Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Category: State park in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

Address: 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA

Phone: +18316244909

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–7PM

Monday: 8AM–7PM

Tuesday: 8AM–7PM

Wednesday: 8AM–7PM

Thursday: 8AM–7PM

Friday: 8AM–7PM

Saturday: 8AM–7PM

Reviews

Ahmed Nabawe

Jul 26, 2022

Very nice park with many coastal and meadow trails with amazing views. Most trails are suitable for kids. Along the coastal trails you get a view of the Carmel bay, many beautiful beaches, and islands with a lot of birds. Entrance fee is $10 but parking can be limited inside the park specially on weekends. However, you can park outside and talk a walk. Definitely recommend visiting.

Maria T

Jul 15, 2022

One of the most well kept parks I've been to. Not a single piece of plastics on the floor (thank you to everyone!) Breathtaking views. We hiked the perimeter of Pt. Lobos. Which is about 7 miles. Quite an easy hike, just remember to apply sunscreen since you'll be under direct sun for most of the hike.

Mary N

Feb 23, 2022

Park on the street to save $10. The lot was full anyway on Sunday and Monday of President's Day weekend. There's one beach that you can relax on, otherwise you can explore the trails all day! Great for sea otter and sea lion watching. Bring your binoculars for a better view. It was super windy the days I went, so wear layers because it was super cold!

Tracy Hang

Jan 5, 2022

Hiked on 01-02-22 9-930am $10 parking Bookmark accomplished. To get to the view that is most commonly seen in these Google photos, park at the very last lot and walk the bird trail. Sorry, I forgot what the name of the trail was? This really wasn't a hike; it was a nice scenic walk. You go up some stairs and round to the end, looping you back around to the same entry point of the trail. We saw a lot of turkey vultures and was even told by a local to come back in the spring to see all the different species of birds that they get. The trail was busy but not bombarded. A lot of friendly hellos. We then walked through the woods and trailed back to the beginning of the first lot where this nice lady told us to turn our car key in for some binoculars to see all the whales that were out that day! I didn't see any, but we spotted a mountain of sea lions. I'd say it was worth the stop!

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Questions & Answers

Do you guys close on new year ?!

Minh Le | Dec 27, 2018
Konamaneti Sreenivasa Reddy. | Dec 28, 2018

Check their web site or click point Lobos on Google maps for timings.

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Are dogs allowed?

HeartHugz | Dec 27, 2019
David Jones | Dec 28, 2019

Yes

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Are masks required outside on the trails?

Pam Kotler | Sep 27, 2020
James Pettit | Sep 28, 2020

No. I would wear one around other people.

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Will you be opening 9/17, 18 or 19? jackie gerry

Jackie Gerry | Sep 27, 2020
James Pettit | Sep 28, 2020

From what I am reading on the Monterey County Weekly, they reopened Point Lobos State Park for daytime use, as of yesterday.

Is Pt. Lobos opened to the public?

Jessie Cisneroz | Aug 28, 2020
Joe Lopez | Aug 29, 2020

Yes, you don't have to drive in because it fills up fast but you can park on the road and walk in for free

When is the best time to visit the park for fall colors.

Paul Dasalla | Mar 1, 2020
Rosemary Foster | Mar 2, 2020

The trees of Point Lobos, Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypree and Coast Live Oak are all evergreens. The closest thing to fall color is poison oak. It is drought-deciduous, it's leaves turn red and fall when it dries out in the summer.

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My mother is 82 and can't walk far. Any options for how she may enjoy the park?

Jeanne Mursch | Dec 27, 2019
Chinmay Vad | Dec 28, 2019

There's a small trail which she could follow and leads to a bench by the ocean. There are beautiful views from there.

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Is the park closed today? (2/18/2019)

Kurt Liu | Dec 27, 2019
P1ug Walk | Dec 28, 2019

I think so

can we bring a dog

Lev Tripolsky | Dec 27, 2019
Alex Aguirre | Dec 28, 2019

no. theres a sign right at the entrance that says no dogs

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Is it busy on the weekdays? What days are best to go without the crowds. I see the weekends are crazy. Thanks..

Mary Gee | Dec 27, 2018
Terry DeBiase | Dec 28, 2018

We were able to enter and find parking mid-day on a Thursday, but it was very busy. There were at least 15 cars parked out on Highway 1 too. Be prepared for crowds!

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What year was the parks origin

Annette Harris | Dec 27, 2018
Anastasiya Pavlovskiy | Dec 28, 2018

Portuguese whalers from the Azore Islands arrived at Point Lobos in 1861 and set up living quarters in the meadow at the southeast end of Whalers Cove.

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Can a couple have a small wedding ceremony there?

Cici Gig | Dec 27, 2017
Jennifer Billington | Dec 28, 2017

Yes

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Is Point Lobos open with the area in purple precautions??

kari wolf | Dec 19, 2020
Isaac salas | Dec 20, 2020

Yes, I believe we went during the shut down

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Do i need to make a reservation before my visit to Point Lobos? If so how to make a reservation? The mailbox at the phone is full. I can not leave a message! Run-Han

Run-Han Wang | Aug 28, 2020
Shrey Bhatia | Aug 29, 2020

No reservation required. $10 entry fee payable at ranger hut if you want to park inside the park. Free if you park on the road and walk into the park.

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Can I fish over here

NOOB MASTER 69 | Aug 28, 2020
Kenneth Carter | Aug 29, 2020

No.

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Can you reserve entry in some way? customer

Michelle Patterson | Jul 29, 2020
nagja bamji | Jul 30, 2020

First come first served. $10 per car entry, $9 if senior over 62. But you can park on road and walk in.

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Do you guys open for 4th July?

Nilufar POURHOSEIN | Jul 29, 2020
Rahaf Misto | Jul 30, 2020

All parks in Monterey country are closed

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Is the park open today 06/15/20?

Belinda Vazquez | Jun 29, 2020
Jessa B.B. | Jun 30, 2020

Pretty sure it is not

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Are dogs allowed on the trails?

sherry portillo | Mar 1, 2020
Iris Juarez | Mar 2, 2020

No pets

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Can you bring your own food?

Jazmine Castro | Mar 1, 2020
Paul Kaplan | Mar 2, 2020

Yes, you have to. There are no concessions or food sellers inside the park. If you do bring food please don't feed the animals or leave garbage behind.

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How old is "Old Veteran" cypress tree?

Herbert Plafker | Dec 27, 2019
Cambria Saavedra | Dec 28, 2019

It is around 230 years old!

Do I need reservations?

Joy McKinley | Dec 27, 2019
Alecia Morgan | Dec 28, 2019

No -- but you should show up early (there are car lines at open) if you want to park in the park itself, otherwise you have to park out on the highway and walk in

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Are there restrooms? 🚽

Pete Puebla | Dec 27, 2019
azimiut | Dec 28, 2019

Yes in several locations in the park.

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Will this park be open on Memorial Day?

Zach Lujan | Dec 27, 2019
Roger H Werner | Dec 28, 2019

Of course it will.

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Is fishing allowed ?

MissJuni MoonNi | Dec 27, 2019
George Rovira | Dec 28, 2019

No fishing unfortunately

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I was told by a friend who lives near by to make a reservation with you for a visit and to get there early as well. How do we make the reservation. call? I read you can not do it online. thanks

Janet Cole | Dec 27, 2019
Ryan Sharpee | Dec 28, 2019

No reservations available. If you want to park inside the park it would be good to arrive as close to 8 as you can since the parking inside the park will fill up even on a weekday.

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Where is nearby camping?

Daniel Blair | Dec 27, 2019
David Gomes Bourdier | Dec 28, 2019

No camping really close. You are to close to Monterey and Carmel... It's not the mood of the place! 😉

Is there a hiker/biker camp site?

August Rain | Dec 27, 2019
Steve Papenfus | Dec 28, 2019

No camping or fires allowed. Very nice place to visit and you can see most of the interesting things in a short day then camp along the coast.

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Do you accept the Senior National Parks pass?

Stuart Lawrence | Dec 27, 2019
Louis Tocco | Dec 28, 2019

No

Is the park still open during the government shutdown?

Eddie Alvarado | Dec 27, 2019
Karen Descoteaux | Dec 28, 2019

No

Do I need a appointment to get in to the park?

Claudia Alvarez | Dec 27, 2018
Jose Estrada | Dec 28, 2018

You don't need to but getting there early is best if full u can park on hwy 1 and hike from there.

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can you swim there

Maria Ortiz | Dec 27, 2018
Stanley Zoltek | Dec 28, 2018

The water is cold The surf is rpugh. There are no lifeguards and it's hard to get to the water in most areas. There are no prohibjtions posted but it is not a swimming area.

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Can i do camping in the national reserve Point Lobos?

Elias Beltran | Dec 27, 2018
Ernesto Diaz | Dec 28, 2018

No, you cannot, but there are some camping grounds not too far I believe

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Can I bring my dog to point lobos?

Monica Santiago | Dec 27, 2018
Alex S | Dec 28, 2018

No pets

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Can you bring dogs?

brandon barnes | Dec 27, 2018
Nema Etezadi | Dec 28, 2018

Pets are not allowed anywhere within the reserve and cannot be left inside parked vehicles.

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Is camping over night permitted?

Erik Rodriguez | Dec 27, 2018
Nathan Kistler | Dec 28, 2018

No, but there are some state parks nearby that do.

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Do they allow dogs?

Jimmy Kuo | Dec 27, 2018
Johnny Vegas | Dec 28, 2018

Did not see any. Did not ask at the time. I would imagine that they do. It is a couple of bux to get in, so expect that. May as well call them and get the low down. Don't know what they charge. My buddy shmoozed our way in -if that's any help...

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Is there an entry fee

Marcie Farthing | Dec 27, 2017
Mike Waite | Dec 28, 2017

Yes $10.00 per car

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Are there picnic tables?

Konrad Sosnow | Jan 21, 2021
John P | Jan 22, 2021

At the end of pine ridge trail, there are plenty of picnic tables

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Hello, are you guys open this month?

Jose Leal | Jan 21, 2021
SarA Joy | Jan 22, 2021

Yes they agree currently open for public entrance.

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Can I collect seashells from the beach in Point Lobos?

Erika Delemarre | Jan 6, 2021
CA State Parks MPA Outreach | Jan 7, 2021

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a California State Park and it is surrounded by the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve, a state marine protected area. All shells, rocks, wood, plants, animals and all features of the reserve are protected by law and may not be collected or taken from the park. Visitors caught collecting may be subject to a fine for illegal poaching.

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Are you open for hiking this weekend ?

Larry Machado | Jan 26, 2021
John P | Jan 27, 2021

The park is open over the weekend

How long is the drive through the park

Pamela Murphy | Jun 10, 2021
Ruth Jones | Jun 11, 2021

About 3 miles...but you can spend the entire day walking the trails with stunning views.

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Are there any trails accessible for someone using a walker

Sheila Harvey | Aug 9, 2021
Joshua Pace | Aug 10, 2021

Yes, but: The trails we walked on (we only took a few) were mostly packed dirt. They are "wheelchair accessible," but aren't paved. We walked much farther than we intended and didn't run into any places to rest (no benches or seats etc). The trails were flat and unobstructed, they were well tended and beautiful, but they were long, and NOT covered in cement. If you're worried about the quality of the specific trail you want to take, you may want to call during business hours and ask a few questions (I suggest asking about parking as we had to hike in and there was no trail from where we parked).

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Whats your favorite lookout or bench to sit and take in all the grandeur?

Santacruz Multimedia | Jun 10, 2021
Mario Solano Conejo | Jun 11, 2021

Hard to get to know

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Are there camping grounds at or near Point Lobos?

Javier Ochoa | Apr 11, 2021
April Kofler | Apr 12, 2021

No

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