Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea in the world” and “the crown jewel of the state park system.” It has diving unmatched on the California coast, great hiking, and wildlife well-suited for painting or photography. In the winter, migrating gray whales are visible from the shore.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is located on the central coast of California. Its entrance is on California Highway 1 about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, 125 miles south of San Francisco, and 325 miles north of Los Angeles. Monterey is the largest nearby city.