Point Lobos Reviews

spent the day hiking / picnic. Hikes are easy to moderate. Very popular so go early or during the week if possible.

The best thing we did on our entire trip! We spent about 4 hours there wandering the trails along the coast. The trails weren’t challenging, but the views were breathtaking! We took our 18-month old with a hiking backpack for the cliff side portions, but there were great stretches for her to get out and walk around too.

We were there during high tide, so we didn’t get to see some of the really cool animals in the tide pools, so you may want to think about that when planning your day out there. You could easily spend the entire day if you bring food for a picnic.

we are not hikers, the drive through availability was great...multiple pull out parking areas for ocean viewing...whalers museum was quaint and fun...we were lucky enough to see week old harbor seals with umbilical cords still attached in the quiet by at the whalers museum...great experience...beautiful ocean vistas...highly recommend

It costs $10 to drive your vehicle into this state park, $9 for seniors 62 and over. Parking is limited and during peak hours, folks end up parking outside and hiking in.
There are only 2 outhouses at the entrance of the parking lot where volunteer guides answer questions at a nearby kiosk and selling limited supply of souvenirs.
The outhouse was gross, nearly filled to the rim as if its not been emptied in awhile. We found out later after one hike, that behind the kiosk are 2 bathrooms with real flushing toilets.

We went on a trail we’ve not been before that loops around which takes under an hour to finish but part of it was under repair so we went on another trail.
You can pay $2 for a paper map at the entrance or just take a photo shot of the posted map at the inside kiosk so you can view from your phone. The views are gorgeous but we couldn’t see any whales but heard they’re out there starting their migration south.

We didn’t have enough time to finish the 3rd trail headed North but more inland and walked about 10 mins into it before turning back, it was nicely maintained.

Baby seals are being born in several of the coves in the park. Super fun to see them and the seal moms. Very pretty place - we hiked all 6 miles of the park. It was great.

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Easy paths and gorgeous views! Definitely plan to spend time walking and sitting to absorb the beauty of this area.

This was such a great way to spend the afternoon. Although the park looked packed with the full parking lot and road parking—we seemed to go the opposite way of most of the traffic. The Cypress Grove hike was my absolute favorite. Highly recommend the helpful $2 map. Packed with great details.

Was not on my itinerary but had extra time. Paid $9 (senior rate) for our car to enter. Totally worth it. Only stayed 3 hours and feel very pleased with the visit. Some of what we saw was stunning and felt very Caribbean. Ample parking, picnic areas, and clean restrooms a bonus.

We decided that we would only stop at Point Lobos if we had time. I am glad we did! It was the highlight of the day. We arrived around 2pm and decided to take the Cyprus Grove Trail. There were many trails to chose from, and this one was fantastic.
The trai is an .8 mile loop trail among the rare cyprus trees with beautiful views of the ocean and sometimes sea lions. The trail is relatively level with several small elevation changes and a few rocky or unlevel sections. There were not many people on the trail when we were there, maybe the afternoon timing made a difference. Generally, it is an easy trail offering lots to see.

Lovely walking trails. Not the most strenuous “hike”. Only some incline and rocky parts. You could stay on flat ground the entire time if you want. If you don’t want to pay to park inside the gates just park on the highway. Be careful walking in!

I find that any age can do these trails. There is ones by the ocean and ones slight inland will less people. You are guaranteed to see animals. This time I say so many pelicans.Really wonderful. Sea otter and harbor seals. Last time I went more seals and less birds I guess it depends on the wind, feeding, time of year, weather.... Arrived by 0935 on a weekend and with $10 had a parking space towards the ned. I spent about 4 hours there with hiking and picture taking. I noted when leaving many people had to park off the highway and walk about a mile in to the shore. It opens up at 08 so if you want to get parking arrive early enough on a weekend.

Go, but be responsible and please be aware that people go here to observe the natural beauty. This isn’t a instagram photo shoot, or a place to walk the trails to loudly complain about the problems in your privileged life. Although, given the area, this might be inevitable 😊

Breathtaking views! Make sure you spend a few hours exploring all the different hiking trails. You will be taking tons of pictures!

Spectacular place to visit, easy trails and plentiful, we could easily have spent a full day here. The sun setting was amazing but beware the insects that then come out! Nowhere felt busy and the views are amazing. Definitely visit if you are in the area.

Before Monterey, after the Carmel Highlands, lies the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve with several trails. We did the Sea Lion Point Trail & the Cypress Grove Trail.
The park was poorly signposted, so we drove past it. But it was definitely THE highlight of the Highway 1 route between San Francisco and San Diego. Only the 17-Mile Drive can keep up.
From the parking lot (there are several, but they fill up quickly), the two small circular trails lead to viewpoints on seal and bird rocks and the other through a bizarre cypress forest. It was very mystical, with hanging moss and red lichen. Without binoculars or a lens, you could only guess (or hear) the animals on the rocks, as they were over 100 meters away.
Two senior rangers were at the Cypress Information Center, where they had various seal and sea otter skins on display. You could spend some time chatting there.
There are toilets at most parking lots and at the information center; they are usable but not particularly clean.

This reserve is stunning! I arrived around 9:30 am and stayed for a few hours. The trails are all gorgeous, but definitely do the South trail and Cypress Trail. I recommend spending a good amount of time and bringing a picnic lunch or snacks.

This is such a beautiful and stunning area, probably one of the prettiest hikes I have ever done. Highly recommend planning several hours here when visiting the area.

The volunteers here are so nice and gave great advice for what to see and do in our limited time. We took two small walks (I hesitate to call them hikes. The walks are not long nor are they strenuous.) This was January so the weather was chilly and windy but doable in our jackets. We walked around the first small loop and didn't see much and were about to accept that California wildlife just doesn't like us. Well, then we saw two otters and it made our day. Then we heard the sea lions barking like crazies and saw a bunch of them on a rock. Then we took another small walk and came across maybe thirty sea otters. My kids were so excited. They were pretty far away but we could make out their little faces and feet sticking out of the ocean.
It's a shame we couldn't stay longer than an hour. This place definitely deserved more time in our itinerary.

I have been to Big Sur like 10 times and I can't believe this is our first time hiking here! it is MUST do and absolutely stunning. We did the whole hike and from parking on the street it was a little over 5 mile loop but can be shorter or slightly longer. Really can't say enough about how gorgeous it was. Very popular so parking is a bit of a challenge, recommend getting there early.

Beautiful place. Stunning views. Very helpful volunteers. While we were there they closed the park because of high winds Were there less than an hour and I felt they should have refunded the entrance fee They did not.

Very close to Carmel, we took a ride and visited many of the attractions and seashore in Point Lobos. Walks can be strenuous or easy depending upon where you want to go.

Point Lobos has only one entrance and can get quite busy. People park all along the road and walk in when parking is full.
There isn't a whole lot of parking spaces inside the property, but still they have 9 little parking lots and makes all the difference to park inside when you have little kids.
You can walk a soft trail all along the coast, and we saw pelicans, sea lions (there was a Point Lobos' person with a telescope and binoculars) and big whales (I think humpbacks).
Just a top experience.

WOW! This state park is definitely worth visiting. We were there on a Friday afternoon so we had no problem parking at the different stops we wanted to explore in the park. Have a jacket and good shoes to hike the various trails down to the ocean front. Beautiful trees that only grow here. We saw humpback whales in the distance, sea lions and seals in the water and various birds. Just breathtaking. We did a few of the hikes. Plan for about 2 hours here.

We visited after a wild and wooly rainstorm, and the waves were unbelievably beautiful. The trails are terrific and I recommend starting early (it gets quite crowded on weekends) and covering the whole area. It is indeed breathtaking.

Well, lobos does mean wolves in Spanish, hence howling ( the sound a wolf makes lol). Anyway, I do not really think anything can go wrong with Carmel. It is one of those charming and quaint small towns that I hope never goes away.

Be very cautious and do not leave any valuables in car as this area is targeted by criminals and thieves who smash car window and grab everything in cars. Apparently happens several times a day as it did to us. We had rented an SUV and that makes it very easy to smash the back window and grab everything inside. If renting a vehicle I will always rent a vehicle with a trunk from now on.

We walked the length of the trail overlooking the Pacific, which I believe was about 4 miles (plus maybe 3/4 mile from car each way). The views were varied and stunning. There are a few bathrooms and water fountains, and staff at key locations to help guide you. Get there early or you'll have to park out on highway, which we did (maybe 10:00am, but it was high season-Sept 4 I think). It was no problem for us, but may be for some who might not want to add 3/4 walk each way to their day.

It is definitely a must do in the Carmel / Big Sur area to visit here! There are lots of trail options ranging in lengths plus you can also just park near the shore and walk out to the shoreline without actually doing any trails. I did a run/walk around the perimeter which was an awesome way to see most of the sights. There were sea lions, birds and lots of different vegetation, plus tide pools.

One of Californias best kept secrets. Short hiking trails through the park. Magnificently, beautiful. Well worth a visit.

We enjoyed a return trip to Point Lobos over Valentine's week-end. This area is beautiful. Its a perfect place for hiking, picnics, and for those who love diving. Its a Marine Sanctuary. The woods with moss are pretty as well.

We used our state park pass to enter the park. This time of year (February) the park closes at 5:00.

Breathtaking scenery at the beginning of Big Sur, there are fairly short trails from the parking lot to the cliffs edges with the roaring ocean crashing below and the sound of barking seals echoing from their gathering spots on the ledges and rocks across the inlet.

Everything excellent but parking, it was Sunday so we knew we had to get there early. We arrived about 8:10 in the morning and barely found parking nearly 1km from the entrance.
But once inside it is all more pleasant, the roads are very well marked, there are many areas with good views of the sea, islands with animals and there are even areas with very nice flowers, the route is somewhat long, but it is worth to travel calmly. Despite the saturation in the parking lot I don't feel like there were many people inside the park.

Wonderful place for hiking and enjoying nature. Crashing waves and great views! Parking can be tight.

We had visited several years back, but only saw the first stop on the left, the least scenic of the four or five in the park. It has lovely views along nice walkways and parking at the various stops and a couple of places with bathrooms. The park employee, named James, was very friendly and helpful, in a way that should be emulated. We had high expectations which were surpassed by a wide margin. The proof of how good it was is the fact that my wife, who has trouble walking, walked everywhere. It was too good to bypass. Overall, this is a great place to spend a couple of hours or more. Highly recommended.

By the way, the real name is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

i hiked the whole point lobos trail and made a vlog including tips and suggestions so future visitors can see what it's like, you can find the link to my youtube on my profile.

this is a large park, filled with many beautiful sites to see and explore. there's both free and paid parking. if you want to visit all of the areas, you should pay at the entrance and try to go from lot to lot. if you walking into the park for free, i would suggest sticking to the west/south side of the park, which would include coves, tide pools and beaches. i go over this in my video.

whether you want to spend a half day in this park or just a quick stop before you visit other attractions, this is definitely a spot to go to.

Parking is difficult if it’s busy.
But there are parkings spots in other location.
Trails to walk on so wear comfortable shoes and hat on a sunny day.
You CANNOT cross the trail lines to plan rehabilitation or for your safety.
Coves are a must see and the trails are not bad and fun.
Some trails are not fully finish and you have to turn around which sucks but you get to see sea otters on one of them from a far far rock to bring
Binoculars in case you want to see view from far.

Wonderful easy hiking with breath taking views of ocean!
This was a wonderful hike and we had 6, 8, and 9 year old children with us! The trails were nicely manicured and it was fantastic out by the sea! We enjoyed seeing otters playing in the surf and sea lions out on the rocks!

Great for hikes, fresh air, amazing views, varied paths, ocean views, romantic, thoughtful and oh so California

Point Lobos has been preserved by the State of California for a reason. It is gorgeous, naturally gorgeous. In my younger days, I scuba dove here and I can tell you it is beautiful under the water as well as above the water. It's fun for hikers to watch the divers from the Whalers Cove parking lot but of course, most people visit for the hiking and to take amazing photographs.

Many people who go to Monterey end up at the Aquarium or 17- Mile Drive - both of which are wonderful - but miss out on the Point Lobos Natural Preserve. Just a few miles to the south, off Highway 1, is the entrance to the Preserve. Several parking areas inside, and hiking trails. The views are magnificent! Highly recommended. Allow at least 2-3 hours, and more if you want to hike quite a bit.

I don’t know how we have traveled to this area without visiting this park, but we won’t miss it again. The vistas are spectacular, with many otter spottings along the way. One can do a long hike (5 miles), as we did, or just drive to one of the many parking lots and do short trail hikes. The trails are well-maintained and the park rangers and volunteers are friendly and helpful. Go!

We didn’t see much wildlife because it was a warm day but it was a gorgeous day to enjoy the beautiful coast. We had our little guy in a backpack and it was easy to maneuver the landscape. If you aren’t laden down with a one year old you can really spend a lot of time hiking here. Get here early, like at open for parking and bring $10 cash. No dogs either. Our favorite hiking spot of the area since moving here!

This park offers such beauty, animal / bird viewing, history, and drastically different scenery with each direction. If I lived in Carmel, I think I’d make it a point to spend time here on a weekly basis. The park is very manageable for both those that are up for a moderate hike and those that can only manage a few steps since there are parking spots throughout. I was worried about that taking away from the nature, but it didn’t at all. Do plan to spend 2-3 hours here to take it all in.

Saw otters, harbor seals and sea lions on our morning hike. Beautiful views and turquoise waters. Could have looked at the sea forever.

Glorious......gorgeous views..

Waves..

Birds galore to watch
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Sea mammals on shore and wonderful trails through most decorated woods

Scenic views and lush vegetation along all of the picturesque pathways. Sublime. The person at the information kiosk was very warm and friendly.

One of the highlights was seeing the sea lions in their natural habitat, just going about their day. Binoculars are recommended because they are mostly far away. It's important to be quiet in certain areas to avoid disturbing them — signs and flyers help guide this. Highly recommend checking out Bird Island/China Cove as well.

As many other reviewers mentioned, parking can be very difficult here, unless you are ok with parking outside the property and walking in from the road, but with small children that can be difficult. We went in late afternoon and had to circle around quite a bit to find a spot.

That said, the effort is well worth it. Despite the crowds and parking difficulty, this is a fantastic place to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of the seacoast.

What is not to like about this place. It's amazing. Beautiful views great ambling long hikes that are mostly flat. See cool big birds, some adorable small birds, wildflowers, grasses, old cypress and cedar trees, see seals, big surf waves hitting ricks, and of course the cute otters bobbing all over the place.

My husband and I did the entire hike around the preserve and we’re so glad we did! We were fortunate to see a variety of wildlife from harbor seals to otters and sea lions. We were even able to see whales off in the distance! We decided to try Point Lobos instead of Big Sur Park because of the reviews and we were not disappointed in the least!

Great place really liked the way you can go from one trail to another. We went from the Cypress Grove trail, Sea ,Lion, South Shore and Bird Island all pretty much connected most easy hiking . Outstanding views early in the morning. A note they talk a lot about parking kind of tight early but surprisingly plenty of spots by mid morning on a Tuesday.

Great day trip. My wife and I love this park. Admission is ten dollars and the hiking is breathtaking. This is a must see to beleive trail.

Beautiful reserve. I hiked the whole loop. It was an easy hike- took me just over 3 hours. Mostly flat. Saw loads of animals- deer, otters, seals, tons of sea birds. The coastline and forests are all beautiful! Bring lots of sunscreen and water and watch out for poison oak along the trail.

Point Lobos was an unforgettable experience for our family. The trails led us through lush greenery to breathtaking cliffside views of the turquoise waters below. We were thrilled to spot sea otters and seals, adding a touch of wildlife magic to our visit. The serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes made it the perfect place to connect with nature and create lasting family memories. A must-visit for anyone exploring the Monterey area!

This is NOT TO BE MISSED! The trails are clearly marked with distances and range of difficulty so that everyone can access this lovely site in some way. There are trails along the Pacific with views to die for, and there are trails through the forest and picnic spots and restrooms throughout. This is truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Stay 30 minutes or stay for several hours. Even when the weather is cold and windy, the views and hiking are spectacular.

This park is made for hiking. Wonderful trails, most easy to moderate. Tons of views, especially along to coast even a drive through with a couple of stops us worth it. Get there early, as they really control the number of cars let in. And don’t bring any pets. You’ll be turned away as this is a nature preserve. Bring a picnic and enjoy.

This is a must do while in the area. The hikes are easy and the views are breathtaking. The trails are very well marked and easy to walk on with great bay views plus sightings of seals.

Absolutely magnificent scenery! Well worth a detour. Most hikes are short and fairly level. Plan to spend several hours.

This is an absolutely gorgeous area. We enjoyed hiking there. There is an entrance fee of $10 or $9 for seniors. We found that some of the trails in the southern area of the park need work, and recommend that you bring hiking poles

This is such an amazing place. The views are completely breathtaking! We spent almost four hours hiking and I wish we had more time. The trails are not difficult. I think

What I loved! The colors of the water were so rich and diverse…. All kinds of shades of white, turquoise to dark blue. The ecosystem is so unique and diverse from one section of the park to the other. For example, experiencing lichens then pine forests, then cypress forests, then cedar groves etc. And of course, the views of the shoreline, bay, and the water crashing against the rocks.

Parking. Parking is limited. We arrived at 9am on a Sunday morning. The Cypress Information Center parking lot was full, but there was room in the Point Lobos Parking Lot overflow. Not a big deal, gave us an excuse to hike a little more than expected. When we left at 12:30pm, the lots were ¾ full.

Alternative Parking. One thing I noticed is a lot people park on Highway 1, then hike in. This is free as opposed to the entrance fee which is $10. The advantage of hiking from Highway 1 is that you get to experience more of the park.

Amenities. There were public bathrooms. I didn’t see anywhere to purchase food. I believe there were a few drinking fountains at Cypress Information Center. But either way, bring plenty of food and water.

Anyways, if in the area, this place is a must stop.

Place of enchanting beauty.
The advice is to go early in the morning (we arrived at about 9) because the parking lots inside fill up quickly and then you can no longer access by car, which you must leave along the road then making a journey of even a few kilometers to get to the entrance.
The various paths indicated are indicated in the parking lots in a very clear way and during the routes, they are all easily accessible because almost all flat (except rare and very limited differences in altitude).
Signs indicate where the animals are located recommending silence and respect for the fauna.
We shot it all in about 6 hours, taking many breaks to photograph the landscape.
We saw seals with cubs, a fawn with the cub, lots of birds and breathtaking views.
It is a must-see, absolutely recommended! Give us the right time because every glimpse is worth seeing!

This is probably the most beautiful state park I have ever seen. There are numerous easy hikes to do of varying lengths. You can see gorgeous views and plenty of wildlife. Absolutely worth the time to visit.

You cannot even describe the beauty of the ocean views in this park. This is a must stop!! There are six or seven trails. If you don’t have time to do all the trails, Do CHINA Cove. You can see the sea lions in a private cove that they access through tunnels. You can either take the steps up the trail or there is a paved sidewalk leading from the restrooms if you can’t do stairs. We drove up and down Highway 1 and this was the most beautiful Cove we saw during our week stay in California. They’re only about 100 parking spaces in the whole park so if you don’t get there as soon as the park opens, you will have to park along highway one and walk a long ways to the entrance. I am 62 years old so I would prefer to pay the $10 car entry fee and be able to park near China Cove. If you park outside the park on highway 1 and walk inside, it is free. We took so many pictures. Breath taking views.

Definitely stop here for a perfect Pacific Coast experience! You'll see sea lions in abundance, and perhaps sea otters too.

We love this preserved area of the coast with views even more spectacular than Pebble Beach. The trails are well maintained with adequate parking and bathrooms. People often opt to park on the highway and walk in...which saves about $10, but the walk to the coast is a distance and not great for young children or mobility impaired. Even when the "Parking lot Full" sign is up it may be worth the wait at the entry for vehicles to leave and then get allowed in.
There is rich history in this area and a great amount of otters, sea lions, sea lion pups, and various nesting birds to observe. My favorite is to watch the horizon and spot whale spouts, which can be seen almost year round but especially during the Grey Whale migration to and from the birthing waters in Mexico. Grey Whale calves are more vulnerable than larger whales to Orca attack, which makes the mother and calf stay very close to the shoreline and easy to observe.
BEWARE of poison oak along the trails...........it is everywhere.

It was well worth the small entrance fee to access Point Lobos. Beautiful coastline with many trails to walk! The trails are easy, so no worries there. I only wish it had been sunny as that would’ve added extra beauty to this stunning shore.

The area is beautiful. We did about 5 miles of the trails. There are trails along the coast and through the wooded area. We were able to see sea lions and harbor seals. Go out to the bird overlook, there were hundreds of pelicans resting on the rocks there.

Love walking there. Scenic views, trail along the coast, variety of vegetation, towering trees and peaceful atmosphere.

Was told this is the crowning jewel of the California State Parks. Lots of hiking options, we spent about an hour but you could spend all day hiking around and enjoying the spectacular scenery. Parking can be an issue. Recommend.

The trails are well marked, and mostly an easy, gentle hike. In July, we saw an abundance of the most beautiful poison oak I've ever seen - really! It's beautiful, and mostly easy to avoid. Don't over plan, but spend at least three to four hours just wandering around. Parking is limited, but when we arrived, the sign in front said parking was full and many were parking on the highway; we went ahead inside and easily found the perfect parking spot at the end of the trail. Docents are in abundance, and they have so much local flora and fauna information to share. Dogs are not permitted, nor will they let you keep them in your car. Pack some water, knowing there are several locations for clean restroom breaks.

We had a lovely time hiking at Point Lobos. The weather was perfect. There were very few people on the trails. So many beautiful sights to see at this gorgeous state park. My husband and I were thrilled that Point Lobos was open during Covid 19.

Nice view, short drive from Monterey. worth the quick stop and photo taking. After this stop continue your drive to see other wonderful views.

If you like nature and the ocean then this place is a absolute must. Readers of Via Magazine voted this the best state park and I completely agree. No hike too strenuous and the beauty is unparalleled. If you are coming on a weekend get there early because parking fills quickly.

A beautiful place, but so crowded you have to strategize your entry time. Better worth your time to visit Carmel Beaches, Asilomar, or Big Sur.

Holy moly this place felt like Narnia or some magical fairy tale land. We saw so many adorable marine mammals. Lots of sea otters and my absolute favorite the newborn harbor seals. Lots of poison oak and the crowds started to form mid day. Bring water and nice shoes

We truly enjoy hanging in Carmel and using this state park for romantic light hikes beat views in town

There are some longer hikes around the entire perimeter of the park and into the center of the park (and up onto the hills), but we stuck to the shorter hikes. There are like 4 or 5 relatively short (~1 mile or less) loop trails that were pretty simple to hike but had amazing scenery. All the trails had cool foliage along the trail and some animals as well, and all of them had unique ocean views as well of the different cliffs, coves, and islands of the park. There were amazing views of seals on the beach, sea lions on islands and in the water, lots of different birds on island and in trees (including a couple falcons), and even a bunch of otters in the kelp offshore. All of these were visible with the naked eye, but BINOCULARS MADE IT WAY COOLER!

Take the loop trail, with amazing views. explore the hidden beaches and have a nice picnic. go early to get a nice parking spot.

My friends and I are senior citizens who have visited Point Lobos dozens of times. We are starting to feel our years, but Pt Lobos never gets old! Some parts of the trail system are wheelchair accessible. If you have a person in your group who is physically debilitated, let them out of the car at the Whaler’s Cabin, go park the car in the Whaler’s Cove parking lot. Walk up the hill, join them at the cabin, and head for the Granite Point Trail. Follow the trail as far as you’d like to go. The first part of it is flat and there are benches. You will have good ocean views. Watch for seals on rocks, sea otters, deer, and birds.
A trail map is available at pointlobos dot org.
I have walked all of the trails on Pt Lobos many times. Many people start early as it can get crowded. My husband and I have entered the park mid to late afternoon on several occasions and walked part of the island. Just spending 2 or 3 hours here can be tremendously refreshing. Any time of year is great on Point Lobos. Spring and early summer bring beautiful flowers.
Photos are from the short walk with friends on the Granite Point Trail recently. There are separate reviews of various trails on Pt Lobos on TripAdvisor, including the Granite Point Trail.

4* Point Lobos
Scenic state park reserve
$10 entrance fee ($9 for seniors)
Parking areas (8) on the beaches about a mile from entrance off Highway 1
Get there early; go during week; no reservations necessary
Restrooms near parking; no food, camping, pets allowed; no trash receptacles
Need to stay on trail; lots of poison oak on trail (shiny, three leaves)
Difficult to see pups birthing; off shore; trail closed
Highly recommend for a walk and photography
Bring warm jacket

Parking is hit or miss, we parked on the road and walked in for free. Hikes are relatively flat and easy (sneakers are fine). Views of water, sea otters/lions, tide pools, pebble beach, birds, etc. are beautiful! Definitely worth a few hours of just hiking the perimeter of the park.

Had a lovely day at this Natural Reserve. The scenery is stunning and it’s great to see the wildlife in their natural surroundings. You can choose from a variety of trails of varying lengths, the best ones being the coastal side in my opinion. $10 to park but we were happy to pay this as a contribution towards the upkeep of this fantastic place.

This place is amazing. The views are simply stunning. We did not have a chance to do the trails but all of the beach spots were awesome. It was super crowded in March so parking in the park filled up quickly and even the road parking stretched at least a mile from the entrance.

This is one of the best places on the California coast. In November it was cool and sunny and walking along the coast was great. We saw a Red-Shouldered Hawk and a Peregrine Falcon as well as the usual flocks of Pelicans, Oystercatchers, an Cormorants.

This was probably the highlight of our trip to California. We hiked around the park and saw stunning views of the crystal clear water. We saw sea otters, pupping harbor seals, and sea lions! We got to learn alot about the history of this little jewel of a state park. Highly recommend if you are in the area.

It was either 17 Mile Drive, which we had done many years ago, or Point Lobos SP & we eventually chose Point Lobos & so glad we did.
The parking lot was full when we arrived but there was plenty of room on the side of the road which meant we walked in & didn't have to pay. A docent gave us some useful information & we then set off on an anti-clockwise loop.
It's an absolutely fabulous park , mostly easy trails & a variety of scenery. We were glad we had brought a sweatshirt & light jacket as it was windy & cool around by seal lion cove.

The trails overlook the coast and the views are astonishingly beautiful -- Hukusai prints come to life. Leave time to take in the views.

First time visit to Point Logos. Scenic views and wonderful trails. This area has great views, easy walking trails, and plenty of wildlife. We brought cameras and binoculars to enjoy otters, seals, and birds. This place such a gem. We visited on Sunday afternoon after the 17 mile drive, so not too crowded. We will plan a return visit this summer.

Stunning place, absolutely beautiful a must see when visiting the area, I would highly recommend it to anyone

Wear comfortable shoes. I was in the mood for exercise. I hiked the trails, particularly the loop trail, and enjoyed the scenary. And wildlife. I saw otters and sea lions. Lots of birds. I had binoculars. I was here on a weekday, so I probably avoided a large crowd. Visitors here were wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, so far as I could tell. Bring a camera. And binoculars, if you have them, to get a better view of marine mammals offshore.

The area from Carmel to Big Sur is wonderful. Point Lobos is especially lovely and different from other areas along the coast. We had not been there for 10 years, and found it as beautiful as always!

We visited Point Lobos as an afterthought. But seeing all the cars parked on the road outside told us it was popular. Incredible scenery rivaling anything on Highway 1; great pelican viewing; easy hiking, friendly park staff. Don't miss it!

We had a lovely hike along Point Lobos walking most of the length of the trail & back. There’s lots of great viewpoints & it’s wonderful for photography! Definitely a good place to spend a few hours to stretch your legs.

One of the most beautiful parks with stunning views of the Pacific. You can park your car on the side of the main road and walk all the way to the trails. Make sure to wear athletic shoes with good traction as the rocks can get very slippery.

Brought lunch from a local restaurant and had a beautiful view. Watched sunset. Plenty of picnic tables. gets crowded about sunset

We followed other reviewers advice and got there early. The parking fills up quickly. Plus, it felt like we had the place to ourselves. It was one of the most beautiful places we have visited.

If you like to run you should definitely hit up this area. The hiking, walking on beach, jogging, or a nice long run are highly recommended.

Never change.

We brought our 2 dogs with us to celebrate my wife’s birthday. The hike through the park was beautiful and stimulating for all.

California has some of the most beautiful coastline of anywhere in the U.S. and I'm fortunate to call it home. The Monterey/Carmel area has something for everyone, from quaint towns, to an extensive and rugged coast teeming with wildlife and Nature. Point Lobos state Reserve located just north od Big Sur snd a few minutes south of Carmel by the sea is a great place to hike, sit, scuba dive and enjoy the majestic view's. There are a multitude of trails, mostly easy with a few steep stairs here and there. Personally I prefer winter with less crowds and xool ocean breezes. It's a great place for bird watcher's and other wildlife as well. In the winter Gray Whales on their southbound migration can be seen a bit offshore which is a highlight. Take advantage of the winter time as it's well worth it.

Do not miss hiking this extraordinary park! We did the entire loop, hitting every jutting loop along the ocean's edge.

Soooo pretty. Clean trails to walk on and breathtaking views. We saw sea lions and heard them. Several trails to walk along the beach and some that take you through a give of cypress trees. I highly recommend this.

It was a bit misty when we where here but there are lovely walks and great views of the coast. Lot of birds to see on bird walk.

Point Lobos Natural Reserve
On October 27, 2020 my wife and I visited Point Lobos. Sign at the entry stated “Parkin lot full”. Drove in anyway, waited for two cars ahead of us to pass. Paid $9 senior rate and went straight to the end if the main road. Parked at the small parking area next to the entrance of the Cypress and two other trails. First took North Shore trail - in our opinion the most challenging for 70+ hikers. Next took on the Cypress trail and lastly took the Lion Point trail. Unfortunately, it was partially closed on one leg, but still open on the other leg. You will be able to hear and see sea lions on the rocks about 500 feet from the shore, but unless you have binoculars, do not expect close encounter.

Budget at least 3+ hours as a minimum and enjoy these beautiful shores.
Good travels.

Point Lobos was an enjoyable walk in nature. There were quite a few people but plenty of room for all. Being on the ocean makes anything you do enjoyable.

I've been here many times - always seems fresh and new. Did the North Shore Trail and Cypress Grove trails this time. Both are spectacular! Worked for us to park on Rt 1 and walk in.

There are a number of hiking trails at Point Lobos. We took a fairly long circumnavigation of the Point and were rewarded with gorgeous views of sparkling water, pounding surf and distant vistas, as well as old growth cypress. Spectacular hike!

A good hike right along the coast with interesting views. If you like nature and a good moderate walk, this is a good place to go as a refuge from the shops in downtown Carmel. We really enjoyed it and took lots of photos. Several different parking lots and there are rest rooms. You do not need hiking boots for this walk, there are some stairs on the sandy trail so people in wheel chairs or walkers would be confined to a smaller area but the views from the parking lots are still worth a visit.

...any direction and you'll get great pictures.

We arrived ~ 9:30am on a weekday and parked at the 3rd lot after the first two were full. When we left later, there were some open parking spots as well as dozens & dozens of cars parked out on Hwy 1.

We first took the South Shore trail NW then branched off on the Sand Hill / Sea Lion Point trails. Next we walked the Cypress Grove loop. After that we took the North Shore trail (hey Gov. Newsom - you should spend a little $ on steps / fencing / rails) to almost Bluefish Cove and then turned off on Whaler's Knoll trail back south towards our parked car. Not sure I would take the WK trail again as most of it was heavy with poison oak encroaching onto the pathway - but we escaped rash-free.

Lots of picture-worthy views all around. Afterwards we drove south on Hwy 1, but honestly didn't see any significantly better views than what we saw at PL.

Well worth a visit...

As many times as I have been to Monterey, I had never been here. We arrived at 10:30 and the parking was filling up, but still plenty available. Note, this was late October!

There are many easy trails, and the views spectacular.the bird rock trail had pelicans, cranes, and cormorants. We had planned to just stay a couple of hours. We like it so much I left my wife to enjoy the ocean, and drove in to Carmel for a couple of sandwiches.

When I got back, I was lucky to find a parking space. I can only imagine this place in July, ugh.

The weather was great, so come in October.

My husband and I visited Point Lobos after seeing the long line to get in on Sunday morning! We knew it had to be good! We late mid-afternoon on Monday and were lucky enough to get a parking space. We chose the trail to the right of the lot first, it was magnificent with views of the ocean and the coolest trees....the trail is a little bit rough so if you have trouble walking I'd suggest the trail to the left of the lot, it is paved and much easier to walk. Unfortunately the sea lions were too far away to see, but we could hear them barking into the wind!

We had already driven up the gorgeous coast and spent two days in Big Sur, so I was reluctant to stop, but Point Lobos offered absolutely beautiful views on very short hikes. We took the Cypress Grove loop and the Bird Island trail. Both were well worth it. I was very impressed.

Since we are normally here for the day on a weekend, Point Lobos is always busy. Having the luxury of being here on a weekday, even if it is Friday, allowed us to finally explore this treasure in the morning at a leisurely pace, without the crowds. Beware of poison oak though, which seem to line the trail throughout, but without too much effort, you are treated to some amazing ocean views with landscape reminiscent of what I have experienced in Mendocino.

There is a fee to park here but it is a very nice hike. We saw lots of wildlife both in the water and in the air. There were a few other people on the trail enjoying the beauty of the scenery.

Impeccably maintained, breathtakingly beautiful state park, one of the best if not THE best I've been to. The beauty of the place is impossible to describe - the cypress trees, pines, coves. I could hear the gulls, a hairy woodpecker, black oystercatcher, chickadees, a pygmy nuthatch, towhees, junkos... if you can ditch the car and walk the 5-8 miles it takes to circle the place. Well worth it.

One of the most beautiful meetings of land and sea. Point Lobos can be walked around in about two hours with a mix of dramatic coastline, nesting sea birds, wandering deer, hidden beaches and a lovely coastal forest.

Fantastic scenery and well worn trails
..Volunteer guides near many of the trail heads to answer your questions ..A hikers and nature lovers dream..Highly recommend

Point Lobos is one of the world's beauty spots, and if you've never even been, you very likely have already seen iconic photos of its features. Gorgeous scenery, cliffs, rocks, caves, sculptural trees, wildflowers, birds, seals, and ocean waters of many saturated colors. Bring your camera or your paints, because this place warrants it. The hiking isn't really hard, but despite some trails supposedly accessible, I did witness a wheelchair mishap. They do charge for entry and parking is extremely limited, while many people want to get in here. Just be VERY aware of all the poison oak and stay on the paths, not just to preserve nature in so popular a spot, but to avoid the noxious plant!

Would give it more stars if that was an option! This is one of the highlights from our trip for sure. Get there early, we arrived just after 8 (when it opened) and was the 3rd car in. We had most of the park to ourselves for the first hour….after that folks really started arriving. By the time we left around 1030, the parking lot was filled and you had to park a long ways away to get in.

Saw a few seals on the island off the shore, but they were a long ways out. Did have several deer cross in front of us during our walk and even saw some otters.

Back good shoes but the path is really easy to navigate.

Didn't get to stay too long, but what we did see...harbor seals, white sugar sand and turquoise water was mind-blowing.

Spectacular views. The sea lions sang to us in a base Baratone kind of way. The lichen on the rocks added a mysterious Grander to the visit.

This was one of the most magnificent moments I’ve had in nature. Breath taking views, incredible weather, and beauty every where.

There was nothing difficult about the hike itself so our energy was out fully enjoying the landscape.

We will visit this wonderful place again! I plan to bring my mother and all of my future children so they can experience it.

Beauty in nature can be found here. And it’s engaging to all the senses.

The park has nice views and paths. It provides good views on route 1 and its wildlife. Note that parking is sparse, so you might need to park outside and walk inside.

We came twice. Once we came at 4pm on a Thursday and parked by the Bird Island trail - there were a couple of spots in the Bird Island car park but quite a few additional spots a short walk further up the road.

The Bird Island trail is short but takes you past the gorgeous China Beach with its turquoise water (when sunny), sea lions and kelp. You then continue to gorgeous Gibson beach which you can go down to. Sand is white but quite coarse. You then continue on to Bird Island views of...well...loads of birds. Keep an eye out for sea otters, we saw them in two locations.

We then came back on another day on a foggy morning for tide pooling at Weston Beach (which was good despite it being mid-tide) and the Sea Lion trail. Perhaps less attractive, it is still scenic and there were rangers with telescopes at the point to help you see the sea otters and sea lions. Parking was fine at Weston Beach at 9am on a Friday, but by the time we got to Sea Lion point car park at 10am it was full but we parked in the next car park down and walked up.

Overall, love this state park.

We were initially put off by the Parking Full sign and the number of cars parked along the main road (Route 1) outside the park. Even though it said “Parking Full”, we drove in and paid the $10 entrance fee, and found no difficulty parking in any of the small lots along the ocean front. For those who parked outside, there is quite a long walk in to reach the ocean. There are a number of splendid walks along the cliffs and Oceanside, especially to Bird Island. Highly recommended.

Start with the side with the sea lions. The path was partially closed due to work, but that stuff has to be maintained sometime. It did not impede our viewing of the outcropping the sea lions occupied. Fellow visitors pointed out the whale spouts from migrating gray whales, who occasionally took a dive and showed off their flukes and dorsal fins. We also spied the laziest seal at Whaler's Cove, just lying there on a bit of sand by the rocks. The hiking was easy and let us look out onto the cove. This is the one place I would have gone back to if I had more time. Note that there are a few toilets available as well as a naturalist station near where the sea lions are chilling. The walk from US 1 is not that far if you want to save money on the limited parking. We paid for parking, but there weren't many spots available.

I’ve seen countless coastal views from the shores and hilltops of four continents, and the views from Point Lobo are some of the most breath-taking that I’ve ever experienced. This is a MUST SEE destination if you are traveling to the Carmel/Monterey area of Northern California. Color, texture and contrast are abundantly evident in the landscape found in this region.
The trails are well maintained and easy to maneuver, but hang onto your little ones if you bring them along; there are some steep drops from the trails that you must be mindful of.

I came here on a weekday early. I was able to park in the park. There is a $10 fee to enter. From what I understand the park fills up quick and you end up having to park on the road. I saw this when I finally left later in the day. this place is amazing. Lots of trails with incredible views. Lots of wildlife to check out including seals and pelicans and other birds. For the most part, the trails aren’t too strenuous, but a few places can get a little steep. But again the views you get in all the areas here are just incredible. They have bathrooms available, but you need to bring in any kind of food you might want. Highly recommend visiting and spending a few hours here.

On December 7th we walked the North Shore Trail and saw pelicans in the treetops, on the rocks, on Guillemot island and flying through the air, hundreds of them!
The sun was out, the wind really blowing, a glorious morning!

This place was stunningly beautiful (I personally found i prettier than a lot of the Big Sur coastline), plus there were seals with pups on the beach! lots of short hikes. definitely a highlight of the area.

The vehicle entry fee is $9 (seniors) or $10, and allows vehicle access and parking at at least 5 scenic places in the park. For anyone but the avid hikers, this seems an easy choice. The walk from the gate to the first beach trail is over one mile, and going to the other scenic trails and spots will add another four to five miles (my guess), and when you return to your vehicle parked outside the park on the shoulder of the state highway, you may find it ticketed. Not totally sure about the latter, but I did see patrol cars and officers looking like they were ticketing vehicles. The park itself, as others have wrote, offers a few trails to reach scenic points with awesome views. Definitely not wheelchair accessible, a person with a cane can walk it tho some areas require a bit of nimble footwork to get up or down the rocky steps. There are guide ropes so no risk of falling over the side, but still need to be careful. Trails are easy for mountain goats and those under 30 to 40, and depending on health, maybe even 50 plus. Definitely worth the admission fee to experience this wonderous joining of sea, earth and sky. (But, for ust earth and sky, nothing beats Muir Woods.)

WE went to see the sea lions and stayed to watch the sea and he rocks and the varied coastline. It i beautiful there. the Sea Lions were pretty far out on n island that you could tel they were there but not see individuals. there are nice walks out to the coastline, up on the cliffs, and you should probably buy a map if going off on some as it is not clear how the return from just the signage. .There is admission per car.

You have to visit this place when you're in the area. Here are some tips, based on my own experience:
- Get there early. The park opens at 8 AM, we got there at around 7:45 AM, and there were about 25 vehicles ahead of us. Parking inside the park is limited, so you need to get there early, if you want to get a parking spot inside the park.
- You can buy a map at the gate. Cost is $2. I suggest you buy one, unless you are familiar with the park already.
- Once you enter the park, go directly to one of the parking spots (We parked at the Cypress Cove), and I suggest you leave your car there and hike the entire park (if you are able). The reason is that there is only a limited number of parking spots in the whole park. If you decided to drive from one parking spot to the next, chances are you will not find any open spot when you get there. All the trails are interconnected, so you will see the entire park by walking. We started at around 8:10 AM, and it took us a little over 4 hrs to walk from Cypress Cove to the Bird Island Lookout (at the opposite end of the park), and back to Cypress Cove. It all depends on how many times you stop, we did stopped a lot to enjoy the views and take some pictures.
- There are restrooms along the trail, but they're spaced out. So if you're someone, who frequently needs to relieve yourself, I suggest use the restroom once its available.
- We went there on the first week of October, and it was chilly, specially when the fog rolls in. So dress appropriately.
That's pretty much all I can suggest. So come and see the place, its well worth it.

My family (teens 16 and 13) visited this park July 18. We arrived at 10am and the parking was full. It’s easy to turn around and find parking just outside of the park. We walked in about a quarter mile to the park entrance. Once inside the park we chose to hike counter clockwise and we are glad we did.

We hiked every possible lookout and trail inside the park totaling just over 7.5 miles. With stops, it took us just over 5 hours. There are too many great things to see around every corner. We were lucky with the weather. The day before it was 58 and cloudy with dense fog. For our hike it was 64 with full sun and a nice ocean breeze the entire day. We took amazing pictures of the landscape and sea life. There are points near the end of the hike, if you go counter clockwise, where you can get off the trail and climb on rocks and out to the ocean. That made the entire hike worth it. We were getting great pics while being sprayed by the waves coming off the ocean.

Hiking this trail is in our top 5 and we’ve done some great ones. I highly recommend.

Although it was overcast, it was not foggy so we drove right in and walked up to the lookout and all the sea lions were out! It was so cool! We walked around to bird island too. I would suggest getting there early. Parking is $10 but will get you in every park. Parking is not easy when it’s crowded.

We spent about 2-1/2 hours wandering the trails. There are great views at almost every turn. A sign at the entrance said the lot was full, but we chanced it later in the day and had no trouble finding a parking place. Great hiking spot.

Point Lobos offers excellent views of the Pacific seen from short hikes. The area is a great quick overview of the area. We recommend this park to friends and family!

What a fantastic park! Wish I lived closer. There were seals and pups, bunnies, deer, birds and more. It was a cloudy day but still absolutely gorgeous. You can choose whatever kind of hike you want to go on, just be sure to watch your steps and dress appropriately. Happened to see lots os seals and their pups Went during the week and it was not crowded but could see where it could be packed during season.

One of the best short hikes you can take. It can get busy as the parking is limited so arrive early or walk in if needed. This is an absolute gem. The trees found here are of a very rare type. The views are fantastic. The trail is easy but remarkable for its beauty.

The entrance waitress was very rude and the treatment was very disappointing. I really had a very bad experience

We hiked the trail and took several very scenic pictures. I highly recommend this place. The trails were not to difficult to walk.

Beautiful natural state reserve - there are so many animals to see including nesting birds on Bird Island, sea lions, and sea otters. Great hikes along the coast.

Point Lobos feels like it belongs in a story book. The views of the coastline, the colors of the water, all the beautiful trees, and all the stunning wildlife made it a magical stop for us.

Great place to hike with great views around each corner. We got there early and were able to get a great parking spot. Looks like this is also a popular place for scuba diving. Clean bathrooms are available.

WOW you’ll want to take this hike slow so you can take loads of photos. We arrived about 8:30 am on a Friday and found parking inside for $10. If it’s full you’ll have to park along the road and walk in. The paths are wide and you could push a wheel chair or stroller along much of the paths. There are several clean bathrooms with sinks to wash your hands. We enjoyed an easy 3 mile walk while enjoying the gorgeous Pacific Ocean views on the ocean side while trees, moss, turkey vultures, etc. on the opposite side of the road. This is a must see!

This park is called the crown jewel of California’s State Park System, and rightly so. It’s one of the most beautiful places in California, equivalent IMHO to the National Parks, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. Moreover, it’s small enough to see in a half day visit, and very visitor friendly to boot, with easy and well-groomed trails (many accessible) and restrooms scattered throughout the park.

We went on a sunny weekday in December, parked at Whalers Cove, and hiked the coast trail counterclockwise around the peninsula to the southern tip of the park at Bird Island, taking every offshoot trail and climbing Whalers Knoll. We then walked straight back to our car. This was about a 5.7 mile loop, with 700 feet of elevation change. In general the trail is easy, packed dirt and sand, plus occasional stairs and some rocks to climb at the overlooks. The only real climb is at Whalers Knoll, which goes up about 180 ft., but you can bypass this via North Shore Trail. Highlights on the walk were the beautiful twisty trees on Cypress Grove Trail and the bird-covered Bird Island. The walk out to Sea Lion Point was closed, possibly because of high surf. No whale sightings, but we did see harbor seals lying out on one of the beaches near Bird Island.

Some quick tips if you decide to visit:
1. If you’re a local, check the weather and wait for a sunny weekday to visit, preferably in the off season. If you do, the park will be fairly empty and parking is easy, except possibly near Sea Lion Point. A docent told us that on a sunny day in the summer, parking is full by 9 am, and the park is then closed to cars.
2. Entry is $10, $9 for seniors, plus $2 for the trail map (well worth it). You can get in for free by parking along Highway 1 and walking in.
3. Bring a picnic lunch. There are 3 picnic areas, 5 flush restrooms, and many drinking fountains, but no food for sale.
4. Bring binoculars for a close up look at the birds and marine mammals.
5. Bring a face mask or buff that you can pop on quickly when passing hikers on the trail. Mask usage here was very good.

If you’re sick and tired of being stuck at home, visit Point Lobos; it’s the perfect antidote.

Absolutely beautiful. Well worth a stop on a coast road trip! We saw lots of seals and the coastal bluffs are awe inspiring.

I’m a local but wow…Point Lobos is special and mind blowing every time. Every viewpoint is amazing. Great easy hike …about 6 miles but you can drive to different view points. Wonderful docents along the way to give you helpful tips and even let you use their binoculars. On this special visit, there was a partial eclipse and we witnessed the birth of a harbor seal! Blessed!

Great area, stunning views, a must see. The staff however at the park was kind of rude. But still worth a visit 1000%

Very fun place for family friendly hikes.

It’s not expensive to get in. Offers lots of trails, lots of great scenery. We got to see seals and otters. Lots of little beaches to explore.

Love all the trails - especially the one leaving from Whaler's Cove headed out to Coal Chute. There is a bench there where I sit. And sit. And sit. And meditate. And sit. And listen. And sit. And look. Pure bliss. Don't go there in April, 'cause that's when I go, to see the newborn pups. 11 months you can go. April is my time.

Where do they find such awful people to work here? Good nature barely compensated for awful rude behavior.

Amazing place to spend half day with family. Walk around the trail with multiple view points .
Get early as they have limited parking . This is a place , not to be missed .

This was an excellent park with brilliant short trails and views over the rugged coast. Cypress trail and the Bird island trails were particularly interesting. Definitely would recommend if visiting Monterey or driving through route 1 - it only costs 10USD per car and worth it even if you only go for a couple of hours.

Beautiful!!! Great way to see beautiful vistas and enjoy picnic areas and nice trails. No need to risk safety by stopping along highway 1 for photos. Worth the $10 entrance fee or else you can walk-in about a mile.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the crown jewel of california state parks. It got its name from early spanish explorer who saw sea wolves (lobos) in this area. It is not big, but every trail in the park is great.

The park entrance is by the side of the highway one. Parking in the Reserve is limited to 75 vehicles. Once the inside parking is full, the staff will put a "parking full" board at the entrance. Then you either wait at the entrance till some car comes out, or park along the road sides of the entrance and walk in (save you $10 entrance fee). Actually the outside parking is not far away from the gate, it is about 0.2 mile walk. If possible, arrive the park before 10AM, most likely you can get an inside parking slot without waiting at entrance.

There are no food service inside the park, be sure to bring your own food. Inside the park, there are many great places for picnic. The restrooms are cleaner, compared to other state beaches. Also be sure to bring a binocular, you need it to see the birds, sea lions, and whales.

There are many short trails in the parks, the Cypress Grove, Bird Island, and North Shore are most the beautiful ones. The China Cove and Gibson Beach are also very pretty.

There are reports that some visitors had their car window smashed and valuables stolen while parking on the roadside, do put all your valuables inside the car trunk.

Walked the entire loop around the park which was just over 5 miles and took us just over 2 hours which included lots of time to take in scenery and take photos. Fantastic!

Beautiful trails, easy walks with gorgeous views. The tiny whaling museum was a treat. Be prepared to park and walk!

What an absolutely gorgeous place!

The hiking was beautiful and we saw lots of nature, from birds, to crabs to even nursing seal pups. This is one of the most beautiful places in Monterrey Country and I'm glad I was able to visit it.

Come early though, parking can be hard after 9:30 or so. We got there at 9:30 and couldn't find a space inside the park and had to park on the the 1.

Spectacular views- one of the highlights of our trip to the Monterey Peninsula. Don’t miss this park! We arrived at about 1:30pm on a Friday and there were cars parked along the highway along with a Parking Lot Full sign. We decided to chance driving in to find parking because it was our last day on the peninsula and we were trying to get as much in as we could. The main hike we wanted to do was one of the farthest from the entrance at the highway, as well. We paid the very reasonable $10 day fee and an extra $2 for a park map and were on our way. At that time of day we knew some folks would be wrapping up their hikes and/or moving to another parking lot as there are several in the park. We headed for the lot between Headland and Cyprus coves (Sea Lion Point Parking area), lucked out, and found a spot in the otherwise full lot. Spaces were turning over, though. This strategy might not work first thing in the morning when everyone is arriving, but we would try it, again, if we were arriving later in the day. Given our limited time, we hiked the Cypress Grove Trail, a .8 mile, 30 minute loop that was recommended by a travel vlog. We were rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the coastline of our trip with many photo ops along the way. Hiking through the beautiful cypress grove —one of two remaining natural Monterey cypress groves on earth— on our way to the most breathtaking views of our trip made for incredible memories. If you have limited time in the park, make sure the Cypress Grove Trail is at the top of your list. We are so grateful that we made time for this stop and hope to explore much more of the park on a future trip.

This is a gorgeous California coastal hike. What a view from the trails as you walk through both coastal woods and seascapes. Seals are down on the beached and rocks below. An easy hike for people of all ages. Parking is limited. Arrive early. Many times you can find Preserve Volunteers on the trails with Binoculars or telescopes pointing out the wildlife. I try to make the hike every time I visit the Monterey Peninsula.

We were here Friday AM 8/14/20. You need to get there early ie before 9 AM for sure to get into the park and get a parking space. They block off the entrance from the highway once parking is full. There is limited parking available inside the park, There are a number of marked trails. We saw sea otters, seals , pelicans and crabs (in tidepools) on our walk that morning. It can be breezy as you are on the coast. There is a lot of poison oak along the edges of the trails so you need to be careful.
You can spend hours here if you want to explore leisurely . We left after 1 hour and the park entrance was already closed and people were parking along the main highway and walking into the park.

This is a beautiful part of the coast south of Carmel. Lots of bird activity at Bird Island to the south, caves and tunnels in the rocks near there as well as cypress trees to the North. Be aware that there is limited parking spaces in the park and during week-ends a lot of people end up parking along Hwy 1 and walk into the park.

It is simply one of the most beautiful state parks in California. Ocean, cliffs, birds. Absolutely gorgeous views. Great hikes of all different distances. Every corner you walk around is another beautiful picture. There are scenic coastal trails to the Granite point, Hidden Beach, China Cove, Bird Island, and Gibson Beach beautiful rock cliffs, white and yellow sand beaches, birds and seals.

Situated just North of the Big Sur, this outstanding nature reserve should be on anyone's Must Do list when travelling down or up the famous Route 1, in my view. At only $10 per car load, and with a generous car park near the most popular hiking routes by the sea, you can spend a good two or three hours walking by the sea, enjoying some great vistas and go crab searching in the rock pools when the tide is out. Although it was a foggy day, and we didn't see the whales or seals (although we did see many just down the road at San Simeon), we really enjoyed the Monterey cypress groves, which have grown there uninterrupted for thousands of years. A real treat!

Great trails! Loved hiking here.
So many trails all around the park. We focused on the trails at the back of the park and could hear all the sea lions! We even saw a whale spouting in the distance.

We always enjoy seeing the tide pools and we were lucky enough to have gone on a beautiful sunny November day.

I do not put 5 because we visited the reserve of Año Nuevo the day before and there is no photo. It is better organized and we see more animals. At point lobos the view is splendid but without binoculars you do not see the animals. Moreover, even during the week, in September, at 9am, it is very busy. Parking lots are filling up fast. It spoils the fun a little

I have become a family tour guide for SF's land end and Point Lobos. Whoever visits the area, should visit these 2 places I think.

I have been to the Monterey area several times and this past trip just barely learned about Point Lobos. It is absolutely incredible!! I can’t wait to go back! It’s gorgeous! The whole area is kept in its original state and is utterly remarkable!! Make sure you go on the cypress grove trail and the bird island, China grove trail! And it will be worth a stop by the whaling cabins to see and touch actual whale bones from whales that washed ashore. Bird Island will give you access to many cormorants and their nests with baby chicks! Go early in the morning to secure a parking spot! The trails are short and easily doable with small children. Take binoculars for an even better view of the wildlife and landscape!

Geology is amazing. Fantastic place to hike. Every type of hiking trail from simple virtually paved to simple but somewhat steep. Views are fantastic. Perfect place for a family picnic. Plenty of parking around the park. Good interpretive signs.

Before visiting Point lobos, be sure to read up on the geology. Point lobos is a combination of two types of geology. On the northern side it is granite that was born a couple of hundred miles to the South before drifting up to the north on the San Andreas fault. on top of the granite, and on the southern half of the peninsula is sandstone. Walking on this sandstone is walking on the bottom of a deep under sea canyon 55 million years ago. In this sandstone you can see intricate details of underwater landslides.

Gorgeous views wherever you look. Trails are well laid out and each offer their own unique wildlife, trees, ocean views and sounds. We went around 2pm during the week a few times during our visit with no crowds and minimal competition for viewing areas. We heard weekends are busy. Well worth the entrance fee.

Gorgeous trails and sceneries of the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, a must visit when you’re in the area!

You could spend an entire day getting lost in this beautiful park! We spent 5 days hiking around Carmel and Big Sur - and this was our favorite hike by far! Lots of different terrains and walking paths, and great parking!

This state reserve is simply stunning. Lots of hiking trails and the views are non-stop. Get there early because the parking lots fill up fast.

Amazing history and beautiful scenery!!! Lots of trails of various levels. Breathtaking scenery everywhere you look! Opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can spend as little or as much time here as you want (though I would give yourself lots of time!). Volunteers on hand to provide information on the floral and fauna as well as the history of the area. Be sure to stop at the whaling cabin! Be prepared for LOTS of pictures. We had water and snacks but decided to leave packs in the car as the parking lot was convenient to the trails and that worked out perfectly! I have bad knees and managed just fine on the trails without trekking poles.

An amazing natural area teeming with birds, flowers and awe inspiring views. We had a free morning so on the recommendation of our hotel, headed over to the park which is only about 15 minutes from Carmel.

After paying the $10 parking fee to drive in, we easily found parking in one of 4 small lots (park in the second one if you can). We arrived about 9 am on a foggy summer Friday so it wasn’t crazy busy as I’m sure happens. As there’s only one road-navigating by car is easy.

There are several beautiful and well-maintained hiking paths-most flat but there are some steps in places-but overall easy for most anyone. Our favorite paths were the sandstone path along the sea and the big cypress path that goes through a bit of woods. We spent about 3 hours there taking in the amazing array of colorful wildflowers clinging to rocky out croppings as well as trying to spot wildlife. Pelicans and cormorants were abundant and we say some basking harbor seals on a beach by the bird island path. Although we could hear them barking, the sea lions were obscured by the fog.

This is a must do for anyone interested in nature and scenic walks.

We went here in June on a weekday and got there shortly after it opened at 8am. They only allow 75 cars into the park at once and others can park on the side of the road to walk in, but even that parking is limited. If you have someone with fairly limited mobility, it is best to ensure you can get into the park to be able to see the highlights without having to walk as much. The walks themselves are pretty easy. We did the Sea Lion Point and Bird Island trails, both of which offer great animal viewing options. When we were on our way out a little after 10am, the preserve was closed to cars and all of the parking on the side of the road was also filled.

Point Lobos is a gem! Spectacular coastal views abound and the cypress trees make it special. Keep a sharp eye out for the wildlife, and bring binoculars. Entrance fee of $10 is a bargain. Day use only and depart by 5:00 PM. The virus and the decision to curtail most activities makes this a great option with minimum potential virus exposure. Thank goodness they haven’t closed the state parks. They’ve shut down almost everything else. Masks required.

We walked almost the entire park and the views are unbelievable! When you think you found a beautiful site, just walk another 100ft. It's amazing!

This place is not for those that do not hike. There were multiple trails. But being tired we didn’t want to have to hike to see whatever was there. I don’t mind parking and walking a bit to the site but I don’t want to hike. There was limited parking at any point. But this place was not very nice to me.

A must if in the area. We came in the morning when the parking lot was open. It fills up so if you do not get there first thing then you can park on the highway and. Entrance was $10 for parking was well worth it, all day. We started our morning and spent 2 1/2 hours, To see it again, we spent 3 1/2 more hours in the afternoon. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife is unbelievable.

Ever imagine how Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island would look? That’s Point Lobos! Give yourself at least 2-4hrs to explore.

It doesn’t get more stunning than these coastal views! The drive/stop is a CA must!! We can’t wait to come back to Carmel.

Our family had a blast on two short hikes in the park. We went at 3pm and enjoyed hiking the Cypress Grove Trail and Sea Lion Point trail. Both are easy, take about 20-30min to each. The Cypress Grove trail goes right along the cliffs and the kids loved it.

We loved the Cypress Grove Trail, which was easy! It had just rained and there was a beautiful rainbow and lots of wind at the far point. That wind made it a bit hard to get around the point nearest the water. However, that was where we got to photograph the best rainbow we'd ever seen.

Such a great spot, we followed a good trail around a large area and saw all sorts of wild life. Several different seals, sea otters, dolphins, a deer. There were some park guides at one spot who had telescopes we could look through too. Parking a little tricky but we were lucky and got a spot on the road pretty close to the entrance as the park itself was full.

I saw a local review call this the crown jewel of California state parks. And WOW was that correct. My wife and I went for a beautiful sunset walk. We walked the Cypress Grove trail and Bird Rock trail. Incredible views throughout, well worth the 10 dollar admission. This is a must visit for anyone in the area

Great way to spend an afternoon! Beautiful area, scenic views of the ocean. We probably hiked for 3-4 hours but there are enough trails to keep one busy at least for a full day if so inclined. The $10 for parking/admission was reasonable.

This state park was awesome; providing dramatic costal views; rock crashing waves; hiking options and an abundance of Harbor Seal activity during our mid-Feb visit for viewing pleasures. I was fortunate enough to see a migrating Gray Whale spouting from the very first parking area that we visited. Docent [a new term for me - voluntary guides] there were extremely knowledgeable and those encountered loved their “trade” and were eager to enlighten those interested.

A plus - we learned that a daily entrance fee to Ca’s parks is good within their park system for admittance THAT day so see a few if you can.

We visited Point Lobos on a blustery day in September. We enjoyed watching the pelicans and other birds flying overhead but the sea lions were on a rock out at sea too far away to see from the track, although we could hear them. Maybe we were just unlucky on the day we visited but if you want to see sea lions close up try the end of the boardwalk in Santa Cruz instead.

Many small trails, mostly easy to moderate. If you can, time it to go on a docent led hike. They are quite knowledgeable and offer interesting narrative. Bring water. There is no food options, and limited parking. Views are spectacular.

We drove down to Point Lobos with the intent of walking the Bird Island Trail, and it was absolutely one of the most beautiful walks we have done! From the first parking area, you must drive probably a good mile or two further to get to the parking area and the start of this trail. Most people tried to park at the first few lots, and they missed out on the best part of this area! It was not at all a difficult walk as the trail was fairly level, but the views of the water, the birds on the island nearby, and the rocks and other beauty along the way made this "hike" well worth our time. Parking was easy and I would have done the walk twice if we would have had the time!

August - Sat & Sun bot there about 7 - 7:30 a.m. and were able to park along the road, just a quick walk to the entrance. There were only a handful of cars when we arrived. But we we came back to the car around 10 - 10:30, WOW there must have been a hundred cars parked along the Hwy. Get there early!

Tons of trails w/ views that can't be beat. We didn't see any seals which surprised us. If you're in decent to good shape, most trails will be super easy. But if you're out of shape or elderly, there are few areas with steep rock pathways that may be challenging.

Definitely enjoy a hike here, it's worth the calming features after a nice bottle of wine. Keep this place beautiful.

Such a relaxing place to be this time of year I enjoyed every last second and I'll definitely be back soon

One of my favorite spots in the Monterey area. Birds, sea lions, otters, tide pools. Plenty of spots to explore. Gorgeous coast line.

I hiked the Point Lobos shoreline trails for most of the day - just beautiful! Rocky shoreline with many tidal pools and in other spots sand beaches. I saw a family of seals sunny on a rock and seals swimming just off the coast. I originally arrived at noon on a Saturday, and the lot was full, and cars were parked on Highway 1 for at least a mile or more in either direction, so I skipped that day. On Sunday, I arrived at 7:45 and got in as soon as the park opened. But the sites were well worth the effort.

Absolutely gorgeous- highly recommend- well maintained hiking trails with amazing vistas, parking and decent bathroom facilities. Ten per car entrance fee. We parked in the Whalers Cove parking lot and hiked the North Trail to the Crystal Cove Loop. I took a ton of pictures! We say lots of sea lions and a few sea otters. I will return to hike more of the preserve! Just amazing. Saw a group with a docent lead tour that looked good.

Point Lobos is a beautiful, wild and unspoilt place, just minutes from Monterey. You can admire the flora and fauna, and you will find above all what makes the charm of California, beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, big waves, spectacular coasts formed by erosion. There are picnic tables we landed there on the edge of the ocean on the other hand even at the end of the evening in August not very hot weather, the seagulls come to say hello to you according to your aperitif...Carmel was the town where Clint Eastwood was mayor, along the side all its most beautiful houses that others offer you a paradise for the eyes.

Point Lobos is an amazing state park with great views and some really easy trails for families. My kids had fun spotting sea lions, Harbor seals and Sea otters in their natural environment. We will be back again one day you can count on that!

Can’t beat the beautiful scenery. A variety of hikes Love the hike from whalers cove. Many hikes to choose from.

Gorgeous natural environment, interesting walk/talk with volunteer park ranger we just happened arrive at the Bird Watch area during that time.

Point Lobos has been called "The most beautiful meeting of land and sea," and it certainly must be included on any list. Take any trail and you will be amazed.

Point Lobos State Reserve is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoor beauty of the Nor-Cal Pacific Coast. I appreciate the care taken to preserve the natural habitat, and I always enjoy walking some of the many trails in the park, where you can see Monterey Pine & Cypress, lichen-covered tree branches, several species of sea birds, seals, and sea lions, and if lucky, deer and sea otters.

We visited Point Lobos and were not disappointed. Just stunning. The sea otters were too far out to photograph but we could see them with binoculars that were lent to us by one of the staff.

We are usually National Park hikers but this was a beauty and easy to navigate. Fortunately I printed out the map and information from the website ahead of time so I knew the limitations on parking and where the picnic areas were etc. We really appreciated the ranger with his camera phone on the tripod to see the otters, thank you.

Young and old alike will enjoy the short 1/2 mile loop around one of the granite points punctuated by gnarled cypress and Monterey Pine. Sighting of seals, otters, and dolphins are common. It is free to walk in so just park along the highway if the sign at the park entrance says "parking full".
Don't miss China Cove with its secluded pristine little beach.
A visit to the Monterey Peninsula is incomplete without seeing the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Lobos

Best local hike in our region. We love going multiple times each year. Walk-in and head west and you can't go wrong.

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this Reserve. Rangers and docents provided excellent service and were very informative. You can hike through forested areas or along the beautiful coastline. Enjoyed it so much the first day we returned the next day and saw totally different portions of the reserve. Docents are plentiful and provide really terrific information and a very personal touch. A MUST stop if you are anywhere near the area

Very easy, level hikes to some of the most wonderful scenery in the world. Even if the sign says the parking lot is full, give it a try - they let us in.

Very beautiful!! WOW. We hiked the loop trail and spurs and it was amazing. We ended up hiking 7 1/2 miles. You can drive to different parking areas and hike small trails but the small parking lots fill up early, so if you don’t mind taking a chance of no parking …… we got there early and parked at Cypress cove lot and did our loop hike. Took us about 3 1/2 - 4 hours. We were taking lots of pictures and not in any hurry! Then ate our picnic lunch which we had brought with us. What a gorgeous park. I knew it was pretty from the reviews and pictures but did not disappoint. I was sooo happy. Do not miss it. When we left at about 1:00, the sign was up “parking lots full,” and this was a Wednesday. Some people park on HWY 1 and walk in. So I recommend going early whether you just want to drive though or hike.

My family and I enjoy been at point lobos beach, we were able to enjoy, relax, walk and through the beach. My husband and I have very stressful jobs and sometimes we just need a place to relax and recharged. This is one of those places.

The vistas were all beautiful and relaxing. It was a sunny December morning and being from Indiana which has only flat fields of corn, to see hills, rocks, ocean ...it was amazing!

Magical views and walks at Point Lobos. Easy level hiking. Bring water, binoculars, sunscreen and small bills for $10 entry. Plan to spend 1 - 2 hours.

Even though I am not religious by nature, I can see why so many locals call PT. Lobos their church. It is spectacular anytime of the year. The wildlife is always changing with the seasons.

Spectacular spot. Brilliant views. Well marked trails all with relatively easy walking. Wheelchair access seemingly not possible. Big tip….get there early…..or late. Parking lots fill up relatively quickly in the middle of the day.

I visited Camel-by-the-sea, and I wanted to explore some place we've ever been to. Then I found Point Lobos on the Google map which was a huge park. I would say this park looks as if we go back to the 50million years ago. I enjoyed nature and wildlife, especially big birds and sea lion.

This is a must-see if you’d like to enjoy beautiful views. We did the Cypress Grove Trail which id less than a mile and very easy. It’s a dirt trail so it would be difficult for wheelchairs but potentially ok for jogging-type strollers, although you wouldn’t be able to do the entire loop (you’d have to go to one scenic alcove then come back..but could be worthwhile). The views are just STUNNING. We are so happy we came!

Beautiful park that has everything this coast can offer all in one place. A must if you don’t have a lot or time. Definitely see the tidal pools on the west shore.

The Point Lobos State Park is a beautiful ocean front with several trails for easy hiking. You no longer can get to the edge because the State Park has redone the trails. Often, you can see sea otters, and sea lions. There is a docent who can help answer your questions and sells maps and other items. You can borrow binoculars from the docent hut at no charge.

We stopped by to check out bird island. It was Saturday and at 9 am parking was getting challenging. We like the accessible walk. There is much else to enjoy in the park. You can be a picnic and take advantage of the tables and views.
Nice place for kids.

Nice trails with high overviews. Cool little whale museum staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. Lots of photo ops.

How have I never visited here before? We love outdoor adventures and exploration, this hits perfect on all accounts. The $10 entry is a steal. Parking was simple, we entered a little after 4pm, it was a perfect end to the day after a visit to the Aquarium. The views are unmatched, the ability to explore the tide pools made our visit, being able to see the crabs and other marine life in person in the wild made my son's day (year). We also saw wild bunnies, and an otter swimming in the lagoon.

Point Lobos situated nearby Carmel in the central coast of California and it is one of the tourist attraction spot.

Worth your time and the fee. Bring your camera. Lots of photo ops. Was way overdue for another visit; it had been years. So happy I went. Parts got pretty precarious for me though, so I had to turn back a couple of times. But that's OK; scenery a bit different on the way back.

This might be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’ve hiked in Hawaii and didn’t experience beauty like this. At one point along our hike we found a gorgeous beach covered in sea lions sunbathing in the sand. It was unreal!
They don’t let you make reservations ahead of time but coming from Texas central time I was running 2 hours early for everything in Cali so my husband and I arrived around 9 am on a Wednesday. There was plenty of parking and we were able to drive to each trail and park in multiple lots over the course of our visit. Another perk of going early was that we didn’t see very many people so it was especially peaceful and allowed for amazing photos.
It was a lot of walking but overall the trails were easy. I’d say most of it would be fine for beginners. However, there was a ton of poison oak right along the trail which would be very easy to brush against so be careful.
When we left around noon there was a huge line of cars to get in and the parking lot was completely full and closed. So, tons of cars were parked along the highway. Parking along the highway seems like a terrible idea because not only is that dangerous but you’re also having to walk MILES to get to any of the sights or trails. With that said, go extra early on a weekday to get good parking!

Every time we visit the Monterey peninsula we take a day trip to Point Lobos. The coastal trails are great and you could spend all day hiking its trails. This time we took the Bird Island trail. Saw harbor seals lying on the beach. Parking in side the park fills quickly on the weekends. So get her early in the morning, otherwise you may need to park on the roadside outside the park. Parking is generally available late afternoon as well.

Park outside on the road to save your money. Walk in past the gate and make immediate turn onto South Hiking Trail! you go through exhotic forrests, then suddenly come out at places with white/white sand, turquoise ocean, and the best caves in the water!!

Definitely the top place to see in Carmel. Beautiful ocean views. Short hikes very doable with kids available. Just be careful of poison ivy. $10/car entrance fee. $9/car if with seniors.

This was the highlight of our California vacation and our favorite hike ever. Go in the morning to ensure a parking spot, and to experience the trails without too many crowds.

We hiked the Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, South Shore, and Bird Island trails, which was about 4.5-5 miles, and took about 3-3.5 hours. I recommend this combination of hikes for scenic, oceanside views and some wildlife spotting. It was somewhat confusing to us about what exactly to hike and how long it would take, so I hope this is a good recommendation for future visitors.

We were here on a lovely Autumn day. Absolutely one of the most enjoyable walks we've enjoyed in a long time. We probably walked about 6 miles mostly along the incredible coastline. While there weren't a lot of otters to be seen we saw more Pelicans than we'd ever seen. Lots of different species of birds in the forest and also lots of seabirds and marine mammals. This is a gem of a California State Park that is well manned by knowledgeable volunteers full of information for those in need. We can't wait to go back!

Dramatic shoreline, easy to slightly challenging hiking within rugged natural park. Meadows and small hills, picnic tables scattered and vista view benches. Historical whalers cove exhibit is worth a visit. Several early movies were filmed here back in the heyday, including silent films. A thriving abalone industry, fished to beat extinction. Pt Lobos is a favorite for photographers and painters. Ansel Adams photographed the unique rocks.

NOTICE…The five year rule is in effect as it has has been five years or more since we last reviewed Point Lobos State Park. We arrived at the park shortly after 9:00 a.m. and already the parking lot was full and we were parking on the street (no need for concern, this happens often and there are usually cars parked on the side of the road in both directions for up to 1/3 of a mile as this is quite the popular park). The way we look at is this simply add more to our hike! Once in the park we headed directly for the Sea Lion Point Trail, an easy 3/4 hike out to view the sea lions and sea otters. Sea lions are there on the rocks almost all the time and this visit we lucked out as there were two sea otters frolicking in the waves too! There are almost always park volunteers close by with their scopes set up allowing you to really feel close to the action and you can get a great view and ask any questions and even feel samples of the sea lion and sea otter furs.

After spending some time in this area we hiked around a little more and then headed back to the car (we had a longer hike planned for another park later in the day). There are two bathrooms as you enter and exit the park so make sure to stop by as needed! All in all we had another great day at Point Lobos State Park!

Awesome time- saw a view of humpback whales , sea otters and great views of the ocean - such a great sunny day and nice hikes!

Beautifully maintained trail system thru forests and stunning coastline. We saw seals, otters, deer and various ocean birds nesting on bird rock.

Parking fills up by 10. Many shorter trails to choose from if you don’t want to do the whole loop.

This is a must do when in Carmel. The trails are beautiful and serene. Take your camera along as the opportunity for great shots abound in a multitude of places.

This pristine Carmel Highlands section of coast is spectacular. If you want to park inside, go early at weekends. Don’t park on the East side of Hwy 1, you’ll be ticketed. Don’t take your dog. The rest of Carmel is super dog friendly but not Point Lobos, that’s for the deer, rabbits, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats. Do not miss China Cove.

Point Lobos offered trails, beaches, tide pools, great photo ops, and wildlife. We had to park along side of the highway due to full parking lots and walk 1/4 a mile to the entrance. Did not bother us. We were there to explore! We loved Gibson Beach. We practically had the beach to ourselves and what a gorgeous view!! We walked most of the other trails and explored the beaches. Definitely a great way for a new visitor to the area to get a one-stop intro to the area!

One of the most beautiful places on Earth! Ocean, cliffs, birds. Absolutely gorgeous views! Cypress Grove Trail with red moss looks like Tim Burton's movie set. If you are lucky as we are, you can even see migrating whales.

It is a place to see dramatic views in California. The Sea Lion trail takes you to the point where you can watch sea lions and maybe a seal in the distance. You really need binoculars to see the animals but you can definitely hear them. Cypress Grove and North Shore trails are also very beautiful (take a lot of pictures) and not difficult. We watched pelicans and met a deer.
Allow 3 to 4 hours.

This is crown jewel of the California state park system. I can see why. There are awesome views from the perimeter trails. My wife and I went as a day hike from Carmel. It costs $10 per car. We spent 4 hours in the park. We hiked just over 6 miles. Some trails are moderate to hard and others are fairly easy like the Cypress Grove trail. But they are ALL trails. Very little boardwalk, sidewalk or paved trail. I recommend starting early, by 10 am. Unless you want to try to see the sunset. The park closes at 7 pm and you can’t get in after 630 pm. I recommend a pack. Dress in layers depending on the weather. Running shoes are fine but no flip flops. I also recommend bringing water bottles and pack a lunch. There are several designated picnic areas. You can hike a much or little as you like. I simply parked at the old whaling station and we hiked the perimeter with several side excursions and multiple photos stops. You could do several stops at the various parking lots and take photos and move along. I highly recommend this state park if you are in the area.

Amazing tidepools, hiking, otter watching. The little museum at whalers cove is quite interesting. Nice place for a picnic.

Great hiking and nature viewing throughout the day hike. Easy to also bike throught the area if needed.

Fantastic state park with excellent trails, coastal views, wildlife.
we talked to some scuba divers who said it is the best spot in california to dive.

Beautiful scenery and i recommend

My husband and I decided to try something different in Carmel since we have been there several times.

The hike was beautiful and just the right length around the area.

A large park by the sea with lush flora and fauna. It is possible to walk the demarcated trail on the slope enjoying the beautiful rocky views.

Returning after 18yrs, was very quiet, now very busy. Did see some sea otters a long way off, paths a bit further from the sea. A great place, stunning scenery.

Point Lobos is a must see on any visit anywhere near the Monterey peninsula. We've been several different times during different times of the year, and it's always a great place to visit with nice hikes, views, and wildlife. Enjoy!

We enjoyed every minute hiking the trails and touring the whaler's cottage. What a gorgeous location. I took a million pictures. We saw lots of deer, a bunny, and seals. The trails are not overly challenging or steep. The views are just stunning.

Best hike I’ve ever done! Through the forest and out to the ocean. Even saw seals along the way! Bird island is a must see!

Really pretty on a clear day. You can spend the whole day here. Parking is hard; so be prepared to walk by parking outside. The landscape is absolutely stunning.

Always wanted to come to this park but for some reason never did before for all the years I'd been coming to this area. So this time I made sure that I'd go regardless of the weather - it rained on and off and was very windy that day but I was glad I didn't give up on it. It's clearly a very if not most popular park as when we arrived just before noon on a weekday there was already a sign saying the parking lots were full. The upside of that was we discovered that you could park along the road on both sides of the park entrance for free (the $10 entry fee only applies to cars and not walk-ins). The downside of course is you might have to walk a bit more depending on how far from the entrance you are able to find a spot and to all the view points inside the park. This won't be a problem if you come here to hike anyway and are not with people who have to be driven around. In which case it seems that you can still drive in just won't be guaranteed a parking spot (while we were inside it looked like a few spots do open up as people tend to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint and not just park in one place forever).

The reserve is not that big, trails distances are very manageable, and the scenery is spectacular. We spent a couple of hours starting along the North Shore Trail, to Alan Memorial Grove, Sea Lion Point, and returned via the inland Lace Lichen Trail - covering the upper half of the park. If you have all day and lots of energy you can probably cover the whole place in one day but it's better if you have more time and do this at a more relaxed pace - you'd want to have time to take in the views, scrambling on the rocks on the beaches, and looking for sea lions (we didn't see many as it was too windy and cold - they are more likely to be out and about when it's sunny and warm). Next time I'm in the area I'll definitely come back and check out the lower half of this amazing reserve.

Absolutely the best hike I've ever done. Not the most difficult, I would say it is a moderate level. Beautiful views from every vantage point, and lots of wildlife spottings.

Any level of fitness can visit Point Lobos. It is a beautiful and easy walk you can do as much as 6 miles or a shorter distance. Inside the park costa $10 or you can park outside the park and walk in. It is definitely worth the visit.

Obviously essential, has 2 steps of de carmel.
On foot only there are plenty of vzlade ke along the ocean.
Absolute beauty

This is a must stop for scenic views similar to Big Sur. We saw better views here than the 17 Mile Drive. At the far south parking lot, we saw three seals and a few sea otters at 8:30am in the cove. We also saw sea otters in the middle of the park along the shore.

We read reviews to arrive by 9am or the parking lot would be full. In our experience, the parking lot didn’t fill until 10-10:30am (because we drove around and parked in different areas for views) and that was on the Friday of Labor Day weekend.

This is a must-do trip for views!!! Even with some fog, we saw a lot.

Loved all the hikes we went on! We got there a little before 11am and found parking at all the trail heads we visited. We took the advice of another reviewer and bought the $2 map at the entrance of the park. It was so useful! It helped us decide the hikes we wanted to go on, along with giving important information about trail lengths, restrooms, etc. The views from the trails were beautiful!

I got to the park entrance just as it opened and joined a long line to drive in (I wasn't aware that I could've parked nearby and walked in), but the wait was worth it. The views from the cliff-top hiking trail are stupendous and I was thrilled to hear seals barking from a nearby rocky island. A lovely experience overall.

Fantastic to walk around the rugged coastline south of Carmel, and to see the Pacific in its usual agitated form. A nice 2k coastal walk (4K there and back) very leisurely and some great spots for photos. A number of ceases were closed due to the waves today, but it was thoroughly enjoyable

This is our third visit to Point Lobos, the last time 25 years ago! It is still beautiful! The views of the coastline are amazing and the trails are easily maneuvered. Very family friendly. It was quite crowded when we were there, lots of children off from school and it is a very easy hike for them. It was quite windy with high surf so several of the trails to the beaches and tidal pools were roped off and there is some conservation work being done, but none of that disrupted the natural beauty of California's gorgeous coastline. You will see sea lions and otters, hawks and sea birds. It should not be missed.

its beautiful, relaxing, easy trails for a beautiful walk or the novice or someone with ADA needs. Some more challenging trails for other folks looking for a beautiful workout. There are some educational experiences for older kids I would say 10 and above really. Lots of sea life to see too. Seals on the beach and some cute otters in the ocean floating. I have loved the simple trails and beauty this place has. Go early for parking and stay the day and picnic. There is no food sold there so bring your own.

Good place to visit any time of the year. We went with small groups, children, teenagers, and senior citizens. It is appropriate and suitable for any age group. Lots to see and many sea animals to enjoy at a close distance.

What a great day to see the beauty of nature. There are so many highlights to see while visiting Point Lobos.

This park is one of our favorite places we went on our trip to Northern California! Finding parking was a bit of a challenge, it was crowded and the weather was perfect for hiking, but we are so glad we stuck around and explored the park! We were able to see sea otters feeding on crabs in the surf and sea lions sun bathing on rocks. The hikes were beautiful and not too strenuous. We highly recommend stopping by this park while you are in the area!

Great Park but honestly every park in the area is great. Some wonderful views from this park but does get very crowded and parking is limited. We loved Whales Cove Trail the best. Great rocky scenery, lots of seals in the area, and up and down terrain. Cute area where you can go and see and play on whale bones. Overall cute park if you have the time.

What a wonderful morning spent hiking the trails and taking in the views! Definitely worth a visit. Note: parking fills quickly, but side of the road is available. They do allow more cars in as cars leave. Just be prepared to be a pedestrian throughout the park.

A beautiful hike along the coast. Lots of photo ops and we even saw sea otters. Parking was a challenge.

Wow! What a wonderful way to spend a day. Every where you look is God's beautiful creation. The flowers were blooming, the baby seals were swimming, the birds were nesting and the hiking trails gave you a front row seat to see all of the beauty of the ocean. This was our first visit to the park and we LOVED it. The trails are well maintained which makes it easy to maneuver. Everyone wore masks and kept their social distance. I would highly recommend trying to visit this location on a weekday. I understand the weekends are very busy and they have limited parking so arrive early. It cost $10 a carload ($9 Seniors) to get into the park. If you are feeling energetic you can park your car outside the entrance (limited spaces) and walk in for free. It is about a 2 to 3 mile walk to the beach from the entrance. They have several volunteers to answer any of your questions.

got to visit again after a long while...still spectacular...beautiful views and lots of birds and other sea life to see...try to arrive early as it does get very busy as the day goes by...highly recommended to stop by if you are in the rea

Unbelievably beautiful and so accessible for any level fitness. We loved it and took a ton of pictures. Highly recommend.

This was my second time visiting Point Lobos. I had great memories of this place - easy to get to, parking on the side of route 1 and walk in or drive in and pay if you want, a mixture of paved and unpaved trails and then so many scenic views all within a 3 hr hike so this time I took family from out of town and we went on a week day at the end of October. The ease of access and scenic views were as I remembered but the added surprise was that there were not a lot of people around and the weather was beautiful so we spent most of our time at Gibson beach on the south side of the park and the kids loved it. We were not expecting a warm beach all to ourselves but it was the highlight of their visit

Get here early! Very limited parking. We came by after noon and the lots were full / access was blocked off. We came the next morning at opening, and by the time we left (2 hrs later), it was closed again! Plenty of trails, long and short. The tide pooling at Weston Beach was the best we had all trip. Great for small kids, but bring water shoes or sandals for the tide pools.

Not possible to rate below 5, unless you stayed inside your car in the parking lot. Go early and pay $10. If full, you will have a long walk quite a distance from the road and still pay to enter. Wherever you park, make sure you walk, hike to both north and south ends, as they are very different in a stunning way. Nice restroom facilities plus some guided walks. Every major overlook has a few volunteers with binoculars and excellent knowledge. New Brad Pitt, $40m home can be seen near the south end.

Stunning park with many unique trails, coastal views and tidepools! We thoroughly enjoyed hiking around and taking the scenes. A nominal fee to get in and park or there is street parking. The lot does fill up. We loved seeing birds, seals, and also the scuba divers. We hiked over 12 miles during the day going back and forth. Greats top on the coast! Bathrooms were clean and well maintained and everything had signs! We will definitely revisit this park.

The visit was not good and my family was not satisfied. Hope to find better place for the next time. for this time we were unlucky

Incredible views, accesible hiking, easy to see and enjoy wildlife. We hiked the entire 6 mile loop around the shoreline and enjoyed one breathtaking view after another. So much to appreciate!

My husband and I, along with our 3 kids, ages 10-13, visited the park on a Tuesday in July, around mid-afternoon. You can drive in and park for $9 or $10 (recommend) or walk in for free by parking along the main road leading up to the entrance. This was our last full day in CA and we did not have much time to spend here, however, we were able to do the following in about 2 hours: Sea Lion Point Trail (1st parking lot), part of the Cypress Tree Trail (same lot), then proceeded to Weston Beach, where you again can park right in front, and finally, part of the China Cove/Bird Trail. Part of what was so great and made this so ideal for families with kids is that we could do all of that in a short period of time and still pause here and there to take it all in. Out of almost everything we did on our CA vacation, exploring Weston Beach appeared to make all 3 kids the happiest. Once again, it is the simple things.

The kids loved finding different kelp they saw earlier at MB Aquarium, hermit crabs crawling in their hand under the water in the tide pools, pretty rocks, turning a log into a boat, where the passengers were snails....creativity and kid innocence abounds! As parents we thought it was interesting as well and were happy to see them happy. Our only gripe was how dreary, cold, and windy it was. I'd advise pants and a hoodie and sturdy shoes...no sandals for slippery rocks. I had on pants, a short sleeve shirt, and hoodie and was still a bit cold and i don't get cold easily. They clearly had way more fun here than at the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we spent way more money and just had a more stressful vs fun and freeing type of experience. Seeing things in their natural habitats is almost always more my thing and Point Lobos very much fit that bill.

We've seen sea lions up close in CA before, but it was still fun to hear their noisy barking and see them on the Sea Lion Point Trail. We even got to see them jumping through the water like dolphins. There are otters here too, but we didn't see them. Also there is an informational stand in this parking lot where you can read a bit and touch animal skins and skeletons. We were running out of time so we chose to only do part of the Cypress trail before moving on to Weston and China Cove. The trees we did see were very cool and pretty. Beware of poison oak here--another good reason to wear pants and a tip I read by another helpful travel review.

We walked just far enough to see the beautiful blue-green water of China Cove on the Bird Trail before having to head out. Apparently, there were more sea lions even closer if you went further, but we didn't have time to continue.

This park is truly fantastic for all ages and on some trails, varying abilities (i.e., China Cove had a ADA path for those who might need assistance). The only place I wished I had my hiking boots vs sneakers was Weston Beach as it was pretty much all rocks. I was just tired of wearing them from our more significant hiking in the days before so went without them and felt a bit unstable on the rocks with a bad foot and ankle. Kids ran over them like it was nothing though---the glory of youth, yes? Otherwise, the paths were super easy. I'd consider the paths more like walking, nature trails vs. significant hiking trails. My non hiking kid however said these "hikes" were just right...lol! After 2 days of hiking in nat'l parks, our feet probably couldn't take on much more so for little legs and/or tired legs, this park is so great in being able to drive to the trail you want to see, walk a short bit and see amazing things, then, drive to the next if you don't want to walk the whole thing. Very kid and parent friendly! China Cove/Bird Trail parking area even have picnic tables.

Aside from wearing the proper clothes and shoes and making sure if you want to park at different spots pay attention to advice on days and times you can more likely get parking, is use caution with kids as there are a few steep drop off areas, but not quite like some mountain hiking. These areas are mostly fenced/with rails.

I'm just in awe of how affordable and even free (if you opt to walk in) this place with such beautiful and varying experiences/views this park has, in such short and easy distances from one another --a true find! Very chilly/windy, but very positive experience!

A must do hike when visiting Monterey/Carmel. Absolutely breathtaking views from each trail, overlooking the ocean and amazing scenery. Perfect spot for being in one with nature, mediating and taking it all in. A $10 fee to enter the park was well worth it.

rented e-bike from Big Sur Adventures. Best way to see the park and access all the walks! Pelicans flock overhead and bath in the quiet pools at China Beach. Sea Lions. Otters. it has it all.

Between the scenery, the sounds of the waves crashing, the birds, the seals, the docents, and the facilities, this was a memorable visit.

Point Lobos is the first stop when heading from Carmel to Big Sur and it's probably the best of the State Parks. There are several beautiful hikes that let you take in the incredible views. Make sure to save your parking pass. It's valid at all the other state parks on the same day.

Wonderful state park with lots of choices for walks and interests. The volunteer ranger was super helpful and loaned binoculars so we could see the sealions. Gorgeous paths ...

Best California State Park with beautiful coastline views, beautiful coves(China Cove etc.), Gibson Beach, and viewings of Seals, Otters and Sea Lions(Sea Lion Point Trail, China Cove in Bird Island Trail etc.).
The best trails are Bird Island Trail, South Shore Trail, Sea Lion Point Trail, Cypress Grove Trail, North Shore Trail and Granite Point Trail.
Already visited 4 times in 2021.

AMAZING!!! Favorite part of our trip to the Carmel / Monterey area. Arrive early as the parking does fill up. So many beautiful spots - my favorites were China Cove and the Cypress trail. There were Mama and baby seals playing in China Cove which was a great surprise!

There are many short, scenic walks throughout Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. I took a little stroll through the Cypress Grove, which had stunning views of the rocky shore. It wasn't too crowded when I arrived, but there were a line of cars trying to get in by mid-morning when I left. Parking is a bit limited inside the reserve, but many people parked on the side of Hwy 1 and walked in, so that is another option.

While searching for place to see at Big Sur, I almost missed the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Good that I had stopped at the Monterey Visitor Centre. I went there and realized I didn't have to do the 17-mile drive if time was tight. You can hear and smell the sea seals if luck is not there for you to see them. Breathtaking views.

In between, I didn't know but instead pay for its admission. The fee to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park covers entrances to Point Lobos and Pfeiffer Bug Sur.SP.

Always a treat! Great place to walk and see the ocean. Bring binoculars and wear long pants. It has lots of poison oak. We know all the places to see otters and sea lions. Parking can get tricky so it's best to go on a weekday.

There are numerous trails to walk at Point Lobos (including one, far to the north, that leads to a protected cove where scuba divers like to enter the marine preserve). We walked a little way on Bird Rock Trail, but unfortunately had to abandon that trail because I was using a cane at the time. However, we were able to walk the full length of Carmello Meadow Trail to Whalers' Cove. The trail is lined with coastal daisies, wild iris, ice plant, oppies, and stands of Monterey Pine. From Whalers' Cove it's a short walk up Granite Point Trail to Coal Chute Loop, which affords impressive views of a small cove with a sea cave on the far side. Everywhere there are views over cliff edges and out across Monterey Bay, which was pretty wild and choppy the day we were there. We called many of the trees we saw Fairy Trees, as they were draped with a gossamer something that resembled Spanish Moss. A ranger later told us it was Lacey Lichen. Well-informed rangers are readily available at the trail heads, and happy to talk about the park.
This is a beautiful spot, and we could easily have walked several other trails had we had the time. But we'll certainly be back to the area, and pick up where we left off.

All I can day is GO! What a beautiful piece of land situated on the ocean. Free to enter and will leave you with beautiful scenery. Variety of walking/hiking paths that can fit most fitness abilities. The informational boards provide accurate information to make a decision on what area to explore. This is nature at it's best. Be respectful and breath in deeply.

Loved my day spent exploring!

be sure to arrive at 8:00 AM when it opens, later on the parking lots are often full. Also it’s wise to try to go on a weekday. Fantastic beautiful scenery and views. And watch out for poison oak, in leaflets of three, often red tinged

This was a must stop! We thoroughly enjoyed walking the Cedar Grove Trail. We had to park on the road north of the park because the parking lot was closed due to Covid-19. It took about 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the Cedar Grove trailhead. The trail loops around Point Lobos and provides excellent views of the ocean and across the bay to Pebble Beach.

The VIEWS!!! Oh so beautiful!!! You can take an easy walk across Cycamore grove and see the most beautiful vistas ! You will see frolicking otters , napping sea lions and birds - of so many kind! It is a spectacular place!

This is the place where you need a full day to see all beautifull landscape there. There are some hinking but you find some restrooms, a coffeeshop and a lot of park space.

Great park, excellent hiking trails and ocean views. Well worth a visit. I highly recommend the Point Lobos Loop Trail.

The scenery is incredible! You are literally walking along some of the prettiest ocean in the world.

Visited on a Friday morning, hoping to beat the crowds. The parking lot was filled, so we had to park down the road outside the entrance along with many others. Very helpful volunteers steered us to areas of special note. We probably hiked 5-6 miles overall, and was lot of shore birds, seals and sea lions, and dolphins in the distance. Great place if you're into the outdoors.

We got there very early in the morning and luckily there’s more parking spot in the highway that’s not too far from the entrance.
The trail’s not bad, pretty easy actually.
Worth the hike! Water’s so clear and so gorgeous, reminded me of waters in Maldives, St. Kitts and Bahamas.
Would’ve been nice if we got closer to the water but it’s all blocked off for tourist.
So just enjoy the view!!! :)

What a great place to see the natural environment of the Carmel Valley and all of the local wildlife. We actually spotted peregrine falcons in the tree nearby. It’s a great place for birdwatching.

If you hike in or bike in the cost is free. This is a beautiful place to see deer, and sea animals. Very well manicured trails for the non-adventurous and more adventurous. There is easy walking trails and some that involve hills, but many areas have steps. Good for all ages, strollers, and wheel chairs.

We have travelled here many times over the years and are never disappointed . The views are gorgeous no matter where you look

Point Lobos is just gorgeous, with many well-maintained hiking trails. It does get very crowded, it can help to go early in the morning and mid-week rather than during the weekend. There are several parking lots inside, but none of them are large and they do fill up quickly. Many people park outside and walk in.

For a convenient and super-scenic trip to the Central Coast, stop at Point Lobos State Park, about 3 miles south of Carmel, CA. Great spots to see all kinds of birds, probably see the local otter community, visit the Whaling Station (from the 1880s) and hike the trails. Point Lobos Park extends perhaps 2 miles alongside Highway 1 with many beautiful spots. Word has it that Point Lobos Park may be the most-visited state park (not a national park) in California. So, watch out for traffic but if parking inside the park is full, you can usually park near the entrance along Highway 1 and hike in. BEAUTIFUL!