Really enjoyable nature trail tucked right across from the Mission and unassumingly in…read moreneighborhood! Parking got full fast on a Saturday morning with lots of joggers and dog walkers enjoying the trail. Trail was well maintained with portions on dirt or tan bark or pavement. We meandered around the park, checking out the botanical gardens and mansion at the peak as well as scoring some views of the ocean. Many wildflowers were in bloom in mid-July, from lillies to monk's cress dotting the landscape. A variety of sunny and shaded trail but pleasant ocean breezes also made for a great experience. Overall not the biggest park but such an accessible bit of nature that truly makes you forget you're in the middle of town. Well worth a pleasant visit!

First timer Nice hike…read moreCame late but still nice walk Went the back way so no parking Parked at the streets

The correct spelling is L-A-R-S-O-N. The family would greatly appreciate it if the admin would…read moreupdate as soon as possible. Thanks so very much for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, The Larson family

While visiting the Carmel/Monterey area a month ago we wanted to take in some of the local scenery…read more Point Lobos State Natural Reserve came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint Located just 10 minutes outside of Carmel, this incredibly picturesque seascape is a must see while visiting. There are multiple trails through the Point, and each of them showcase stunning views of the sea and saw well as flora and fauna It was barely raining while we were there and it never dampened our spirits. The trails got a little slick, but nothing too dangerous. In fact, this is more of a seaside walking path than a physical intensive hike We saw many seals and otters on our hike. There was also a rest stop that had park rangers and an interactive exhibit that was very cool. You could feel the skin of a seal, otter, and even the baleen from a whale Some tips: If you haven't explored Carmel or Monterey you are just a short drive away There are many coastal hikes and scenic points/beaches to explore. We also enjoyed a more physical hike at the Pinnacles, but that is an hour or so away Cheers!!

Adj: beautiful, breathtaking natural reserve…read more Always a nice place to visit and "hike" (really just trail walking). I love coming here. It's so serene, scenic, natural, cool, and both the botanical plantlife as well as the animals (air, land, and ocean wildlife) you can find and view here are just so amazing. Being it's in the Monterey Bay, it's almost always cool when it's hot in the valley, so it's another great place to escape to. It's just a very nice and unique point in the bay and although you can spend the whole day here, or even several days, a couple of hours will also be very rewarding for a change of scenery for those of us who are urban dwellers who want to reconnect with God's natural wonders once in awhile. Overall, Point Lobos is an authentic, breathtaking, and calming place for those who enjoy seeing the ocean and taking in all the native plants, vegetations, and all the air, land, and sea creatures one can encounter or at least observe here.

This is our third visit to the Big Sur area this year. This is the first park three miles past…read moreCarmel. Since we were staying nearby, I wanted to hike here. There is limited parking inside, but there's plenty of parking off Hwy. 1 on a first come, first serve basis. We decided to take the Lace Lichen trail and then take the North Shore trail where we passed the Whaler's Museum (closed) before heading back to our car. Both hikes are fairly easy, lots of picturesque views of the oceans and Big Sur coastline. Out of the parks I have visited in the area, this is probably my favorite. However, all the parks in Big Sur have been my favorite that I'm willing to skip a visit to Carmel By The Sea to go play in a park! We went on a Monday, so there were fewer crowds and everyone has their own personal space. I will definitely go back!

Best place to go for a walk and spend some time with the family. Would go back anytimeread more

Briefly stopped by the beach after having lunch in downtown Carmel. Now clearly understanding why…read morethe beach is loved so much. Carmel Beach is recognized as having the 'whitest' sand in the United States, and number 14 globally. This color comes from quartz deposits eroded by the waves. There is a parking lot at the north end of the beach on Ocean Avenue (maybe 30 spots or so), that is usually filled, meaning people are constantly idling in the parking lot, waiting for a spot. The parking lot is elevated from the beach, requiring carefully going down a sand bank. My wife and her mom decided to admire the view by sitting on a retaining wall at the top of the bern, while I happily went down to the shoreline to admire the views. The sand here is more golden than white. The road that runs parallel to the beach and boardwalk in Carmel is Scenic Road and we took it as we headed back to our cottage. There was street unmetered parking spots available and I noticed how much brighter/whiter the sand was in this area (a lot less crowded as well). Thinking back, wish we had stopped so I could have admired this part of the beach a bit more.

I absolutely love Carmel Beach. Some of my happiest memories are here with my great-grandparents,…read moreBarbara and Montford Bryan, so coming back always feels special and nostalgic. Getting to bring my daughter now makes the experience even more meaningful. Watching her enjoy the same beautiful beach and scenery that meant so much to me growing up is such a cool and rewarding experience as a parent. Carmel Beach is just magical, with beautiful views, peaceful vibes, and the perfect place to slow down and make memories. We'll keep coming back every chance we get.

Haven't been here in over a year since moving away. It was fantastic to see the regrow th from all…read morethe rain in CA this past year. And the pond at the top of the trail looks like it did from years ago when I first hiked here. They had done some major work around the pond and sort of landscaping. The view at the top is a still gorgeous! Views of Carmel Valley sand the white sand beach. A new building with restrooms is at the front too. Nice change from all the port a potties. Enjoy nature and get out there. Cheers and happy yelping.

So beautiful, full of a variety of wildlife and sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding…read morelandscape. Highly recommend.

A short hike that is about 2 miles round trip along the coast line. I call it a "hike" but it's…read moremore like a walk. Flat and on a dedicated path that is very easy. You also walk by some ocean front houses. The views were spectacular and it was very sparse as far as other "hikers" on a January weekday. There is a spot at the end of the trail where the Carmel River meets the Ocean.

Easter sunday 2025, we visited carmel beach carmel, calif…read more it was the most beautiful drive one way along the ocean the white sands the peaceful energy.. i would highly recommend visiting carmel for the ocean views.. there is parking near the entrance and restrooms a bit crowded weekends .. but the drive along to the other end is amazing also available parking at the end it's slower driving one way only and able to enjoy the views . I have many memories as a young teen going to carmel and i'm glad we chose carmel for easter sunday was an amazing peaceful drive. pet friendly place as well. highly recommend this beach as the sand seems softer and looks easier for lounging on a sunny day i've included photos videos to enjoy

Very quiet and beautiful park for gatherings. Bathrooms are clean. I was there for a wedding and…read moreamphitheater is directly across from bathroom (not great for pictures of the ceremony). Covered area is spacious for eating.

Attended my niece's wedding here in May! Perfect environment! Reception under the pavilion was…read moreperfect. It actually was a little hot! Everything was clean!