Adventure types, take note: It's not easy to find beaches along the trails of Point Lobos State Reserve, south of Carmel. You'll have to scramble down through rocks and twisted Monterey pines to actually get your feet sandy. But then, it's the diversity of terrain that makes this shoreline so attractive to the hordes of wildlife that gather here.

Point Lobos is an exceptionally rare and beautiful land and sea preserve: It's no wonder that creatures of every kind have found a home here. Stroll rugged trails and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Bobcats and mountain lions make their home in the hills, but you're more likely to come across black-tailed deer and badgers. Look up in the trees for kestrels and hawks.

Back to Best Beaches Map

Return to Top

Beyond the Beaches: America's Best Trips Best Biking Trips - From sea to shining sea, and everything in between. Best Hiking Trips - Stroll a beachfront or climb to a mountain peak. Best Paddling Trips - From rivers to oceans, dip your paddle into a wave.

RELATED GORP LINKS
More GORP Beach Adventures
National Seashores and Lakeshores
GORPtravel