The 22 best sunset spots in Big Sur (2024)

11 lists

Really nice. Park rangers are friendly and assist with information. Sea Lion View Point had even a ranger with a looking glass so we could see them on a rock far away. Restrooms are clean, the trails are well done, and views are absolutely stunning, even on a foggy day we’ve chosen. Worth going for a hike and the views. Yes, the pictures are real, views look like straight from a painting. Round photo was phone against the telescope eye… forgot my good camera.

Beautiful park with amazing trails. Arrive early, especially during weekends or holidays. Parking fills up quickly. If parking is full, park along the highway and walk in for free.Plenty of trails. None are too difficult. Docents around to answer questions.Restrooms throughout the property. Gives great views of the coastline

Great place to take kids or go for a couples hike. Trails are easy and well maintained. A few areas are required a smidgen of athletics but nothing major. Great views of the California coast. For those with kids there are tide pools that are great for kids to explore. Be aware parking fills up VERY fast so be ready to park on hwy1 and hike in.

This is one of my favorite places to go on the coast. I love the hiking here as it’s not all a flat path- parts have roots and steps, and other things which to me makes the hike more dynamic.The views are fantastic. There are otters, lion seals, deer, and numerous birds here to see at different points on the hike. I recommend bringing binoculars if you can for better views.Since it’s on the ocean it is windy, so be prepared for that.Entrance fee is $10 and is good for all state parks for that day.Staff has always been friendly.No pets allowed.Decent kept flush toilets at several parking areas

Love this place! Such a beautiful location.But there are only very few parking spots in the park. We went by 8.30am and parking was available at that time, but was full by 9 am on a holiday. Better to avoid public holidays/ long weekends. Anyway, roadside parking was available.Restrooms were clean and well maintained.

I haven’t been here since I was 10 years old. It was beautiful then and even more beautiful again. The ocean front is incomparable with endless tide pools to discover and endless views. Wild flowers are everywhere. We saw sea creatures and sea lions. What an amazing place!

This park is a gem. Not very large but packed with beautiful coastal scenery. We enjoyed some simple hikes, none are far. Everything is beautiful and peaceful. I also want to compliment the volunteer docents. I met two who were so friendly and eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the park. Don’t miss this place!

This state park is so well kept. On a warm sunny day, it’s so beautiful to walk along the trails.Stop by the visitor center so that you explore the park to its fullest. Time your visit so that you can catch a low tide. We were lucky to catch one and it was so worth it.

Park on the street to save $10. The lot was full anyway on Sunday and Monday of President's Day weekend. There's one beach that you can relax on, otherwise you can explore the trails all day!Great for sea otter and sea lion watching. Bring your binoculars for a better view.It was super windy the days I went, so wear layers because it was super cold!

One of a Kind 🌊Point Lobos is stunning capturing all types of terrain and rock structures. Beautiful wildlife and ocean views.A hike for the whole family but dress appropriately because this little slice of heaven is surrounded by poison oak all throughout the trails.Come ready to explore. For an active person you can hike the whole park in less than 2.5 hours non stop.The park has lots of simple hiking throughout and trails. Theirs some harder trails off of whalers cove and I’d say those trails aren’t well maintained with over growth of poison oak.But the trails further down the park by China cove are more well taken cared of.They have limited wheelchair assessable trails.Just note this park is extremely popular and over crowded on the weekends. The Parking Lot fills up within the first hour of being open and you’ll see a parking lot full sign and hundreds of cars parked outside the park on the side of the highway.So definitely come prepared and bathrooms are limited and scarce during peak hours.Highly recommend going during the weekdays to be able to truly enjoy the park and serenity.

Wunderschöne Landschaft, gut organisiert, übersichtlich, vernünftige Beschilderung der Wege. Lediglich die öffentlichen Toiletten bedürfen intensiverer Pflege (durch die NutzerInnen). Dies gilt aber für alle Orte an denen sich Menschen bewegen - Achtsamkeit miteinander und mit der Natur helfen um es schön zu erhalten.(Translated by Google)Beautiful landscape, well organized, clear, sensible signage of the paths. Only the public toilets require more intensive care (by the users). But this applies to all places where people move - mindfulness with each other and with nature helps to keep it beautiful.

Very cool place to visit. My favorite stops are the tidal pools and the hidden beach. You can either park and go to the cool spots (there is parking near each stop) or leave your car and do the trails. I've gone twice. One time with our kiddos and another just the hubby and I. We enjoyed both times.

I had less than an hour to pop into Pt Lobos but will be visiting again soon for a day trip. What a gorgeous place with so many different views. I used to scuba dive from Whalers Cove many years ago.

We stopped here on a Tuesday morning excited to see the local wildlife, trees and flowers. I am happy to say that this is by far one of the best state parks we’ve visited. We only had about an hour and a half of hiking time on our visit, but there is easily enough to see over several days. After we entered, we were approached by Point Lobos docents—Becky and John—who offered us a free guided tour. They asked us how much time we had and customized the hike to ensure we’d be back on time. They took us on the Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, and Sand Hill trails. Becky and John did a fantastic job of pointing out the local wildlife and foliage and explaining the history of the area, including explaining the medicinal plants and uses. You can borrow binoculars at the beginning of the hike to spot animals. Using these, we enjoyed spotting sea otters sitting on kelp beds in the ocean. Another docent had a scope set up for showing sea lions and sea otters, and taught us about the differences between them. This was such a fun, beautiful, and educational hike. I only wish we could have stayed longer and I look forward to returning. If I could give this park 6 stars, I would!

We arrived early on a Tuesday morning in January, right after the park opening, and found open parking spots at Cypress Grove hike. This hike is beautiful. Saw a pod of dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and seals. Decided to follow the interior trail to the end of the park and walk the ocean side back to the car. Parts of the seaside trail are closed due to erosion, and you have to walk on the road a bit, but still lovely views. We also saw deer when away from water. Total was just under 6 miles. There are a few steep staircases, tree roots, and rocks, but otherwise, it is a manageable hike for those in relatively good shape. We packed a light daypack with water. There are no services inside the park. Cell reception is poor. Download offline maps before you go. The pamphlet handed out by rangers has no map. The $10 entry fee was good for the entire day, and we used it again at Pfeiffer State Park, a bit further south on the same day.

We're seniors and hiked most of the available trails on both north and south sides and out to the end, and were very impressed with not only the magnificent views and colors, but also how the trails are well-maintained and fairly easy to navigate. Definitely visit this gem if you're in the area, you won't be sorry! Heads up: No pets or drones allowed.

This has to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! I am a flower lover and you cannot take two steps without seeing a new and unique species. The flowers, the view, all were spectacular. We just happened on to this place, but it is definitely well worth the visit!

Absolutely gorgeous! Highly recommend the Cypress Grove and the Bird Island Trails. A good variety of parking available, public bathrooms, and well built and maintained trails makes gorgeous sites available to all.The Bird Island Trail has ADA accessibility.

Loved the park, its cedar grove, and multiple vista views of the Pacific ocean! Trails are great, they meander through cedar forest directly to the ocean where you can spot sea lions, sea otters and lots of birds. The parks gets full during peak hours, but can park on the side of highway. It is an extra 5 minute walk to the park, but this way no need to pay the park entrance fee.

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA•https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571•(831) 624-4909•Tips and more reviews for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve