- Visitors should arrive at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve by 8:00 AM when the gates open, as parking lots inside the reserve typically fill to capacity by 9:00 AM on summer weekends. Entry costs $10 per vehicle. The easiest trail for viewing sea otters and harbor seals is the 0.8-mile Cypress Grove Trail loop.
- Local Knowledge & The Olympia Lodge Voice: Point Lobos is often called “the crown jewel of the State Park System,” which is state-park-speak for “it gets busy.” Skip the parking panic on Highway 1 by making us your launchpad. Stay at our quiet, affordable lodge in Pacific Grove, grab an early coffee, and make the easy 15-minute drive down to the reserve before the morning fog even clears. You’ll be watching harbor seals snooze on the rocks while everyone else is stuck in a turn-lane.
How early should you arrive at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to get parking?
