I love it when I find something that never ceases to fascinate me.
I’ve sung the praises of California’s central coast enough for you to know that this is one of my absolute favorite parts of the world. Nothing can parallel its crashing waves, myriad shades of blue, or the fact that it’s all very accessible to intense hikers and slow wanderers alike.
The first time I visited Point Lobos was not so long ago. It’s a popular stop for visitors to the area, so I’ve often skipped over for fear of having a hard time parking.
However, the first time we went in, I realized that skipping over this place was a huge mistake I never want anyone else to make. Point Lobos is no Yellowstone– and it’s much smaller than Big Sur– but certainly is a gem in its own right. The oceanside reserve is home to seals, whales, and all kinds of wildlife; there’s tons of hiking trails and places to enjoy a quick picnic or quiet moments by the waves.
If you’re heading to Monterey, Carmel, or Pebble Beach, California, then Point Lobos is a stop you won’t want to miss.
How to get there
Point Lobos State Reserve is just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea on the scenic Highway 1. You’ll have to pull into the entrance to the reserve and pay about $10 to enter and park.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be given a map of the place. It is not difficult to follow the road that loops around the entire peninsula. Along the road there are small parking lots to leave your car and walk around. You might want to go early in the morning in order to secure a spot at each stop.
If you would like to take a look at a map of Point Lobos, you can find one here.
Stop #1: Whaler’s Cove
This first spot has stunning rocks that rise out of the placid waters inside a small cove. You might be able to see otters playing in the bull kelp as seagulls soar high above.
Climb up the steep incline to a vista point that offers unparalleled views.
Stop #2: Sand Hill Cove
If you don’t have time to wander around the park on foot, then drive over to Sand Hill Cove, where you’ll find tons of crystal-clear tide pools at low tide. We spotted sea urchins, crabs, and even fish in these pools– and then we saw a huge whale off in the distance. With any luck, summer visitors will see pods of whales playing not far from the shore!
Stop #3: China Cove
This is by far the best stop that you can drive to. Make your way to China Cove to see the gorgeous blue-green beach down below. Unfortunately you can’t go down to the beach anymore because of erosion, but you can sometimes spot seals sunning themselves there.
Next, continue on the trail toward Gibson Beach: it’s a lesser-known white-sand beach that is perfect for a picnic. Once you’ve marveled at Gibson, follow the trail along the coast towards Bird Rock. The real sight here is not Bird Rock, but a gorgeous natural arch in the ocean to the left as you head towards the rock. Follow the loop the trail makes and you’ll see the arch, unassuming and photogenic.
Read more about Point Lobos on its official foundation website.
What do you think? Isn’t Point Lobos something else?
[Tweet “Travel to crystal blue waters and deep cliffs of California this #traveltuesday with @daisylinshih!”]
Oh you should definitely see Point Lobos! I need to check out Sea Cliffs in San Diego! Do you have a blog post on it? 🙂
Oh Anna you should definitely revisit! It’s worth coming back for these spots. Still, PCH in general is stunning so I’m sure you got some amazing views.
It is beautiful, Van! I think you’d love the California coast!
Whaler’s cove seems stunning! Really need to visit California one day!!
I remember seeing Point Lobos on the map while driving along PCH earlier this year! We were pressed for time so we didn’t stop (heck we also missed the 17 mile drive)! I loved California’s coast and I’d live to revisit one day…it is so beautiful!
I will add Point Lobas to my California Road Trip list. I am working on checking off hot spots in California. Last week, I visited the Sea Cliffs in San Diego. Thanks for the great tips and inspiring photographs.
Yes, the natural beauty is overwhelming here! Thank you for stopping by, Marcella!
Oh wow, so much natural beauty! The colour of the water is oh so pretty – the bluest of the blue 🙂
Thank you Monica! And it absolutely is therapy– I’m calmed even just looking at the photos and jogging my memory.
Yeah! Next time you go you should definitely drive to the other spots. Whaler’s Cove is really great, and there is SO much more to see!
Thank you Jessica! I hope you do come out here to California sometime! 🙂
Beautiful photos! That California coast is just so stunning and like good therapy for the soul 🙂
I definitely plan to! We never made it to Big Sur and such.
I love Point Lobos. I liked it way more than the 17-Mile Drive. I didn’t know it was going to be so stunning, so, the day we visited we only walked around Whaler’s Cove (since we weren’t prepared with water or snacks). I want to return and walk the entire path surrounding the peninsula.
Oh my goodness!! Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! Sooo gorgeous. I’ve never been that way but I may just have to add this to my bucket list. Beautiful photos!
Oh Ashley I hope you’ll come back and visit this place (and its surrounding area)– totally worth a trip! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you Deniz! I think you’d really like it out here– so different from NYC!
Haha thank you Tiffany! And you should definitely head over there while the weather is still good this time of year– we’ve found that if you go in the morning (before 9AM) it’s easy to beat the crowds. Can’t wait to see YOUR photos!
Oh you’ll have to come back and hit up the Central Coast!
Thanks Rachel! Yes the colors are gorgeous, aren’t they!
I wanted so badly to visit Point Lobos when we were visiting NoCal last year! It looks absolutely stunning! I guess this just gives us another reason to go back!
These pictures are amazing – I have never been to CA, but I really want to!!!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
“A wander’ers Guide” – LOVE that! I’ve been wanting to go here for a while now and working on going sometime during the later fall months once the summer crowds die down. I’ll certainly be referencing this when I go! Thanks for sharing, these are amazing photographs!
Point Lobos is just gorgeous! I really hate that we never got up to this part of the state while we lived in CA!
Oh my gosh- the colour of that water 😮 I would love to go here sometime. Your photos are absolutely beautiful
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net