Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

“Stunning small nature reserve with many different beaches and lookout points. With views of the Pacific Ocean, Carmel/Monterey, and the mountains that sit along Highway 1, this is a beautiful destination that I would highly recommend to anyone. I only went for a short afternoon, and got to stop at 4 beaches, saw multitudes of wildlife, and took some great photos. I will be taking my family here (because I need to visit again asap) when they come out to CA in July! The perfect day trip: - Breakfast/lunch in Monterey - Drive through the 17 mile drive in the Monterey peninsula - Spend the afternoon wandering around the different stops at Point Lobos - Happy Hour/dinner in Carmel”

“One of my favorite hikes off the PCH. It’s popular for a reason so I’d rec going early and stopping at Stationaery in Carmel-by-the-sea for lunch afterward.”

“China Cove is magical. Get there as early as you can to see it in the best light!”

“This is everything you think a northern-ish CA hike is going to be. Gorgeous, turquoise water, lush green trees and rocky paths. We saw baby seals coming out of the water here in April one year and it was heartbreakingly amazing.”

“This whole park is fantastic. Accessible hiking with an incredibly high payoff. There’s one area near a boat launch that has really cool tidepools 😎”