If you are planning to go to Carmel area and have a couple of free hours, don´t miss Point Lobos state reserve. It is just 10 min.by car and you will find great ocean views with lots of wildlife and nice walks.
Also good picnic areas.
Enjoy!

Is the exit clearly marked? Is it a state park? Entrance fee? Picnic area and restrooms? We need a stop on the way to Big Sur and will not be stopping in Carmel. Thanks.

Sunny, who cares if the exit is clearly marked?

Sunny: It is a state reserve. Entrance fee is $4 per car and yes, entrance and exits signs visible. About picnic areas and restrooms, yes. They give a map entering the park with all the roads and walks for free. Enjoy!

I agree- pt. lobos is an amazing place. It is very small though, and I understand that they limit the number of cars that they allow into the reserve. It is NOt clearly marked- we drove right by the enterance twice before we saw the sign.

Beware of the poison sumac! I was there in February and ended up with a bad case of poison sumac that lasted for two months.

How about ticks? Any warnings being given this year? Don't want lyme disease? Should we wear long pants?

If you choose, you can stick to the paths which are pretty wide. I think you can avoid poison stuff, ticks, etc.

There are paths all over the park...I think you'll still see the best of what the park has to offer

ejp: I've driven to Big Sur in the past and MISSED the exit to Point Lobos. THAT'S why I asked the question.

Clara: In California we have poison oak not poison sumac. Leaves of three, let them be, but it's really tough to spot in the spring and early summer when it's still green (it turns red in late summer/ fall).