Point Lobos, Carmel

It is not for nothing that the reserve (according to literature), referred to as the "crown jewel of California's 280 state parks," Since 2017, more than a million visitors from all over the world visited "Point Lobos" and this number was supposed to speak for itself. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, often simply called Point Lobos, is a magnet for nature lovers around the world. It is a protected area south of Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea and to the north of the Big Sur coastal section just off Highway No.1. During our visit we also parked directly on the highway and from there went the approximately 200 m to the park entrance. As a result, we have saved ourselves the entrance fees of about $10. From the ranger station there we also had an information flyer about the nature reserve given in German. Right from this access control, the circular hiking trails to the coast begin, which can be reached in about 10 minutes walk. We will not forget the nature reserve with its breathtaking beauty and fascinating wildlife in which one can experience nature, in its most beautiful form, so quickly. On our tour, we could observe the seals on a sandbank in a marked place. With a little luck, you can also see cormorants, otters or a whale. Very well developed hiking trails follow the coast and lead to hidden bays. Many of them just above the cliff, with spectacular views of the bay, the rocks and the Pacific Ocean. This area was once home to a whaling industry. A small cottage (Whaler's cottage), built by Chinese fishermen in 1850s, is still in "Whalers Cove" and is now a cultural history museum. Today, the "Whalers Cabin" is home to, among others, Chinese fishing equipment, whaling equipment, whale oil barrels, harpoons and a model of a coastal whale fishing boat. The ranger, usually present, gives visitors more information about the location and this historic building. In front of the "Whalers Cabin" lies a multitude of whale bones of a humpback whale, which create a distressing memory of the once bloody business. Everything was impressive in this unique and picturesque landscape. In this beautiful coastal park, you feel like you're millions of miles away from anything that looks like tourism. In summary, our common summary: "Point Lobos" is from our point of view, an area of unique natural beauty and one of the most important sights on Highway No.1, about five kilometers south of Carmel, which we so quickly do not forget to become.