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California State Parks

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USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Point Lobos State Reserve
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Point Lobos State Reserve © Paul Dileanis
Point Lobos State Reserve © Paul Dileanis
Point Lobos State Reserve © Paul Dileanis
Point Lobos State Reserve © Paul Dileanis
Point Lobos State Reserve © Paul Dileanis
Point Lobos State Reserve © Gary OToole
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POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
POINT LOBOS STATE RESERVE
Route 1 Box 62
Carmel, California   93923

Phone: 831-624-4909
This area contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows. The offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters and migrating gray whales (from December to May). Thousands of seabirds also make the reserve their home. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. The area used to be the home of a turn-of -the-century whaling and abalone industry. A small cabin from that era still remains on Whaler's Cove, near Carmel.

Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System." Point Lobos has offered many things to millions of people who have visited it over the years.

Point Lobos State Reserve is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea.

Respect the power of the ocean. Help avoid a disaster and keep at a safe distance. Remain on the designated trails within the wire guides, and stay away from the rocky cliffs. Rock climbing is absolutely prohibited.


Location
Point Lobos State Reserve is located near Carmel, Marina and Monterey

Area Attractions
Guided Walks and Whalers Cabin Museum:

A schedule of guided walks for the month is posted at the entrance station. The museums are open as staffing permits, generally from 11 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Requests for nature walks, cabin tours, and slide programs led by rangers or docents for schools and private groups require advance written application.

Diving (SCUBA and free):

Diving is permitted only at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. Permission to dive is given when entering the reserve. Reservations are recommended and a must for weekends and holidays.

Half of the reserve is all you see unless you're a diver and visit the underwater world just offshore. This is one of the richest marine habitats in California. Its animals and plants are fully protected by state law from any disturbance.

Divers explore a realm of beauty that until this century was inaccessible except to a handful of pioneers. In the subdued light of the 70 foot-high kelp forests, animals without backbones and plants without roots create a world of vibrant color. Lingcod, cabezone and rockfish swim in and out of view. The unexpected appearance of a seal, a sea otter, or whale quickens the heart.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 8 One of my favourites by One of my favourites
park review stars; one to five Had the best walk with my husband. Enjoyed the North and South along the ocean... relaxing and quiet. Cannot think of a better way to spend my birthday weekend. Saw fishes, otters, seals and squirrels .. cannot wait to go back and enjoy this awesome park. Icing on the cake living in CA
November 11 Great Place by T n R
park review stars; one to five Excellent hikes, rock formations, views. We were on an extended road trip from the tip of Baja to Vancouver Island, worth spending some time for sure.
June 18 A magical location by w.l. schaefer
park review stars; one to five This traveler has journeyed from the U.S./Canadian border down to the tip of Baja. Without question, the #1 favorite location is Pt. Lobos. Three years ago, now a senior citizen, I returned for a visit. It had been 20 years since my last visit. Once I had left the parking area it was just a matter of minutes before I entered another world, a world of nature, fashioned by nature, and man is mearly passing through this marvelous, timeless space. Once you have experienced Pt. Lobos, the memory of it will never leave you.
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
On the central coast of California in Monterey County. The entrance is located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.
Area Shopping
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Monterey Bay Pictures - Monterey Bay, CA
Photography
Specializing in high-quality, hard-to-find California scenic and travel location stock photos and fine art prints.
6.7 miles from park*

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California
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California State Parks

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