BEST THINGS TO SEE AT POINT LOBOS IN CALIFORNIA

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT POINT LOBOS? IS POINT LOBOS WORTH IT?

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a beautiful, wild, and preserved area in California, in the northern part of Big Sur on the Pacific coast, along Highway 1.

Point Lobos is without a doubt the most beautiful place to admire the California coast!

It is home to the largest underwater reserve in the United States, and also one of the richest. You can admire sea lions, seals, otters, thousands of birds, and even whales depending on the season.

With multiple trails along the shore, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a relaxing place to visit and is easily accessible. If you visit California and drive on Highway 1, it is a must-see. We wrote a full post about Highway 1 here if you want to know more about the best stops along the way.

HISTORY OF POINT LOBOS

Big Sur has long been populated by three Native American tribes, the Esselen, Salinan, and Ohlone, who had adopted a nomadic lifestyle. Point Lobos’s history dates back 2500 years when Rumsien Indians, a group belonging to the Ohlone, started to live there seasonally.

The Spanish went there in the 16th century and the colonization of the region began in Monterey in 1770.

Then, since 1851, groups of Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, and Americans inhabited these lands. Their commercial activities consisted of whales fishing, granite quarrying, and abalone harvesting. You can discover more about Whalers Cove, one of the main attractions of Point Lobos Natural State Reserve.

Whaler's Cabin Museum - Point Lobos State Natural Preserve

The marine reserve was designated an ecological reserve in 1973, and in 1992 became part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the nation’s largest marine sanctuary.

Like all of Big Sur, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is still preserved and offers miles of jagged coastline, scenic coves, and sandy beaches. The jewel of the Pacific coast is an ideal place to relax, far away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco and other major cities in California.

WHERE TO PARK INSIDE POINT LOBOS?

First of all, when you enter Point Lobos with your car, there are multiple parking spaces scattered in the reserve.

We recommend the Bird Island Trail car park. It offers panoramic views between nature and the ocean and provides access to the main points of interest.

BEST THINGS TO SEE AT POINT LOBOS

1. Whalers Cove

Whalers Cove, a diving cove with a pretty beach, is north of the reserve. You can also admire the Whalers Cabin, built in 1850 to provide shelter for Japanese and Chinese fishermen who came to hunt whales. Today it acts as a museum, dedicated to Point Lobos and its history.

2. China Cove

China Cove is another small cove, on the south this time, less crowded and really wild. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, diving … The rocks that surround the beach form arches under which you can sneak in while swimming.

3. Weston Beach

The nature reserve shelters eight beaches, but this one does not have fine sand: when the tide is low, you can however admire the tide pools, these small pools of stagnant water which form in the rock cavities. Certain plants, animals, and microorganisms then become easily visible.

4. Bird Island

Thousands of birds (pelicans, cormorants, herons, gulls …) gather on this islet which faces China Cove, offering a rather spectacular view.

5. Whales watching

Position yourself along the coast to admire gray whales during their migration period, from December to April. Be aware that the flora and fauna are very rich here, it is for this reason that the reserve is protected.

6. Hiking

Hiking is the most popular activity on the reserve. There is a trail for everyone: the South Shore Trail (2.5 miles) to follow the ocean, the Sea Lion Point Trail (0.7 miles) to meet marine animals, especially sea lions, or the South Plateau Trail (1.6 miles) in the heart of the wilderness reserve… There are many trails, and most of them are connected to each other. Note that bikes are prohibited on hiking trails.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR POINT LOBOS?

It is not possible to camp at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, but many hotels and motels can be found near the park, particularly in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey.

Here are a few recommendations:

Seven Gables Inn in Monterey

Seven Gables Inn is our favorite hotel in Monterey. This oceanfront inn offers a majestic view of the Ocean, beautiful rooms, and personalized services. If they are not full yet, do not hesitate and book right away here.

Carmel Country Inn

Enchanting and peaceful surroundings, personal care, and royal breakfast: the Carmel Country Inn is a real gem, especially for a romantic night. From the large bedroom to the studio, each space benefits from a fireplace and a luxurious bathroom, some with a jacuzzi. Find out more

READ: A USEFUL GUIDE FOR THE ROMANTIC: 10 DREAMY DATE IDEAS FOR COUPLES IN CALIFORNIA

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Things to know:

Parking within the reserve is limited to 150 cars. Try to arrive early, before 9:30 a.m. in summer, so you don’t have to park outside. We arrived around 10:30 and the parking was already full. We had to park along the road before the entrance. It is not that far, but if you want to save time, it is obviously much better to park inside the park.

Guided hikes, led by volunteers, are offered free of charge and are available almost every day. Ask at the kiosk at the entrance.

Access

Point Lobos is located in Monterey County. The north entrance is three miles south of the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea on Highway 1.

POINT LOBOS LOCATION
WEBSITE

Visiting

1 day is sufficient to visit Point Lobos. If you have a tighter schedule, then half day is also fine. Just select the best sights and fewer trails.

Schedule and entrance fee

The nature reserve is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., last entry at 5.30 p.m. In winter, closing 30 minutes before sunset. It can be closed during thunderstorms.

The entrance fee is $ 10.00 per car. Free entry if you are on foot.

When to go?

Summer is the season when the reserve attracts most people, so it is best to wait until September and October to get there when the temperatures are high and the sky is clear. The months of April and May are also very pleasant and are the period of birth of baby seals.

BEST THINGS TO SEE AT POINT LOBOS IN CALIFORNIA

HISTORY OF POINT LOBOS

WHERE TO PARK INSIDE POINT LOBOS?