Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

This past weekend I visited Point Lobos for the first time, and it was every bit as beautiful as people say it is.

When we arrived, a docent volunteer recommended that we walk the reserve anti-clockwise so the coves and ocean would stay on our right side most of the way. It turned out to be great advice — the views just kept getting better as we went.

We ended up walking the full loop, which came out to about 6.5 miles. The trail never really felt repetitive because every turn or side trail opened up to a new view. Some sections ran along dramatic rocky cliffs, while others wound through quiet groves of Monterey cypress. The water in many of the coves was a beautiful turquoise, and the waves crashing against the rocks made the whole place feel both wild and peaceful at the same time.

One thing I really liked about the hike is how easy it is to explore at your own pace. There are lots of small side trails and viewpoints along the way, so you can wander down to different coves, stop at scenic overlooks, or just sit for a while and watch the ocean.

If you’re not up for the full loop, I’d still highly recommend visiting the Cypress Grove Trail and China Cove. Cypress Grove is one of the most iconic areas in the reserve, with incredible coastal views framed by the twisted Monterey cypress trees. China Cove is just a short walk away and has some of the clearest, most turquoise water in the park — it’s easily one of the prettiest spots.

A few tips if you’re planning to visit:

• Park outside the reserve and walk in. The parking lots inside fill up quickly and the line to enter can get long. Parking along the road and walking in is usually faster, and it lets you see more of the coastline and landscape along the way.

• Bring a water bottle and snacks. There are several water fountains in the reserve where you can refill and plenty of benches and tables to eat at.

• Binoculars. The docent volunteer also told us you can borrow binoculars for free near the Cypress Grove area. There is an information kiosk with more volunteers who you can assist you with borrowing binoculars. It’s a great way to scan the water, and if you’re lucky you might even spot whales offshore.