Isn’t it funny how we can miss something wonderful that is practically right under our noses? That is what happened to me on several trips to Monterey Bay and Big Sur on the coast of California: I was so close to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (I had even driven by a few times!), yet I never went. At first, I didn’t even know it existed, and then last year somebody told me that it was a place I absolutely couldn’t miss.
When I read that Point Lobos has been called “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world,” I knew I had to see it for myself. I finally got there this past January. Is it really the greatest meeting of land and water? There are so many beautiful places where land and sea meet all over the world, but Point Lobos really is special…
Why visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The area of Point Lobos is a marine preserve, a sanctuary where fish and ocean life can actually thrive instead of disappear (as they do in the world’s oceans today). This is a place where you can see sea otters; in fact, these waters are the very place where a few sea otters survived after they were thought to be extinct due to hunting in the early 20th century.
There is also a huge kelp forest that you can explore if you like to dive. Seals are all over in the waters and sometimes on the beaches. The forests are home to deer, bobcats, and mountain lions. Migrating monarch butterflies stop here in winter on their way down to Mexico. The headlands are also home to “rare plant communities” and “endangered archaeological sites,” according to the Point Lobos Foundation.
Besides being an important sanctuary for animals and sea life, Point Lobos is also a headland with dramatic cliffs and rocks that create pools of water that are so blue, even shades of green and turquoise.
There are many hikes–some follow open paths along the water…
We didn’t see any sea otters on this day, but we did see whales spouting in the distance and a few seals playing in the waters right below us.
Point Lobos Hikes
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has miles of hiking trails. They are all so beautiful that you really can’t go wrong on any of them.
You may want to start at the parking lot closest to China Cove and make your way to the farthest southern point where there are a couple of secluded beaches, a hiking trail out to Bird Island, and even this little cave. The water here was a striking shade of green. In the spring, look for baby seals on the beach here.
After that you can walk along most of central trails of Point Lobos, which take you along the shore for many striking vistas.
And you can end with the Cypress Trail toward the northern side of Point Lobos. This trail goes up and down hills, through cypress groves, and along some pretty nerve-wracking steps on the sides of rocks.
The Point Lobos Loop Trail
If you have a few hours and some food, I highly recommend hiking the whole Point Lobos loop trail. Around every corner is a different view, from the ocean to secluded coves, from cypress groves to inland hills covered in wildflowers in the spring. Picnic tables and other places to stop and rest are scattered around the reserve.
Tips for visiting Point Lobos
NO animals, not even in your car
There is a nominal entrance fee of $10 per vehicle
Get here early if possible to snag a parking spot inside the reserve. I recommend parking on the southern end to explore the China Cove area first.
The weather here can be changeable. If you’re in the area for a few days, try to time a visit to Point Lobos with a clear day because the views are spectacular on a sunny day.
Spring means wildflowers!
Spring also means baby seals, but be careful not to scare them. Use a quiet voice and never approach babies and their moms.
Will I be back to Point Lobos? Absolutely. I am planning to bring a lunch and spend the day there with time to explore the whole park since it’s actually pretty small. (Point Lobos State Reserve is located just 3 miles south of Carmel on the beautiful Highway 1).
Have you been to the coast of Central California? Tell me: what’s the most beautiful meeting of land and water that you have seen?
I haven’t heard of Point Lobos but Big Sur was made familiar to me by the writings of Jack Kerouac. It’s one of my bucket lists musts to do a road trip within this area if not to California from Canada.
The photos you shared are lovely. Happy weekend!
Murissa
Sounds like a great road trip! You will love this part of California, I guarantee 🙂
Gorgeous shots, Jenna! Adding to my bucket list.
Thanks, Michael! You will love it.
Awesome photo-memories of a wonderful hike at Point Lobos! Yes, it would be fantastic to return with a picnic lunch and lots of time…
Yes, more time to go around the whole park would be great.
Jenna, This place looks INCREDIBLE! How wonderful to have something this special so close to your home. The photos are stunning, brava! I especially love the wildlife… the seal and the frog 😉
The frog…I am trying to figure out that one 🙂
Wow, great! I was just on the Monterey peninsula coast, but didn’t make it down this far. Next time! 🙂 Lovely photos!
Next time! It took me a few visits to the Monterey area to get there! 🙂
This is a beautiful area. Honestly, I don’t know anything about this place. When I get down to the central coast again, I will have to visit. When your time is limited, it’s hard to find time to do anything other than Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur.
True, Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have plenty (enough that I stayed busy there over several stays), but Point Lobos is right on Hwy 1. You can’t miss it. Definitely worth a stop but especially a day dedicated to hiking there. I think you would really enjoy it–your kids, too.
The coast of California always reminds me of the coast of New Zealand (the South Island’s West Coast to be more specific).
I haven’t been to NZ but I know it’s supposed to be beautiful.
I love that area, especially when there’s a touch of fog.
Tip to tourists: Don’t be the driver, this area offers a much better view to passengers. 🙂
Yes! And sit on the side that’s closer to the ocean. Some of the views are spectacular.
LOVE all these photos and can see why you’d want to explore some more. That cave picture looks really interesting!
Thanks, Lola! I know, the cave surprised me!
What a beautiful spot. I love the froggy hat! Did you knit it?
I wish I could have knitted it! My mom got it in Chinatown, San Francisco.
I love rocky coastlines (and cliffs too). I have always known Point Lobos is a must in Monterey Country. However, I agree with another commenter in here. with so much to see in the area, I will need three or four trips to do justice to the region. But it is a chore I will gladly do.
It is a must, especially if there’s a sunny day like we had. I have a solution to the “problem” you mentioned-stay a week! There is SO much to do there, and staying a while means you won’t leave feeling like you didn’t have enough time. If you’ve been before, then maybe 5 days this time. So many walks that need time to do.
I’m going there in the new year! Cant wait!
Oh, you’ll love it! I hope you have good weather. Try Fast Raft tours that leave from Monterey, too. Great way to see wildlife.