Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (pointlobos.org) collects all the drama of California's Central Coast within a 550-acre peninsula. They bark, they laze and bathe and they’re fun to watch – sea lions are the stars in this state park some 4 miles south of Carmel, along with the dramatically rocky coastline and its excellent tide-pooling. Even a short hike through this spectacular scenery is rewarding.
The reserve is laced with hiking trails, including several skirting the ocean's edge where you might spot sea lions and sea otters between the crashing waves. Chain together multiple short trails for a loop of the entire reserve; allow 4–5 hours. Bring binoculars, as many wildlife hot-spots are offshore in the distance.
A nice short loop is the 0.8-mile Cypress Grove Trail. In the south, Bird Island has impressive views as well, but, frankly, there's not a bad spot anywhere in the reserve. The kelp forest at Whalers Cove is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers. Start among the moss-clung trees of the South Plateau Trail, then follow signs to the Bird Island Trail, which hugs the shore. You pass the jewel-like water of Gibson Beach before rounding the bend to Bird Island, where battalions of seabirds pose offshore, from gangs of cormorants to irritable pelicans. Along the South Shore Trail to Sea Lion Cove, you hear marine mammals before you see their grey bodies from afar.
Note that parking inside the reserve is limited to 150 cars, and spaces fill quickly in summer. Arrive before 9:30am or after 3pm to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, park on Hwy 1 and walk in.
