Point Lobos State Natural Reserve sits on the coast about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, along Highway 1. Turquoise water, rocky cliffs and crashing waves line the shore, and Monterey cypress trees grow out of the rocks. Short trails lead to viewpoints, coves and tide pools, where sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are often in sight. Birders come for cormorants and Black Oystercatchers with their young, and rangers often set up spotting scopes so you can see distant nests. Plan for a few hours and arrive early.
From Rumsien fishing to whaling
The Rumsien people gathered fish and shellfish along this shore before European explorers arrived.
The Spanish name means Point of the Sea Wolves. Early explorers heard the barking sea lions on the rocks and thought they sounded like wolves.
Whaler's Cove is the place to learn about the later history. A whaler's cabin still stands there and now serves as a small museum with exhibits on local history.
The cypress groves
Monterey cypress trees are the reserve's best-known feature. The Cypress Grove Trail is about 0.8 miles and easy. It crosses Headland Cove into one of only two naturally occurring Monterey cypress forests in the world.
The trees have low, crooked branches, and bright orange lichens cover their roots. The Old Veteran Cypress is one of the highlights on the trail.
A short loop goes around Allan Memorial Grove, another of the last remaining native stands of these trees. Vista points overlook the Pacific, Monterey Bay and Pebble Beach, and you can hear seals and sea lions barking from Sea Lion Point.
Wildlife through the year
Sea lions and harbor seals are the most visible animals, and elephant seals and sea otters also live here. Wheeler Cove is a good place to look for otters and harbor seals.
Birders head to Gibson Beach, and large colonies of cormorants raise their young on the reserve. Black Oystercatchers can be seen with their young on the rocks.
Migrating whales pass offshore from December to May, and gray whales are among them. In April and May, harbor seals and their pups gather on the beach at China Cove.
Diving and the water
Divers use Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove, where they find kelp forests, seals and rockfish.
The reserve is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, so the waters around the point are protected.
How a visit works
The entry fee is $10 per vehicle, paid at the entrance kiosk, which accepts credit cards. A $2 map is sold at the main entrance. Visitors who walk in do not pay the vehicle fee.
The park admits a limited number of vehicles, reported as 75, so arriving early matters. Picnics are allowed only in the three areas with tables.
The entrance, restrooms and parking are listed as wheelchair accessible. Most paths are flat and well maintained, though some routes have a few stretches of stairs. Dogs are allowed on the trails.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. The park charges $10 per vehicle, paid at the entrance kiosk. Visitors who walk in do not pay the vehicle fee.
How long do you need?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours on the main highlights. A longer day allows more trails and a picnic.
Is parking hard to get?
Parking inside the park fills quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early. When the lot is full, visitors park along the road near the entrance and walk in.
When can you see whales?
Migrating whales pass offshore from December to May.
Is the park good for children?
Yes. The trails are easy, and the sea lions and seals keep children interested. Binoculars help them spot whales and seals offshore.
