When it comes to awesome parks, California has an unfair advantage. The state is huge, and it encompasses tons of landscapes that are so unique-- from the lush green redwood forests in the North to the strange and mysterious deserts in the South, and everything in between, California is 163,000 square miles of American beauty. So at first, it may seem weird that the so-called "gem of the California parks system" is Point Lobos State Reserve, a park in that weird "everything in between" part of the state... but once you get to know Point Lobos, it's pretty clear why it's so special. Here's our guide to exploring this unforgettable coastal park!
Point Lobos State Reserve is a special little patch of coast in Central California. It's at the northern end of Big Sur, and the rocky cliffs that form the point's headland give way to rolling patches of forests, canyons, and wildflowers on one side, and the crashing waves of the Pacific on the other. You can swim, scuba dive, drive, hike, and kayak around the reserve, which protects an incredibly diverse ecosystem of wildlife (which include harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, sea otters, gray foxes, coyotes, Monarch butterflies, and more) and plant life. The first thing you should do upon arrival is drive out to Whaler's Cove and just soak in the vast beauty for a bit.
Kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming are all permitted (barring any other circumstances) just about anywhere in Point Lobos. Snorkeling and scuba diving give you a view from below the surface that's just as impressive as the view from land-- you'll swim through quiet kelp forests and meet all kinds of marine creatures. Kayaking lets you explore the smaller beaches, tucked away among the rocky coastline-- look for the breathtaking China Cove! It's the perfect hidden beach... tricky enough to find and access that it's not too crowded, but not so hard to get to that it's impossible to visit.
Note that access down to China Cove is closed during the spring when harbor seals are starting to have their seal pups. It does make the wildlife spotting from afar extra special, though!
The Whaler's Cabin Museum is a little shack has been around since even before whaling was a big thing! It was built in the 1850's by fishermen from China, and there used to be several others like it, but now only the one remains. No one is even sure if whalers ever lived in the so-called Whaler's Cabin Museum (although whale vertebrae were used to build the house's foundation), but the nickname has stuck, and since it's the oldest structure built by the Chinese in Monterey, it's been preserved as a museum. On display, you'll find old Japanese diving equipment, Chinese fishing tools, a harpoon collection, and old whale bones, among other things.
Sea Lion Point Trailhead is, naturally, a hike that really shows off the wildlife in the reserve. The parking lot leads to a pretty easily accessible loop trail that winds past incredible rock formations, coves, scenic overlooks, and more. There are often docents here on the trail that can help you spot the sometimes-hidden creatures who call Point Lobos home. The whole hike is less than a mile long, but it connects to the longer Sand Hill Trail if you find yourself completely intoxicated by the views here and want more.
Oh, and if you're wondering about the differences between seals and sea lions, you'll know which you're looking at pretty easily since sea lions can "walk" on land and seals have to worm and wiggle their way along the beach.
Bird Island Trail is great because it's a hike that will take you to the elusive China Cove and Gibson Beach. It's only .8 miles long, with lots of points where you can loop back to the trailhead, which has a bathroom and picnic tables. Both China Cove and Gibson Beach are good for swimming and wading (if you don't mind frigid water) or sitting out on the soft, white sand. The trail gets its name from Bird Island, which you can spot from Pelican Point. The island serves as a seabird colony in the spring and summer. Herons, gulls, and cormorants are the birds you're most likely to spy on the hike, so keep your eyes peeled!
North Shore Trail is another stellar hike in Point Lobos. If you're looking for something with more of a secluded feeling, this is your trail. It's a little rockier, longer, and generally more rugged. There are some stairs here as well, but they're worth the effort since they'll take you high above the coves and cliffs for endless views. It'll take you between Whalers Cove and Sea Lion Point, and it's about 1.4 miles one way. The coastal scenery of Bluefish Cove, Carmel Bay, and Cypress Cove are to die for. Pro tip: Towards the west end of the trail, there's a spur trail called the Old Veteran Trail, which offers views of the Old Veteran Cypress, a lone tree that is somehow still growing into the side of the cliff in Cypress Cove. It's an iconic photo op in Point Lobos!
Big Sur is an intoxicatingly enchanting place. From the stunning beauty of the central California coast at Point Lobos to the worry-free and almost storybook-like atmosphere of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a visit here is unlike anything anywhere else. Relax, reconnect with nature, and re-energize as you immerse yourself in the wonder of this slice of the country.