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Photo: Kai Schreiber from Jersey City, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Considered the crown jewel of the California State Park system, Point Lobos is just south of Carmel on Highway 1. It is a rocky outcrop into the Pacific that has some great kelp forests, nice trails and small coves excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving (if you can survive the cold temperatures). If the water's too cold for your taste, you can climb on the rocks oceanside or head back to the trails. Look for birds and, in early spring, newborn harbor seal pups. Dress in layers, and include a windbreaker jacket. Multiple picnic areas and restroom locations are wheelchair accessible. Bikes on paved roads only. Extra fees for diving, kayaking, stand-up paddling, and boating. No dogs, no skateboarding, no smoking, no fires.
Point Lobos and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a state park in Central California, on the Pacific coast between the Carmel highlands and Big Sur. Adjoining Point Lobos is "one of the richest marine habitats in California", which is safeguarded by two marine protected areas: Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area and the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. The sea near Point Lobos is considered one of the best locations for scuba diving on the Monterey Peninsula and along the California coast.
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Artist Jim Needham has created a sculpture garden of rocks that have been stacked without the use of any adhesives, bolts or supporting structures. Some of the sculptures are as tall as nine feet.
If you're feeling brave enough to ford the river, behind the cross winds a network of paths that eventually lead to Monastery Beach, a great favorite among scuba divers. Watch as you walk for ubiquitous ice plant, and maybe a golden poppy or two (the state flower).
The quieter Carmel River State Beach adjoins an estuary that provides perfect bird-watching opportunities. On the hill across from the lagoon is a wooden cross marking the centuries-old "port" for supply ships to the mission. Wading in the river here is possible, but the steep slope of the beach makes for a violent current, and swimming in the ocean here is not a good idea.
Carmel Point, just to the south of Carmel Village. The famous stone home of poet Robinson Jeffers. Tours take about 1hr.
One of the 21 California missions established by Father Junipero Serra along the coast of California. Established in 1771, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the missions. Father Serra, the leader behind the greater Spanish mission to California, is buried along with his most faithful lieutenant at the front of the church. During the lifetimes of Father Serra and Father Fermin Lasuen, it was the headquarters of the mission system from 1771 until 1833. Self-guided tours take you through the remaining original buildings which now hold exhibits, a small museum, and a gift shop. Catholic Masses occur regularly. Keep in mind that the mission is a working Catholic church, so dress and act respectfully.
Bring a dog, a Frisbee, or a camera for a stroll down the beach. Dip your toes, or a bit more if you can brave the chill. Be prepared for a crisp ocean breeze. Build a twilight beach bonfire on the stretch of sand at the bottom of 13th (fires must be out by 10PM). Bring lots of blankets, hot drinks, and smore ingredients! Surfing is a possibility for very experienced surfers only (vicious riptides scour the coastline) - take off from the beach at the bottom of 8th.