Carmel - Point Lobos State Reserve

This unusual coastal region in the south of Carmel Bay lies only a few miles from Carmel, and the harshness of its granite cliffs and caves forms a stark contrast to the civilized township. As a result of the constant movements of the waves over many millions of years a gradual erosion of the rock has taken place, producing some strange formations. Along signposted trails through this 1,250 acre/500 hectare-tract, declared a nature reserve since 1933, (more than half of which lies under water), you can admire its beauty from close quarters: the numerous rocks lying off the coast, the caves, the rock-enclosed ponds which continually re-form, the fish in the clear waters and - with luck - sea-otters and sea-lions