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All 94 Carmel Attractions »

Point Lobos State Reserve

Route 1, Box 62, Carmel, CA 93923
831 624 4909
Ranked #1 of 36 attractions in Carmel
5.0 of 5 stars 209 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, State Parks, Beaches, Hiking Trails
Activities: Hiking, Viewing wildlife, Whale-watching, Scuba diving, Walking, Birdwatching
Traveller Description:  Point Lobos State Reserve is a "must" when visiting the Carmel area.  A small fee will gain you entrance into the park.  The ranger will gladly hand... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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209 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Beachplum3
Virginia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews
8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012 NEW

I venture to say that Point Lobos may have been the highlight of our trip from San Diego to San Francisco. Call us lucky but it was the perfect culmination of the beauty and nature of the California coast. First we had superb weather at 3 in the afternoon. Parking was at a premium as everyone else in the area... More

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Cal Gal S
Carmel, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012 NEW

Natural Beaty..not to be missed! When you enter, take the trail that runs along the right side of the park, along the water, in the forest, for best views. More

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Oushen
Falls Church, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

A paradise of serenity. Hike in the woods or by the shore, marvel at the plumes of ocean waves crashing into the rocks, spot sea otters, sea lions, and, if very, very, very lucky and with binoculars, the spout of a whale in the distance. And all that minutes away from Carmel and Monterey. Can be covered in under an... More

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moopr
Columbus, Ohio
Contributor
16 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

views are unbelievable, will never forget my hikes here. More

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HouseHusband78
Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
Senior Contributor
23 reviews
5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 February 2012 NEW

There was a very friendly volunteer who had prepared two telescopes for us to view these lovely animals. I accidentally bumped one of the telescopes with my bag, but he just nonchalantly readjusted it. Make sure to bring a zoom lens greater than 200. I did not bring mine :( More

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moonbeam53
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012

Hiking trails along the ocean are plentiful; we saw seals and whales spouting during our hike...absolutely breathtaking views. More

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Lea A
Elk Grove, California
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012

First time in Point Lobos State Reserve and LOVE it!!! One of the most beautiful place I ever been with my husband. Walking and hiking on this place is such a breathtaking, from pine trees to ocean scenery. ...VERY LOVELY place!!! More

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Eberrn
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012

first time to visit, walked the Cypress trail and saw a huge pod of dolphin and 2 whales. could only see the whales spouting and a fin every now and then. we didn't have binoculars but enjoyed what we did see. More

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BettyBoop2u
Santa Rosa, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2012

Best $10. ($9/seniors) ! Not sure if ranger or volunteer w/name tag (Paul) with telescopes, pointing out whales. We were lucky & had a hugh pod of dolphins near the shore. More

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kazkey
Reston, VA
Senior Contributor
36 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

We literally spent hours exploring the tide pools, looking at starfish and other sea life at low tide. A great place for nature lovers. More

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