General Info

Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the Reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System." Point Lobos has offered many things to millions of people who have visited it over the years. Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding passive recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora an fauna of both land and sea.

Climate

Fair sunny days, occasional winter rains, and dry summers, moderated by fog from July through September, characterize central California's climate.

Location

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located on the central coast of California in Monterey County. The entrance is three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.

Hours

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is open every day of the year.
 

Summer Hours: Open at 8 am. No entry after 6:30 pm. All Visitors must exit the Reserve by 7 pm. (when sunset 6:30 and later)

Winter Hours: Open at 8 am. No entry after sunset. All visitors must exit the Reserve ½ hour after sunset. (when sunset 6:30 and earlier)

If you park outside the Reserve and walk in you still must exit the Reserve by the posted closing times. 

Entrance Fee

A charge is made for each vehicle.

• Passenger cars: $10.00; vehicle with a senior citizen: $9.00; with disabled discount card $5.00
• Small coach or van: $50.00 (10 to 25 passengers); large bus $100.00
• Annual Day Use Pass: $125.00 (pass valid for one year from date of purchase).

When the Reserve is Full

Visitors may wait in line to enter on a one-vehicle out, one-vehicle in basis regardless of previously scheduled walks or prior entrance that day.

Vehicles over 20 feet may enter the Reserve when traffic is light, but not during weekends, school vacations, holidays, or during the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trailers or motorhomes towing vehicles are not allowed, and the number of buses per day is limited.

Diving (SCUBA, Snorkeling and Kayaking)

Diving is permitted only at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. Permission to dive is given when entering the Reserve. Reservations are recommended and a must for weekends and holidays. Reservations can be made online or by telephoning (831) 624-8413. Please view the dive regulations before making a reservation.

Guided Walks and Whalers Cabin Museum

A schedule of guided walks for the month is posted at the entrance station. The museums are open as staffing permits, generally from 11 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Requests for nature walks, cabin tours, and slide programs led by rangers or docents for schools and private groups require advance written application.

Further Questions?

An Information Station at the Sea Lion Point parking area is staffed by docents from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Feel free to telephone (831) 624-4909 or E-mail us at pointlobos@parks.ca.gov when you have inquiries. The mailing address for Point Lobos Foundation is PO Box 221789, Carmel, CA 93921.

Visitors with disabilities should contact the Reserve office to inquire about accessible Reserve features to determine if they met their specific needs.