Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 Highway 1, Carmel
624-4909, www.parks.ca.gov/pointlobos
You can see forces of nature mightier than any superhero on stunning display here, where you can practically see geologic time unfolding before you, with steep rock formations that plummet into the sea. (The dramatic topography continues underwater; for those who don’t want to get wet and dive, a 3D model shows you what’s happening in Whalers Cove.) Add to the geology the 250 animal and bird species that call Point Lobos home, pristine beaches, wind-swept cypress trees, accessible trails suitable for all-ages hikers, joggers and picnickers, and a rustic history museum about the whaling industry, and you get the best.