Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located in California, USA. It lies between Carmel and Monterey and is situated along the central California coast. It is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Location Map,Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
California Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- China Cove & Gibson Beach – Scenic coves with tide pools, rocky shores, and ocean views.
- Bird Island – Rocky island visible from trails, home to seabird colonies and sea lion rookeries.
- Sea Lion Point – Coastal viewpoint offering chances to see sea lions and harbor seals.
- Cypress Grove Trail – Easy loop trail through majestic Monterey cypress groves and coastal scenery.
- Whalers Cabin & Historic Sites – Remnants of 19th-century whaling history and interpretive exhibits.
- Snorkeling & Kayaking – Opportunities to explore underwater marine life in protected coves.
- Photography & Scenic Overlooks – Panoramic ocean vistas, cliffs, and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Facts
| Official Name | Point Lobos State Natural Reserve |
| Location | Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California, USA — Central Coast, near Big Sur |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.5163° N, 121.9486° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 750 acres (≈3.0 km²) of coastal land, marine areas, and reserve trails |
| Established / Opened | 1933 (as California State Natural Reserve) |
| Managed By | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Region | Central California Coast / Monterey Peninsula / Big Sur region |
| Address | Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA |
| Zip Code | 93923 |
| Area Code | 831 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Coastal natural reserve, marine wildlife, tide pools, hiking, scenic vistas, photography, conservation and nature preservation |
| Main Sections / Areas | Carmelo Meadow, Sea Lion Point, Bird Island, Cypress Grove, Whalers Cove, Sea Lion Point, North Shore Trail, Whaler’s Knoll |
| Famous Attractions | Sea Lion Cove, Cypress Grove Trail, Whalers Cove, Bird Island, tide pools, ocean vistas, marine wildlife (sea lions, otters, seals), photography spots |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 400,000–500,000 visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission – Day-use parking fee |
| Ticket Price Range | Vehicle day-use: ~$10–$15; individual walking or biking entry: free |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle day-use pass, guided tours, educational programs, hiking access |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and Fall for mild weather and wildflowers; year-round wildlife viewing; summer can be crowded |
| Nearby Airport | Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) – ~5 miles (8 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) – ~85 miles (137 km) |
| Transportation | Car via California Highway 1, walking/hiking trails, guided tours, limited public transit from Carmel or Monterey |
| Official Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571 |
Distances from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to Nearby Landmarks
- Carmel-by-the-Sea – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Pfeiffer Beach – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Big Sur – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- 17-Mile Drive – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Monterey Bay Aquarium – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Pacific Grove – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Bixby Creek Bridge – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Garrapata State Park – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Monterey State Historic Park – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Point Sur Lighthouse – 40 km (24.9 mi)
- Sand Dollar Beach – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Andrew Molera State Park – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Big Sur River Gorge – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Rocky Point – 28 km (17.4 mi)
- Glen Oaks Big Sur – 32 km (19.9 mi)
- Coastal Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
- Pacific Ocean Overlook – 0 km (0 mi)
- Bird Island – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Carmel Mission Basilica – 8 km (5 mi)
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