Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve

Long considered the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature lovers the world around. From its breathtaking beauty to its fascinating wildlife to its friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

Point Lobos is a place where one can escape to the serenity of nature at its best. While the California State Park system is working to find creative ways to sustain our State Parks, Point Lobos is flourishing due to the support of the Point Lobos Foundation.

The Foundation is the sole source of funding for the model volunteer program, protects the Reserve’s environmental health by funding work on trails, facilities and invasive plant removal, and is continuously striving to improve programs and services for children, people living with disabilities, and all visitors.

Point Lobos is the common name for the area including Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and two adjoining marine protected areas: Point Lobos State Marine Reserve (SMR) and Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA). Point Lobos is just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States, at the north end of the Big Sur coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Point Lobos contains a number of hiking trails, many next to the ocean, and a smaller number of beaches. It is the site of a historic marine reserve, which was expanded in 2007. It is also the home to a museum on whaling, which includes a historic building once used by area fishermen. The longstanding wildlife protection and scenic seascape have led to Point Lobos’ reputation as an unparalleled local recreational scuba diving destination. The park’s origins are owed to engineer Alexander Allan, who purchased a large parcel of land in 1933 to prevent it from being developed. It was to be subdivided into 1,000 lots under the name of “Carmelito”.