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Where is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve,Carmel-by-the-Sea, California?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

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

Where is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Located inCarmel-by-the-Sea, California
About Map: The map showing location of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in theCarmel-by-the-Sea, California in the United States.

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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 NamePoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
LocationCarmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California, USA — Central Coast, near Big Sur
Latitude & Longitude36.5163° N, 121.9486° W
Total AreaApprox. 750 acres (≈3.0 km²) of coastal land, marine areas, and reserve trails
Established / Opened1933 (as California State Natural Reserve)
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation
RegionCentral California Coast / Monterey Peninsula / Big Sur region
AddressPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve, 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Zip Code93923
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptCoastal natural reserve, marine wildlife, tide pools, hiking, scenic vistas, photography, conservation and nature preservation
Main Sections / AreasCarmelo Meadow, Sea Lion Point, Bird Island, Cypress Grove, Whalers Cove, Sea Lion Point, North Shore Trail, Whaler’s Knoll
Famous AttractionsSea Lion Cove, Cypress Grove Trail, Whalers Cove, Bird Island, tide pools, ocean vistas, marine wildlife (sea lions, otters, seals), photography spots
Annual VisitorsApprox. 400,000–500,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Day-use parking fee
Ticket Price RangeVehicle day-use: $10–$15; individual walking or biking entry: free
Ticket OptionsVehicle day-use pass, guided tours, educational programs, hiking access
Best Time to VisitSpring and Fall for mild weather and wildflowers; year-round wildlife viewing; summer can be crowded
Nearby AirportMonterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) – 5 miles (8 km); San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 85 miles (137 km)
TransportationCar via California Highway 1, walking/hiking trails, guided tours, limited public transit from Carmel or Monterey
Official Websitehttps://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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Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
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Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.