Point Lobos is a small peninsula just south of Carmel and Monterey, California.

If you’re traveling in the San Francisco area and you like nature and photography, Point Lobos is a must-visit destination. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers the beauty of the Northern California coastline complete with seals, sea lions, otters, and even whales. It is also home to thousands of seabirds.

This is one of several spots in Northern California where you can use a cellphone camera to capture postcard-quality images featuring vibrant colors along the rocks, the water, and the rich array of trees and plants. It’s actually hard to take a bad picture.

The name Point Lobos comes from the offshore rocks that the Spanish called Punta de los Lobos Marinos (Point of the Sea Wolves). The rocks were close enough to shore that the sea lions there could be heard.

Point Lobos is a great spot for sightseeing, photography, nature study, picnicking, and even scuba diving.

Located just south of Carmel and Monterey and a two-hour drive from San Francisco, it’s a convenient stop for visitors to the area. Monterey has numerous hotels, both luxury and affordable.

An important tip: Parking is limited. Arrive early in the morning and bring a picnic lunch . Binoculars are also handy for viewing seals, sea lions, and other animals, and a coat is recommended even in summer.

Click here to see photos of Point Lobos.

(C) 2019, by John Sailors. All rights reserved.