Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, with its headlands, coves, and rolling meadows, is 4 miles south of Carmel along historic Cabrillo Highway 1.

The reserve boasts one of the best underwater habitats globally, which provides Scuba divers a world-class experience as they swim among seals, sea lions, sea otters, gray, humpback, and blue whales.

Numerous hiking trails provide fantastic walks that lead to hidden coves. You can easily spend an entire day wandering around this beautiful nature preserve. The views here are just as good, if not better, than 17-Mile Drive—no golf courses, no mansions, just miles of nature at its best.

The most popular trails in reserve along the cliffs. Bring some binoculars to check out the sea lions if you plan to stay up on the cliffs. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you may also see migrating whales as they travel along the coast.

Whaler’s Cove

Whaler’s Cove is the shortest hike (or drive) from the main entrance. Located just above the cove, you will find the Whalers Cabin Museum. The cabin was built in the 1850s and was once part of a small village.

The cabin now houses a museum with Native American artifacts, Chinese fishing equipment, and early photographs of the area. An easy trail at the far end of the cove next to the parking lot makes a loop around Cannery Point that offers impressive views.

 Sea Lion Point

Sea Lion Point has a parking lot along with an information station. A docent is usually stationed here who can answer any questions about where to go and what to see at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. A loop trail from the parking lot views sea lions frolicking on the rocks below.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve features spectacular views and easy hiking trails—a beautiful place to spend the day exploring nature.

Weston Beach – Bird Island

Weston Beach has a small parking area and is one of the better places in the park to see tide pools. About a half-mile further down the road, you will find the southernmost parking lot in reserve at Bird Island.  Trails from the parking area lead to a hidden beach to the north and China Cove and Bird Island overlook to the south.

Point Lobos Parking

Parking is limited inside the nature reserve to 150 parking vehicles and costs $10.00. Several small parking areas inside the sanctuary fill up fast. We recommend you arrive early to secure a spot.

There is Free parking along Cabrillo Highway if the reserved parking lots are total. Walking about a quarter-mile to the main entrance (longer) would be best. Or take one of the footpaths that branch off the highway (shorter).

California Central Coast Day Trip ideas

Cabrillo National Monument

Lands End Park San Francisco