Although I have lived in Central California all my life and have fond memories of the tidepools at Point Lobos , I have never visited as an adult and I have decided it is time!

I'm leaving tomorrow for a few days and nights and need your expertise. I went to the website and have a listing of the trails/map but would love opinions about favorite walks and where to park and if there are really sea lions at this time of year on sea lion point!

Any and all recommendations will be highly regarded! Other than time at Point Lobos with a picnic (any great spots?) one dinner at Casanova and possible brunch at Ventana in Big Sur... I have no plans other than to drift around and go where the wind takes me!

Check to make sure the restaurant at Ventana is open. It was heavily damaged in last year's wildfires. I would eat at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn.

I don't have a favorite trail. It is all good. I ususally drive the road all the way to the end, park, and just start walking. The trail that follows the road down the coast to the south is great, as is the loop that goes out to the point, as is the trail that goes down to Whaler's Cove. It is a wonderful place. Have a great time.

If it's not too late, bring binoculars, b/c while you can easily see otters with the naked eye, it's really cool to view their behaviors up close. They bang shells open on their stomachs with rocks, they wrap themselves in kelp and take naps... cute.

Another bit of advice is to seek out the volunteer park guides. I have found them to be very unobtrusive, but if you seem interested, they have a wealth of information about the flora and fauna, and also cool stories to tell.

Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, there are at least three different kinds that are fairly easy to spot--although here, too, binos would be great to have.

Enjoy your visit! Point Lobos is one of my favorite places!

Hi, onemoneygirl!

Hope you see this post!

I'd suggest dong the Allan Memorial Grove Trail for starters. It's not difficult but there are some spots which require a bit of climbing.

Then continue on to the very easy, wheel-chair accessible Sea Lion Point Trail. Again very easy but lots of great views and you can hear the "lobos" barking offshore.

Then hike the South Shore Trail with it plethora of tiny coves and tidal basins - look for hidden sea anemones and small crabs in the crevices.

At the first parking lot inside, there is a ranger station. You can exchange your car keys/driver's license for a pair of binoculars there.

Have a great trip! Bring a camera and a free spirit!

Thanks so much!

iamq: Good point about the fire... I will check into Post Ranch Inn. I really appreciate the recommendation.

NewBe: Loved your suggestion about bringing binoculars! I need to invest in a pair!

easytraveler: Great info about the trails and the ranger station... I was wondering where to pick up a pair for the day. I've been to the Casmalia Hitching Post twice in the last week (friends birthdays) and remembered our fun evening! When are you coming for your wine tasting trip?

Thanks so much to each of you... not leaving till noon so if anyone else chimes in... thanks in advance!