Best Wildlife: Point Lobos State Reserve (California)
America's Best Beaches
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| Seagull on Point Lobos beach |
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 bobcats, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, and baders, all of which make their home in the hills. Look up in the trees for kestrels and hawks.
And don’t miss the wildlife offshore. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and sea otters are regulars here. Whether you dive in or observe from the shoreline, you’re likely to get a glimpse of something big.
Essentials:The park opens at 9 a.m. each day and closes as early as 5 p.m.. For more info, call 831-624-4909 or go to http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us.Tip:
Visit in October, when the monarch butterfly starts to show up.
