Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos State Reserve is a protected coastal area along California's Pacific shoreline spanning 550 acres. It features rocky cliffs, underwater kelp forests, and habitats that support diverse ocean life.

The Ohlone people lived near this location for over 2,500 years in a village called Ichxenta, harvesting shellfish from the waters. Later, Chinese fishermen settled here in the 1800s and left behind structures that still stand today.

The old whalers' cabin from the 1850s was built by Chinese fishermen using materials from their surroundings. It shows how early residents adapted to coastal life and used what nature provided.

Visitors can access the reserve during daylight hours, though parking is limited to a set number of vehicles. Arriving early helps ensure you can enter, particularly on warm weekends when the place fills up quickly.

The marine protected areas here contain extensive underwater kelp forests that create dramatic underwater landscapes. This makes the waters below particularly appealing for divers interested in exploring the rich life beneath the surface.

Location: Monterey County

Inception: 1973

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

GPS coordinates: 36.51710,-121.94300

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46