A Perfect Day at Point Lobos State Park

A Perfect Day at Point Lobos State Park

Making Memories with Mason and Taylor

Point Lobos State Park in Carmel is absolutely one of our favorite day trips, especially when it’s really hot here in Fresno. It’s a great little get away and the weather is pretty much always perfect there.

I’ll be honest, it’s usually Linda’s idea. The intrepid explorer and spontaneous person that she is.

It usually goes something like this:

• • Linda: "Hey, what do you think about taking a day trip to the coast."
  • Me: (Less spontaneous than Linda and usually prefer to plan things out) "Uh, well, maybe we could do that. Let’s see."

And so, it goes with Linda prevailing 99% of the time. Happy Wife, Happy Life, right?

This time, Linda called her daughter Corina to see if we could take our grandkids, Mason and Taylor for the day and give them a little mini adventure. It was the perfect way to cap off their summer vacation just before they headed back to school.

We picked them up the night before so we could head out early the next morning which we mostly did. That is if your definition of early is after 9am, LOL. We certainly had the best of intentions to leave much earlier.

As we approached Monterey, our stomachs were all growling and we decided to stop and grab a bite to eat on the bustling Fisherman's Wharf. The smell of fresh seafood and the sound of seagulls (and Pelicans) greeted us as we enjoyed clam chowder in sourdough bowls, a Monterey classic.

After our delightful lunch, we hopped back in the car and headed to Point Lobos State Park. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the Pacific Ocean stretching out beside us as we wound along Highway 1. As we approached the park, the excitement in the car was palpable. We had been telling Mason and Taylor stories about the park's natural beauty, and they were eager to explore and so were we, truth be told.

Once we arrived, we were greeted by the park's iconic rocky coastline, teeming with vibrant wildflowers and cypress trees. We started our adventure with a hike along one of the park's well-maintained trails. The kids couldn't get enough of the picturesque ocean views, and neither could we. The vibrant colors of the ocean and the rugged terrain were a sight to behold.

As we continued our trek, we discovered hidden coves and tide pools filled with fascinating marine life. Mason and Taylor were fascinated by the hermit crabs and sea anemones we found, and they even spotted a seal sunbathing on a distant rock.

After hours of hiking and exploring, we ended up at China Cove and we all marveled at the tranquility of the place. Point Lobos has a way of making you feel like you're a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Check out this 1-minute video recap of our day:

As the day drew to a close, we wrapped up our adventure with a stop at the Baskin Robbins in Los Banos for some well-deserved ice cream. The smiles on Mason and Taylor's faces said it all – it had been a day filled with joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

Point Lobos State Park is a true gem of California's coast, and it's a place that holds a special spot in our hearts. Our day there was a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of sharing these experiences with the next generation. If you're ever in the Carmel area, be sure to put Point Lobos on your must-visit list. You won't be disappointed!

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! We hope you get a chance to take this incredible place in soon.

All our best,