Discover Point Lobos: Scenic Trails and Wildlife Encounters

My family (myself, wife and two girls) went to Point Lobos for the first time and we had a great time. On the day we went it was foggy and overcast but that did not detract from the beauty of this state park. The views of the ocean, trees, coastline and flowers are spectacular. The trail is relatively flat but there are a few sections where there are some stairs. Our girls had a great time exploring. The cost to park inside the park was $10. We did see some people park on the road by the entrance and walk in. But it's a very long walk from the entrance to the seashore. This park is a reminder of why it's so great to live here. If you have not been here you must go.

Beautiful coastline trails, recommend either early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. The trails are all relatively easy. It’s roughly 6 miles to loop around the entire preserve to the lookouts and coves. There are also clear trails that cut through the center, but the best scenery is coastal. There were lots (20+) sea otters swimming and floating around in the various coves. Bring binoculars to get a better look at them!

Perfect walking spot with families and friends, such a magnificent park where you get to meet the clear ocean and animals like sea otters and sea lions. Also very friendly volunteers to offer suggestions. Finding parking could be challenging(we arrived at 9am but already needed to park 15 mins walk away).

I absolutely love visiting this place. It just has something for everybody. The trails are just beautiful through moss-laden trees and the dramatic landscape of the cliffs meeting the Pacific. It just brings so much joy to me as a birder. I love coming here to see the large colonies of cormorants that call this reserve their home to raise their little ones. There are many other species of birds seen here and it’s an absolute delight to take all the trails. I must warn you that even on a weekday, even though officially the park opens at 8 AM, please come here half an hour in advance — and on weekends even before that. The line to get in is too long and parking can fill up easily. For the amount of people interested in coming to this beautiful park, I don’t think there is enough parking. Alternatively, people park on the street and walk in. There is a $10 entry fee to be paid at the entrance kiosk - they take Credit Cards and there are (flushing yay) restrooms available. Don’t forget to go to Wheeler Cove where you can see otters and harbor seals. For me, this is the place where I see Black Oystercatchers with babies. The rangers here are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. In fact, they sometimes even set up spotting scopes so visitors can get good views of distant nests, seabirds, and harbor seal pups far away on the rocks. Little touches like that make the experience even more special. The beautiful Pacific coast scenery is what this park offers, and I cannot recommend it enough.

This is a fantastic place to visit, offering a variety of activities and a short hike around the entire park. You can either relax in the Poison Oak Valley or take a stroll by the sea. However, it’s crucial to arrive early, as the park can get quite crowded. We arrived at 7:37 am and found ourselves with about 15 cars ahead of us. Just 7 minutes later, another 11 cars joined us, and by 7:50 am, there over 20 vehicles behind us. The park gates open at 8:00 am, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly. Parking inside the park is limited, so if it’s full, you can park on the road and walk in. There are also several entry points other than the main gate. One of the highlights of this park is the abundance of poison oak. It’s the most I’ve seen in one spot, so it’s a great opportunity to test your immunity. The poison oak comes in various colors, including green, red, and dried brown. If you’re concerned about getting poison oak, it’s best to avoid the Poison Oak Valley and head to the beachside area near the water. For those who don’t want to pay the $10 park fee, there’s plenty of parking available on the streets.