A crown jewel indeed. Point Lobos is absolutely breathtaking. The pristine rugged seascape here is brimming with life. A small park from a hiking trail mileage perspective – about 6 miles total – this park delivers big with stunning, spectacular vistas. Here, you’ll encounter plant communities, archeological sites, geological formations, and the incredibly rich flora and fauna of the jagged landscape and rolling surf. There’s also a whaling museum on site.
This is an absolute must do if you’re in the area. The trails are all quite accessible and you don’t have to go far to feel like you in the midst of the coastal wild. If you’re like me, you won’t want to leave. It’s a mesmerizing, magical place. (It’s like California before man.) We are so fortunate to have this area preserved. So grateful to the Point Lobos Foundation for protecting this natural wonder and national treasure. A great destination for nature lovers, painters, photographers, poets and all artists and pantheists alike. (The foundation actually puts on a poetry walk / Haiku hike- how cool is that???!)
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddling
Given that Point Lobos State Marine Reserve is one of California’s richest marine habitats, it is a scuba diver’s, snorkeler’s, kayaker’s, stand-up paddler’s paradise with 70 foot kelp forests brimming with lingcod, rockfish, harbor seals and sea otters.
Diving is allowed only at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. Reservations are recommended for the weekdays and are a must for weekends and holidays.
Stand-up-paddle and kayaking are also allowed in the Reserve. (There’s a $10 fee to launch from Whaler’s Cove. You can also launch from Monastery Beach, 1/4 mile north of the park.) This would be an exceptional way to explore the captivating coves and coastal. Surprised I didn’t see anyone kayaking or stand-up paddling here; it was a perfect day with glassy calm water. Next time, I’m going for a SUP tour of my own. And yes, there will be a next time, because once you visited, all you can think about is going back.
Notes:
Poison oak flourishes here and is everywhere. While the park does its best to keep the trails clear and rope off areas, they can’t keep up with the robust growth. Pants and long sleeves are recommended. Keep an eye on young children with wandering hands…
No pets allowed in the reserve or left in parked cars.
Keep a minimum 50 feet away from marine mammals.
Dangerous conditions, including rip currents occur – be ocean-wise and safe.
Hours: 8AM-7PM
Address: 62 California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Fees: You can park and enter for free via Coast Highway (their small parking lot is often full), otherwise it’s $10 to park, $5 for Seniors & Disabled.
On the Loose Live 