorants were abundant and we say some basking harbor seals on a beach by the bird island path. Although we could hear them barking, the sea lions were obscured by the fog. This is a must do for anyone interested in nature and scenic walks.

First time going today! It was so beautiful and well worth the drive from San Jose. Parking is a bit hard on weekends so be mindful you may need to park on the street and walk alot. Parking is the only downside because the actual parking lots get full. Definitely great for the family if you have children over 6. Such beautiful views!

Amazing views! Loved the trails, endless ocean waves with rocks in formation and birds and wind...

Why didn't anyone tell me Point Lobos Nature Reserve is the Crown Jewel of Carmel?? When I say it's a thing of beauty, it doesn't do it justice. You absolutely have to go see for yourself. We got there around 9:00 AM and the parking lots were already filling up. By the time we left (around noon) they had closed the main entrance and weren't letting driving through. (You had to park down the road and walk up) Also, beware, there is tons of poison ivy. So stay on the trail, wear long layers, or just be smart and avoid those leaves of three.

Quite literally one of my favorite places. Coastal trails with beautiful blue water, tide pools, coastal forests. The trails are easy to navigate and well kept. The docents have tables set up throughout the park to educate and have animal displays. There are guided nature walks with park employees as well. Parking fills up super fast so go early, have patience to circle the park for parking spots, or prepare to park up to a half mile out on the road to walk in. But make sure to heed the no parking areas! On the day we went, we saw every car parked between the no parking signs being ticketed.

Beautiful place, expect to park outside if you arrive later. Absolutely do not park next to the 'No Parking' signs, we walked by a row of cars getting ticketed

The most stunning and beautiful place everyone should experience! Hike is easy so the whole family can go. Trails are well maintained and set in small loops so you can do them all, about 7-8 miles or only one which might be 2 miles. I recommend doing them all to get the full experience. Don't forget your camera! Parking can sometimes times be challenging so get there early. Plenty of well maintained bathrooms.

We walked to the bird island area china cove and the whalers cove , free parking outside of the premises and gorgeous scenes

This is my favorite spot to spend a day along the coast. The walks here are not too strenuous and very friendly for seniors. The park is open during all hours listed in the website UNLESS there is a high tide. I recommend checking the weather forecast prior to arriving. Pro tip: pack some sandwiches to enjoy at the lookout.

** Must go ** Absolutely a Bucket List item . Here are a few in's & out's: No dogs No walking on the road (I know, I know but you'll see...) Do *not* go off the trail. It's a nature reserve. Trails are closed & beach/rock access closed for VERY good reason (wildlife & safety) Wear a good walking/hiking shoe cross (you will need them) Stay on the trails (Yes, I know already said this but I'm saying it again! Do *not* be "that" person & try to get "that " selfie or have to be "that" family needing to be rescued. You'll also keep from getting poison oak this way too! ) Staying on the trails ensures you're none of those. Pay attention to the small sign at the guard shack. If it says "poison oak" there's going to be A LOT of it both sides of trail! $10 parking fee

We found this place by looking up "easy hikes" In the area. Consequently, anyone with a family, small kids, older people, or just anyone wanting to walk/hike on mostly level ground with only some stone stairs and in a beautiful setting will really enjoy this place. There are a variety of terrains here from almost completely flat, forest, CA tundra, rocky cliffs, and tidal pools. There are several lots around the preserve so you can drive to your desired trail. Some trails are very short and others longer--just check out the maps for trail difficult, length, and terrain. All the trails we tried were clearly marked and not too long or difficult. There are restrooms at some/many of the parking lots. Most/many of them have flush toilets and a few are outhouses. There is an entrance fee to get inside at the ranger's gate. It was $10 per car on 12-2023, but this will change over time, so check their website or call for the current fee. There was a lower rate for seniors available, maybe $6 per car on 12-2023. We had a wonderful time walking here and will definitely be back next time we are in town to try other trails we did not have time to get to. We definitely recommend you give them a try.

Beautiful, gorgeous & breathtaking part of the coast of Carmel. A great place for hiking, wildflower & wildlife spotting. Lots of birds, otters & sea lions. A great destination to take the whole family. It has stunning rock formations, lush greenery, rugged cliffs & crystal clear waters which creates a captivating & charming views. Point Lobos is just off CA-1. There is a $10 per car entrance fee. Parking is a little tricky, go there early. By the way, do not bring any pets. They are not allowed inside the park. Also don't forget to bring a hat, water bottle, sunscreen & of course a camera. Worth the drive!

Beautiful state park located along the 1 hwy. Parking is very limited! And if you park outside the entrance, it's a long walk to the actual trails and views. But if you get lucky (come before 9am) and get a parking spot inside like we did, then you're set! The ocean has a special feeling here. Be careful near the wet slippery rocks that have moss or algae, we saw someone fall. The cypress trees are also beautiful along the paths.

Cannot believe it was our first time here. I usually like to hike to get a workout in, but I never did it to enjoy the beautiful scenery. I never went hiking to get away from everything. I saw posts from my friend's IG, so I asked her if the trails were kid-friendly. Once she confirmed there are tons of trails that Gavin can do, it was settled. Gavin and I left the house shortly before 8AM. It was fairly easy because I had Waze the entire time. I did take a little detour to pull out cash for parking. Little did I know that they accept cards now. So convenient. No pets! I cannot believe I still see people and their pets. I do not understand why people cannot respect the rules. This place exists because of the rules in place. To preserve what little we have of our natural mini wonders. Go early to get food parking. As many have mentioned, you can find parking to save $10, but I opted to park inside because it was my first time. The pamphlet you receive once you pay your parking fee is not the map of the different trails, so take a picture of it. While some trails are kid-friendly and stroller-friendly, but the last one we were on were difficult. I felt bad for the family that had strollers. There are picnic tables for you to refuel. We brought dim sum and packed iced water. We did not get ti enjoy clam chowder because we were pretty satiated from our "brunch." We both cannot wait to return.

Incredible park! Gorgeous views particularly by bird island/china cove. It can get muddy after rain and they will close some trails. $10 to park inside the reserve but along the 1 there is dirt to park for free but keep in mind the walk into the park

Took a trip to NorCal this was the highlight! Came here on a Monday around 9am parking 10$. Recommend come earlier to not park on highway street which is pretty far away. We went to coastal trails and tide pools, not many animals but the views were so nice! The trails weren't difficult. No food allowed. Stayed about two hours in total, nice fresh air.

If you're looking for easy hiking grounds with incredible views, look no further. This magical state reserve is full loop trails, or you can do the whole park as well. We enjoyed the beautiful weather, the stunning views, and all the wildlife around!! The parking can be an annoying situation, so I'd recommend getting there early! But no matter where you park you're not far from any of the loops.

The prettiest state nature reserve I have been to. This state nature reserve is worth the drive. From the mountains to the ocean to the enchanting sea life, this place is truly a place that must continue to be preseved. The hiking trails are easy and moderate. I really like that at the halfway point you can take a dividing route back, which is great if you're short on time or if you need to leave all of sudden. It worked great for us since we parked outside of the park since the lots were full and we visited with our one year old. We were only able to complete half of the state reserve. If you drive in and park at the different parking lots, then this dividing trail might or might not necessarily apply unless you're going back to the main entrance. I am in awe of how beautiful this place is. I can't wait to come back to complete the trails. :)

Who knew California could be this beautiful?? I was so impressed with the green colored water color, the uniquely shaped trees with orange moss, etc etc! Although every beach and stop was beautiful, it all smelled horribly because the seals give off a very nasty smell. And there are flies that won't stop landing on you. I highly recommend getting some type of repellent for flies (not even mosquitoes). We could see some sea otters and unique birds from afar so it is also useful if you have binoculars. Overall, a great place to visit and will be back!!

Such a beautiful State Natural Reserve. Our friend had a California State Library Parks Pass, so we saved $10 that would've otherwise gone towards parking! The trails are very easygoing, there's parts paved out with stairs, and the wildlife is beautiful. There's African penguins, seals, various species of birds, so many crabs and critters inside the pools. Definitely check to make sure you visit during low tide!! Being surrounded by so many forms of nature makes you very appreciative to live in California, where there's so many experiences you can have within a 2 hour drive.

It entices you with its deep blue eyes. For miles out there is nothing, but a stunning stillness that has to be witnessed. Here at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve it is a place that is protected and nurtured. For good reason too. I find it fascinating that there are those who invest their life in preserving mother nature. Excited as we were to be in town, husband and I went to bed early the night before. Even as we arrived by 8:30 am there was almost no parking. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast as you will be doing a lot of walking. For us taking our time we were there for a few hours. The friendly volunteers are such a gem! They were very informative and even shared their favorite spots. This link towards the bottom provides you with brochures that you can print ahead of time if you like www.pointlobos.org/info/#brochures. There are educational brochures on both native plants and wildlife. There's even a "game" for children to check off if they get sight of the animals or plants in the reserve. The car fees vary, but in general it is $10 for most people with regular cars. Speaking of fees, if you want a paper map it is cash only. Just go online or take a picture at Sea Lion Point =). Helpful tidbits to remember. I suggest bringing water and snacks. You will get hungry with all the travel by foot. Be mindful there is a lot of poison ivy near the trails. There are signs to show you what they look like to remind you. There are also ticks. Stay on the path and do a spot check every once in a while and especially before heading out. As much as we love our fur babies they are not allowed. Only service animals permitted. Where to begin? We first started at Whaler's cove. A popular spot for scuba divers! It was the least crowded of all. Our favorites were the Sea Lion point and Sand Hill Cove. There at Sea Lion Point you will hear the sea lions rioting and vocalizing their opinions! There are even binoculars provided to see them up close. Keep walking down the trail to Sand Hill cove. The most serene and relaxing. It was peaceful to find seating and watch the waves. For $10 you can find refuge from life's worries and expectations. A decision I know you wont regret!

The park rangers were very helpful. You can check out binoculars at sea lion point, and I highly recommend. We were able to see a whale off the point. Trails very well maintained and the hand ropes were an extra bonus navigating the puddles from the previous 2 days of rain.

Pro-tip: 1. come super early or come right around 10:30/11AM timeframe when the morning group of ppl are heading out for brunch. We almost didn't find parking. It's quite limited and we circled for about 10+ minutes. 2. Rent a parking pass from your local library so admission is free 3. It is definitely worth paying/driving in to park vs parking right outside the entrance. Walking from the entrance/road into the park to get to the start of the train is probably going to be +10/15min. This reserve is HUGE and beautiful.

Get a pass if you live in the areas. Spent many an early morning walk and seen a few orbs in my photos!!

Spectacular, even more so during the off-season when there are less people. Park outside the park and hike in during peak-season and get there early and park inside the park for $10 (map $2) during the off-season. Cars are limited to 150 at a time equivalent to the number of spaces available inside the park. Get there early if you want to park inside. Hiking the entire length and back of the Shoreline Trail including exploring beaches, coves, and tide pools will take around half a day. Suggest starting at either the first or last parking lot and hiking to the opposite end and back. The hikes are not strenuous but as in all hikes, you need to be careful with footing especially if going down the stairs to the various beaches and coves. Also never turn away from the water and be cautious of wet slippery rocks if exploring the tide pools. No souvenir collecting in this State Park - meaning take that surf polished stone or sea shell out of your pocket. We hiked from South to North and back: - Bird Island, a short, windy hike from the last parking lot to the point observing Bird Island. The island rock is visible from shore and also smellible from shore with the guano plastering a majority of the island. Pelicans, cormorants, seagulls and the occasional mallard duck were seen in our recent visit to the area. Also sea lions and sea otters dot the water and the coves. - Weston Beach, a great area to explore tide pools and to check out the geological features of the area. - Sand Hill, a steady climb from the beach area to a bluff around 100' above the ocean - Cypress Grove, loopy trails with great views looking to the North. - Whalers Cove, includes a whaling station museum and is also a dive and kayak point for this northern cove. There are trails in the area that take you above the cove area for great panoramic views. Public and clean restrooms located at each end and in the middle of the shoreline trail hike. Please keep valuables out of sight and snacking only in designated areas with picnic tables. Enjoy this pristine park and enjoy the views and fresh air.