Point Lobos, Carmel: Hours, Address, Point Lobos Reviews: 5/5
Point Lobos
Point Lobos
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Watch whales in winter and sea lions all year round at this Bay Area nature reserve, which offers hiking, walking, bird watching, scuba diving and magnificent views.
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Top ways to experience Point Lobos and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
41 within 5 kms

Pacific's Edge
731
0.7 km$$$$ • American • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly

Sunset Lounge
30
0.6 km$$ - $$$

Mission Ranch Restaurant
1,831
4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Sea Harvest Fish Market & Restaurants
263
4.1 km$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options

Rio Grill
657
4.2 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

R G Burgers
123
4.1 km$$ - $$$ • American

From Scratch Restaurant
473
4.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Lula's Chocolates
14
4 kmAmerican

The Crossroads BBQ
30
4.1 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Barbecue

Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting
25
4.1 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Attractions
134 within 10 kms

Granite Cyn Bridge
1
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

Point Sur Light Station
11
0.6 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

Scenic Road Walkway
516
3.5 kmHiking Trails

Carmel River State Beach
2,465
3.5 kmBeaches

Garrapata State Park
374
State Parks

Tor House
172
3.9 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission
509
4.2 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings

Carmel Mission
620
4.2 kmReligious Sites • History Museums

Ocean Avenue
242
Scenic Walking Areas

Whalers cabin museum
3
1.2 kmSpeciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Contribute
Popular mentions
5.0
4,805 reviews
Excellent
4,300
Very good
421
Average
53
Poor
18
Terrible
13
Mango76
Westchester County, NY43 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is a must-see if you’d like to enjoy beautiful views. We did the Cypress Grove Trail which id less than a mile and very easy. It’s a dirt trail so it would be difficult for wheelchairs but potentially ok for jogging-type strollers, although you wouldn’t be able to do the entire loop (you’d have to go to one scenic alcove then come back..but could be worthwhile). The views are just STUNNING. We are so happy we came!
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cdnclan
Sylvan Lake, Canada223 contributions
Apr. 2022
This place was stunningly beautiful (I personally found i prettier than a lot of the Big Sur coastline), plus there were seals with pups on the beach! lots of short hikes. definitely a highlight of the area.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WeFourRainses
Knoxville, TN14 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Get here early! Very limited parking. We came by after noon and the lots were full / access was blocked off. We came the next morning at opening, and by the time we left (2 hrs later), it was closed again! Plenty of trails, long and short. The tide pooling at Weston Beach was the best we had all trip. Great for small kids, but bring water shoes or sandals for the tide pools.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GlobeTrotting825865
Portland, OR18 contributions
May 2022
The area from Carmel to Big Sur is wonderful. Point Lobos is especially lovely and different from other areas along the coast. We had not been there for 10 years, and found it as beautiful as always!
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amy L
9 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Spectacular views- one of the highlights of our trip to the Monterey Peninsula. Don’t miss this park! We arrived at about 1:30pm on a Friday and there were cars parked along the highway along with a Parking Lot Full sign. We decided to chance driving in to find parking because it was our last day on the peninsula and we were trying to get as much in as we could. The main hike we wanted to do was one of the farthest from the entrance at the highway, as well. We paid the very reasonable $10 day fee and an extra $2 for a park map and were on our way. At that time of day we knew some folks would be wrapping up their hikes and/or moving to another parking lot as there are several in the park. We headed for the lot between Headland and Cyprus coves (Sea Lion Point Parking area), lucked out, and found a spot in the otherwise full lot. Spaces were turning over, though. This strategy might not work first thing in the morning when everyone is arriving, but we would try it, again, if we were arriving later in the day. Given our limited time, we hiked the Cypress Grove Trail, a .8 mile, 30 minute loop that was recommended by a travel vlog. We were rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the coastline of our trip with many photo ops along the way. Hiking through the beautiful cypress grove —one of two remaining natural Monterey cypress groves on earth— on our way to the most breathtaking views of our trip made for incredible memories. If you have limited time in the park, make sure the Cypress Grove Trail is at the top of your list. We are so grateful that we made time for this stop and hope to explore much more of the park on a future trip.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
paxa
Washington DC, DC6,322 contributions
Mar. 2022
Always wanted to come to this park but for some reason never did before for all the years I'd been coming to this area. So this time I made sure that I'd go regardless of the weather - it rained on and off and was very windy that day but I was glad I didn't give up on it. It's clearly a very if not most popular park as when we arrived just before noon on a weekday there was already a sign saying the parking lots were full. The upside of that was we discovered that you could park along the road on both sides of the park entrance for free (the $10 entry fee only applies to cars and not walk-ins). The downside of course is you might have to walk a bit more depending on how far from the entrance you are able to find a spot and to all the view points inside the park. This won't be a problem if you come here to hike anyway and are not with people who have to be driven around. In which case it seems that you can still drive in just won't be guaranteed a parking spot (while we were inside it looked like a few spots do open up as people tend to drive from viewpoint to viewpoint and not just park in one place forever).
The reserve is not that big, trails distances are very manageable, and the scenery is spectacular. We spent a couple of hours starting along the North Shore Trail, to Alan Memorial Grove, Sea Lion Point, and returned via the inland Lace Lichen Trail - covering the upper half of the park. If you have all day and lots of energy you can probably cover the whole place in one day but it's better if you have more time and do this at a more relaxed pace - you'd want to have time to take in the views, scrambling on the rocks on the beaches, and looking for sea lions (we didn't see many as it was too windy and cold - they are more likely to be out and about when it's sunny and warm). Next time I'm in the area I'll definitely come back and check out the lower half of this amazing reserve.
The reserve is not that big, trails distances are very manageable, and the scenery is spectacular. We spent a couple of hours starting along the North Shore Trail, to Alan Memorial Grove, Sea Lion Point, and returned via the inland Lace Lichen Trail - covering the upper half of the park. If you have all day and lots of energy you can probably cover the whole place in one day but it's better if you have more time and do this at a more relaxed pace - you'd want to have time to take in the views, scrambling on the rocks on the beaches, and looking for sea lions (we didn't see many as it was too windy and cold - they are more likely to be out and about when it's sunny and warm). Next time I'm in the area I'll definitely come back and check out the lower half of this amazing reserve.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SeriousJesster
Cincinnati, OH23 contributions
Apr. 2022 • Family
Point Lobos offered trails, beaches, tide pools, great photo ops, and wildlife. We had to park along side of the highway due to full parking lots and walk 1/4 a mile to the entrance. Did not bother us. We were there to explore! We loved Gibson Beach. We practically had the beach to ourselves and what a gorgeous view!! We walked most of the other trails and explored the beaches. Definitely a great way for a new visitor to the area to get a one-stop intro to the area!
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anne M
Monterey, CA74 contributions
Apr. 2022
Point Lobos has been preserved by the State of California for a reason. It is gorgeous, naturally gorgeous. In my younger days, I scuba dove here and I can tell you it is beautiful under the water as well as above the water. It's fun for hikers to watch the divers from the Whalers Cove parking lot but of course, most people visit for the hiking and to take amazing photographs.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rodleo99
Chesterland, Ohio3 contributions
Mar. 2022
We walked almost the entire park and the views are unbelievable! When you think you found a beautiful site, just walk another 100ft. It's amazing!
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lmv
8 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Couples
Beautiful!!! Great way to see beautiful vistas and enjoy picnic areas and nice trails. No need to risk safety by stopping along highway 1 for photos. Worth the $10 entrance fee or else you can walk-in about a mile.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frederik D
Tel Aviv, Israel11 contributions
Do I need a reservation for visiting?
Travel the World
San Francisco, CA1,101 contributions
No, but weekends are busy so arrive early. Parking is limited.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL88 contributions
Does the $10 entry fee include parking?
MacRichmond
Richmond, VA95 contributions
Yes but parking is very limited so most people park on the side of the road near the entrance.
Are dogs allowed
dfb311
Ogden , Utah115 contributions
Not inside the park
Is the park open now?
mini
Fremont, CA159,411 contributions
It depends on when you are thinking of going For the Fourth of July week-end it will be closed due to the virus..
For more info, see the web site for Point Lobos State Park, They have additional information there.
Since things change a lot due to the virus, its good to double check that web site for latest information.
If you do go, its an awesome park. enjoy your visit.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA430 contributions
Point Lobos what is the best trail to take for an Ocean view (how long out) where do you park
Surfdog007
Monterey County, CA3 contributions
Just drive straight ahead from the entrance until the road requires a sharp left turn. There is a small parking area there. Park. To the right, north, there is trail that loops around the point. It is less than 1/2 mile, maybe just a 1/4 mile, but it is the most scenic.
Gregory D
181 contributions
Is there map of the various trails?
Chartreuse
San Francisco, CA1,564 contributions
There’s also a map posted near the trailhead right at the mini kiosk, if opened and managed by a volunteer, sell scant amounts of souvenirs.
Marie-Louise W
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hi
What are the chances of seeing pelicans around Point Lobos? Would be amazing😃
Thanks in advance👍
Chartreuse
San Francisco, CA1,564 contributions
I didn’t see any the day we visited
A Gurau
2 contributions
Hi, I am planning a trip from Monterey to Big Sur (the scenic drive along the coast) in late aug and I'd like to ask you where should I stop and if it can be done in one day. Thanks.
TravelersHigh77
Redondo Beach, CA50 contributions
Yes, easy in a day to get between Monterey and Big Sur. Where you stop depends on when you go and what you want to do.
Point Lobos south of Carmel is a gorgeous state park with hiking and lovely beaches, but parking inside the park is limited. Garrapata park is gorgeous, too. Point Sur lighthouse tour is fascinating, but only by reservation on Saturdays i think at 10 am.
Big Sur area stretches for dozens of miles down a rugged coastline, via HighwayOne that is often under construction. River Inn is a nice stop for lunch or ice cream, and a dip in the river. Ventana and Post Ranch are luxury hotels with spas and wonderful views and fine dining restaurants open for lunch, with reservations.
You can go to beaches or hike in giant redwoods in several areas (see Big Sur info for details) or hang out at Nepenthe, a restaurant/cafe/cool store with what I think is the best view in Big Sur. Henry Miller library is interesting, if it’s open. Look at listings for Djeetsen’s Inn, Esalen, Treebones for other stops you may like.
kats1183
San Jose, CA10 contributions
Is this a good place to bring a toddler ?
foodienz4evanz
Rawhiti, New Zealand273 contributions
With supervision as there is some steep drop-offs from the track edge, but worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions about Point Lobos
- Point Lobos is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Point Lobos tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Point Lobos tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Point Lobos:
- (0.78 km) Tickle Pink Inn
- (0.66 km) Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club
- (5.22 km) Carriage House Inn
- (3.86 km) Carmel River Inn
- (5.31 km) Lamp Lighter Inn & Sunset House Suites
- Restaurants near Point Lobos:
- (0.67 km) Pacific's Edge
- (0.64 km) Sunset Lounge
- (3.95 km) Mission Ranch Restaurant
- (4.42 km) From Scratch Restaurant
- (5.36 km) Flying Fish Grill
- Attractions near Point Lobos:
- (0.18 km) Granite Cyn Bridge
- (0.61 km) Point Sur Light Station
- (10.90 km) 17-Mile Drive
- (12.61 km) Monterey Bay Aquarium
- (3.46 km) Scenic Road Walkway