Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Carmel, CA
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve protects a native stand of Monterey pine and cypress above some of the clearest water on the entire California coast, genuinely excellent for snorkeling and diving in the protected coves. Often called the crown jewel of the state park system, it draws a real crowd, and the entrance can fill and close for the day well before sunset.
Genuinely one of the best preserved stretches of coast in California, with water clarity that rivals anywhere on this list, though its fame means arriving early is close to mandatory.
How we score beachesArrive early, genuinely as early as you can manage, this reserve fills its parking and closes entry for the day on nice weekends, sometimes before 10am.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
Blufftop trails connect parking to the reserve's coves and viewpoints.
Dogs are not allowed anywhere in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, including left in parked vehicles, with an exception only for trained service animals.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Monterey Peninsula, with the clearest water often in fall.
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