Visiting Point Lobos State Reserve Story

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, along California Highway 1 near Carmel and Monterey, is one of California's most stunning state parks.

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At Point Lobos, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, birds and marine life, a variety of coastal flora, and wildflowers in season.

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Walking the scenic trails in Point Lobos State Park is the best way to explore. You can walk a single trail or combine several trails for the Point Lobos Loop.

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Bird Island Trail is short and extremely scenic. On this trail you can view jade green China Cove and dark blue Gibson Beach, and see birds nesting on the island in season.

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Sea Lion Point Trail is also short and you can hear the sea lions bark as you walk. With binoculars or a powerful zoom lens, you can see them offshore as well.

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South Shore Trail features expansive ocean views. If you choose, you can explore off trail: there are tide pools, rocks, and birds and marine life to discover.

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Spring is a wonderful time to visit: you can see tons of wildflowers, nesting birds, and harbor seals and their pups! The weather is generally bright and clear too.

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Located at the northern end of the renowned Big Sur Coast, Point Lobos is a must-visit on a Highway 1 road trip or on a visit to Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Swipe up to discover all the fun things to do in Point Lobos State Reserve, plus get tips for visiting the park.

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