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

On the central coast of California in Monterey County. The entrance is located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.

Hours

The Reserve opens daily at 8 A.M.

The Reserve is open til 1/2 hour after sunset.

Sunset Time will be posted daily at the Entrance Station.

Entrance Fee

A charge is made for each vehicle.

Passenger cars: $10.00; vehicle with a senior citizen: $9.00; disabled discount $6.00

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 and free)

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 by telephoning (831) 624-8413, E-mail at pointlobos@parks.ca.gov, or using our WEB site SCUBA page.

Special Events and Weddings at Carmel River State Beach

A special event permit is required for all group activites, filming, or weddings at the beach.

Please call our special event coordinator Wednesday through Friday between 8 am and 4pm at 831-624-3407 for information. You can also use the email address of our coordinator fwilson@parks.ca.gov

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.

Special events such as Weddings and professionally catered lunches are not permitted in the Reserve. There are locations at Carmel River State Beach where these activities are welcomed by permit. Please call 649-7118 to make inquiries and reservations.

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 Association is Route 1, Box 62, Carmel, CA 93923.

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