What to Expect When Visiting the Most Beautiful Place in California: Point Lobos
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has been an inspiration for artists for almost a century, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the “Crown Jewel of the California State Park System”, this part of the California coastline, with its dramatic cliffs, wind-sculpted cypress trees, and hidden coves, is jaw-dropping gorgeous at every turn. Photographers Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, and landscape artist Francis McComas have captured the timeless beauty of this area in their photographs and paintings.
As a child, I visited Point Lobos with my parents, walking the dirt paths over the worn roots of the trees, exploring the tidal pools with my dad, and seeing a sea otter on the beach (which doesn’t happen often). Because I moved around so much as a kid, I don’t have any “hometown” places to share with Tom. So this trip to Point Lobos wasn’t just a “walk down Memory Lane”, it was also a special place from my childhood that I could share with him.
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Where is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve?
Point Lobos is located on California Highway 1, about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and 6 miles north of Big Sur. The reserve is extremely easy to reach from Monterey, or longer distances like San Francisco (roughly 2 hours north) or Los Angeles (about 5 hours south via Highway 101 or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway).
- Address: 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
- GPS Tip: Type in “Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Entrance” rather than just “Point Lobos” to avoid being routed to a random trailhead inside the park.
Point Lobos Hours, Entry Fees & Parking Quick Facts
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily (last entry is at 6:30 pm)
- Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle (cash or card accepted at entry kiosk)
- Parking:
- Inside the reserve: Extremely limited and fills by 9:00 AM on weekends, holidays, and summer vacation.
- Outside parking: You can park along Highway 1 near the entrance and walk in for free. It adds 0.5–1 mile to your hike but often saves time.
- Accessible parking is available near trailheads like Sea Lion Point and Whalers Cove.
- Bathrooms are located at the Whaler’s Station Museum, Cypress Grove Trail/Sea Lion Point Trail, and Bird Island parking lots.
Best Tips for Visiting Point Lobos
- Get there before it opens so you have a guaranteed parking space inside Point Lobos.
- You won’t be able to move your car around the park to different trails between 8-11 am because there isn’t a lot of parking, and spaces fill up fast.
- Wear good walking shoes and layers. The weather changes quickly on the coast. In June, we wore jeans, a light shirt, and a sweater. Sometimes it wasn’t enough against the wind. Other times, it was too hot.
- Bring a camera and binoculars to view wildlife.
- Bring water and snacks. There aren’t any concession stands, but there are picnic areas.
- No dogs allowed.
- Wild animals are wild. Do not try to feed them or touch them.
- Don’t remove sand, rocks, shells, or anything but human trash from the park.
- Plan for at least half a day if you are a really good walker.
- Visit on weekdays or early mornings for easy access and fewer crowds.
Entering Point Lobos
We arrived at Point Lobos 10 minutes before it opened, and there was at least a half-mile-long line. As time ticked away, the line moved slowly towards the entrance to the park. I tried to pay for the entrance fee online the day before, but the website did not accept my card. As we moved towards the entrance gate, there were QR Codes to pay the fee to speed up the process. We decided to just pay at the window. If you do this, it’s a flat $10 USD. If you pay online or with the QR Code, you are charged a little more to cover the credit card processing fee.
We drove through the park at a speed of 15 mph. Yes, it’s slow, but it made me appreciate how thick the forest was so close to the coastline. The first turnoff to the right takes you to the Whaler’s Cabin and Whaling Station Museum. These historic buildings house artifacts from the past when Point Lobos was a whaling station, an abalone cannery, and a WWII training station. This parking lot fills up fast.
We continued to the fork in the road, and veered slightly to the right towards the Cypress Grove Trail parking lot. At 8:15 am it was almost completely filled. This is the largest parking lot in the reserve as it’s central to most of the trails.
I told Tom to keep going, past the turnoff for parking at Piney Woods, and park at the lot by the South Shore Trail. This parking lot was big enough for about 15 cars. We were only the third car there. Tom backed into the dirt parking space, and we made our way to the trail. We already had a stunning view of the coast.
South Shore Trail (to the right)
We headed to the right up the South Shore Trail towards Sand Hill Trail and Sea Lion Point Trail. Wild fennel and ice plants clung to the cliffside as we made our way up the dirt path. A small rabbit chomped away on the stunted plants near us, and bees gathered pollen. Two sea otters, a mother with an older pup, swirled around in the current below us. The mother continuously dove for food, while the baby called to her until she came back.
Sea Lion Point Trail
As we continued from South Shore trail to Sand Hill Trail which combines with Sea Lion Point Trail, we could hear the sea lions barking in the distance. Even when we got to the closest point to see them, my telephoto lens could not capture their images. This is a beautiful spot that can be accessed by both the South Shore Trail parking lot and the Cypress Grove Trail parking lot.
South Shore Trail (to the left)
After admiring the view for a few minutes, we made our way back towards the parking lot and continued in the opposite direction towards Bird Island. Several entrances to the beach below can be accessed on this stretch of the trail. People were climbing on the rocks and searching the tide pools for small creatures.
The South Shore Trail takes you past the Slot, Westin Beach (with access to/from another small parking area), and Hidden Beach.
China Cove and Bird Island Trail
The last parking area loop is down by China Cove and Bird Island Trail. Bird Island Trail is an easy dirt path loop that winds past the arch in China Cove and out to a viewpoint of rocky outcrops covered in cormorants.
Gibson Beach
On the backside of the loop, we saw another arch carved from the pounding water by Gibson Beach. The trail continues towards Gibson Beach, but it was closed during our visit due to storm damage.
As we made our way back, we stopped for another look at China Cove, where harbor seals were taking a midday siesta. The beach area is a sanctuary for mother seals and their pups throughout the year.
Other Trails in Point Lobos
We spent 2.5 hours walking and admiring the South Shore Trail, Sand Hill Trail, Sea Lion Point Trail, and Bird Island Trail. I researched YouTube videos and Google Maps, and these trails had the rocky coastal views I was looking for.
If we had taken our first right after entering Point Lobos, we would have seen the Whaler’s Cabin and Whaling Station Museum. There is a parking lot, bathrooms, and a picnic area by the museum. This is where you can start on the North Shore Trail, Cabin Trail, or Granite Point Trail.
Several trails wind within the center of the park where you could see the Monterey Pine trees. Pine Ridge Trail, Lace Lichen Trail, and Mound Meadow Trail are shaded by the Monterey Pine trees and you might see chipmunks, squirrels, and the occasional deer.
Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking in Point Lobos
These water activities require a reservation on the website, plus extra fees. Equipment is not available at Point Lobos. You will need to bring your own equipment or rent from a Scuba Shop. Diving is limited to Whalers and Bluefish Coves.
Where to Stay to Visit Point Lobos
Point Lobos does not have hotel accommodations or camping sites within the park. The nearest town to stay in is Camel-by-the-Sea (10-minute drive away). Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Carmel Valley are also good alternatives and within a 30-minute drive of Point Lobos.
Hotels in Carmel by the Sea
Wayside Inn– homemade cookies, a king-size bed, and a fireplace in the rooms. 200 m from downtown and 650 m from the beach.
Coachman’s Inn, A Four Sisters Inn– breakfast buffet and king-size bed with fireplace. Also 200 from downtown and 650 m from the beach.
Hotels in Monterey
Merritt Hotel– boutique hotel with continental breakfast and within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa– within walking distance of Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Schooner’s Restaurant serves American cuisine and great clam chowder.
Hotels in Pacific Grove
The Charles Pacific Grove- boutique hotel with family rooms and breakfast included. Located between downtown Pacific Grove and Lover’s Point.
Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay– ocean views from every guest room!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Point Lobos
I personally think Point Lobos is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I’m so happy we were able to see it and experience it together. If you are visiting the Monterey Bay Area for the first time or the seventh, make sure you take a day to enjoy the breathtaking views of Point Lobos.
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