Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
A coastal gem with dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, ancient cypress trees, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers & seal pups
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Best Time
Wildflowers & seal pups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A coastal gem with dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, ancient cypress trees, and abundant wildlife.
"Point Lobos offers spectacular views and unique features you won't find many other places."
🚗 Get there early!
Parking fills up fast. Aim for before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot inside. :car:
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails vary from paved to dirt. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cypress Grove Trail
Central Point Lobos
Wander through ancient cypress trees with stunning ocean vistas. A must-do short loop.
+1
Bird Island Trail
Southwest Point Lobos
Discover diverse wildlife, including harbor seals and sea lions, with breathtaking coastal views.
+1
China Cove
Southeast Point Lobos
A picturesque cove with turquoise waters, often a prime spot for observing seal pups.
Sea Lion Point
Northwest Point Lobos
Witness large colonies of sea lions and enjoy dramatic cliffside ocean panoramas.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Get there early!
Parking fills up fast. Aim for before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot inside. :car:
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails vary from paved to dirt. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. +1 :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water & sunblock
Stay hydrated and protected, especially on longer hikes. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🦭 Look for wildlife!
Seals, sea lions, otters, and birds are common sightings. Keep a respectful distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Get there early!
Parking fills up fast. Aim for before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot inside. :car:
👟 Wear comfy shoes
Trails vary from paved to dirt. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring. +1 :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring water & sunblock
Stay hydrated and protected, especially on longer hikes. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🦭 Look for wildlife!
Seals, sea lions, otters, and birds are common sightings. Keep a respectful distance.
🗺️ Use park maps
Maps are accurate and helpful for navigating the various trails and points of interest. :world_map:
📸 Capture the views
Point Lobos offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Point Lobos for its breathtaking coastal views, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained, scenic hiking trails. The natural beauty and unique geological features make it a standout destination. However, the primary drawback is the extremely limited parking, which often requires visitors to park on the roadside and walk a considerable distance.
"The views are amazing. The trails take you to beautiful sightseeing. You go through wood steps, dirt and pavement. Bring walking shoes, water, sun block and time to explore and take everything in. At the beginning you can choose to take certain trails depends when you start. The maps are accurate and so helpful. The restrooms are stocked but are spaced out. They have limited picnic tables and sitting areas throughout the trails. I’m a local and go often. If you go early in the morning you can find parking inside. It gets full fast on the weekends and holidays. They close at 7."
Sandy Garcia
"Gorgeous, amazing, beautiful and perfect hiking trails along the coastline. Have hiked many places along the coast from Carmel to Sausalito and this one definitely stands out because of its beauty, views and perfect 7 mile hike that loops along the park. Parking is difficult to find so parking the road. Do not miss any point in the park each one provides a different view and is picturesque. Would hily recommend hiking here."
Rajesh Ramchandani
"This place is super popular for a reason. You get some spectacular views and unique features packed into one space that you won’t find many other places. You’re almost guaranteed to see seals, sea lions, otters, and a slew of bird species, in addition to unique trees and other plant species.
Parking inside is VERY limited so you’ll likely have to park on the roadside and walk quite a ways to the entrance. If you have a handicap placard you can enter even when the sign says they’re full and they have plenty of spaces. Also, the trails are a mix of steep, dirty trails, paved, flat trails, and everything in between. Come prepared for the mix of terrain!"
Marshall Connor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Carmel-by-the-Sea, head south on Ocean Avenue and turn left onto Scenic Road. Continue along the coast to the entrance. The reserve is about 3 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Unfortunately, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve does not allow dogs on its trails or beaches to protect the wildlife. Service animals are permitted.
Point Lobos is located on Highway 1, approximately 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Look for the clearly marked entrance.
While public transportation options are limited, some local bus routes may service the area near Carmel. It's best to check with local transit authorities for the most current information.
Point Lobos is approximately a 2-hour drive from San Francisco, making it a popular day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $10 per vehicle. This fee helps maintain the park's natural beauty and facilities.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is generally open from 9 AM to 7 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is more crucial than pre-purchasing tickets.
If the main parking lots are full, you may need to park on the roadside along Highway 1 and walk to the entrance. This can add a significant distance to your visit. +1
California State Parks often have annual passes that can be used at multiple parks, which might be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit several parks in the system.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Cypress Grove Trail (0.8 miles), Bird Island Trail (0.8 miles), and the Sea Lion Point Trail. Many visitors enjoy combining these for a longer loop.
You can see the highlights in 2-3 hours, but to truly explore and enjoy the various points and trails, allocate at least 3-4 hours or more. +1
Point Lobos is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, and numerous bird species. During pup season (spring), you might see seal pups.
Yes, many trails are relatively easy and scenic, making them suitable for families. The Cypress Grove and Bird Island trails are good options. Be mindful of uneven terrain and cliff edges.
Yes, tide pooling is possible at areas like Weston Beach during low tide. Remember to tread lightly and observe marine life without disturbing it.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! Key spots include Cypress Grove, Bird Island, China Cove, Sea Lion Point, and Whalers Cove, offering dramatic coastal landscapes and wildlife opportunities.
The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset offers beautiful light. However, the dramatic coastal scenery is stunning throughout the day, even on cloudy days.
Use a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Be patient for wildlife shots and consider polarizing filters to enhance ocean colors.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in California State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying.
A versatile camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of waves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The tide pools at Weston Beach are a great educational opportunity for children to explore marine life during low tide. Ensure children stay on marked paths and are supervised closely near cliff edges.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1Bring your binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing and a good pair of hiking boots to tackle the varied terrain. The reserve is a designated National Landmark, recognized for its significant ecological value, making it a prime spot for those who appreciate pristine natural landscapes.
📸 Photographers
+1Consider visiting during the golden hour for the best light. A wide-angle lens is great for sweeping vistas, while a telephoto lens is essential for wildlife. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or capturing the movement of the waves.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Viewing at Point Lobos
+3Beyond the marine mammals, the reserve's unique coastal environment supports a rich array of plant life. The iconic Monterey cypress trees, twisted by wind and time, are a signature feature of the landscape, particularly along the Cypress Grove Trail. Wildflowers bloom vibrantly in the spring, adding splashes of color to the trails. The tide pools at Weston Beach offer a fascinating glimpse into a miniature marine ecosystem, teeming with hermit crabs, sea anemones, and other small creatures during low tide.
To maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are often more active. Binoculars can greatly enhance your experience, allowing you to observe distant wildlife without disturbing them. Always be quiet and move slowly when approaching areas where animals are present.
Navigating Point Lobos Trails
+2Another highly recommended trail is the Bird Island Trail, also around 0.8 miles, which leads to overlooks where you can often spot harbor seals and their pups, especially in the spring. This trail provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observing the dynamic coastline. For those seeking a more extensive hike, the Point Lobos Loop Trail can be around 6.7 miles, encompassing much of the reserve's perimeter, though it can be shortened by choosing specific sections or parking within the reserve.
+2Trail surfaces vary, including paved paths, wooden boardwalks, dirt trails, and some rocky or uneven sections. It's crucial to wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. The park maps are very helpful for planning your route, and many visitors use apps like AllTrails to navigate and discover different trail combinations.
Photography at Point Lobos
+1Wildlife photography is another major draw. The reserve is teeming with seals, sea lions, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds. Patience is key when trying to capture these animals in their natural habitat. Having a telephoto lens can be beneficial for getting close-up shots without disturbing the wildlife. Remember to always maintain a respectful distance.
+1When planning your photography excursion, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive ocean views and dramatic landscapes. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or for capturing smooth water effects with long exposures. Even on overcast days, the moody atmosphere can lend itself to dramatic and compelling photographs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit