Point Lobos, the state reserve just south of Carmel, gets called the greatest meeting of land and water in the world, and standing on its cliffs it is hard to argue. Coves full of sea lions, groves of rare Monterey cypress, and turquoise water make it the single best few hours of coast on the Peninsula.
The trails are short and mostly easy, looping the coves and headlands, so you can see a lot without a big hike. Sea Lion Point and the Cypress Grove loop are the classics, and divers and kayakers work the protected waters below. Wildlife is everywhere: otters, seals, sea lions, and migrating whales offshore in season.
The catch is popularity. The reserve has limited parking and fills early, often closing its gate by mid-morning on weekends, after which you park along Highway 1 and walk in. Go early, bring a jacket for the coastal wind, and give yourself a couple of hours.
There is a per-car entry fee, and dogs are not allowed inside the reserve. See what else is happening outdoors on our events calendar, and our hikes guide covers more trails nearby. For hours and access, California State Parks has the current details.
