Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
2 miles south of Rio Road on Highway 1, Carmel, (831) 624‑4909, parks.ca.gov/pointlobos
If you’re a local who regularly finds yourself driving by Point Lobos, you’d be forgiven for wondering whether the park has become overrated. It’s packed virtually daily (but especially on weekends and holidays), with cars lining Highway 1 near the entrance. But the truth is that hairy parking situation or not, Point Lobos is magical. Gaze out at the turquoise water from China Cove, visit with gorgeous old cypress trees and climb to Whaler’s Knoll and watch for whale spouts in the distance. You’ll be glad you came.