On Labor Day, we explored the beautiful Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and then traveled to Carmel-on-the-Sea for beach activities and lunch.
Surprisingly, the drive to Point Lobos was faster than expected. Reaching Point Lobos took about 80 minutes (instead of the usual 2 hours).
However, when we arrived, the main parking lot at Point Lobos State Reserve was entire (probably due to all of the Labor Day visitors), so we parked on the shoulder of Highway 1. (Note, there are parts of Highway 1 that have "No Parking" signs - and a ranger was giving out many tickets.)
We followed the "Lace Lichen Trail" to the Cypress Grove Trail, where we wanted to see the famous Allan Memorial Grove.
There are many beautiful trees and scenic overlook. Some trees have a rusted-out appearance - this is a unique rust-colored algae that grows here.
We saw a couple of whales in the distance spouting, but they were too far away for a photo.
The many exotic trees are so beautiful here. There were many birds, too, and we observed many pelicans flying around.
After enjoying our time here, we headed for Carmel-by-the-Sea for lunch and beach time. We found a well-rated restaurant near our parking spot - Treehouse Cafe.
For an appetizer, we ordered a plate of Hummus and Pita bread. The Hummus was as good as Oren's Hummus Shop in Mountain View (our favorite local spot).
For an entree, I ordered a Greek Gyro. It was not bad at all.
Inna ordered highly recommended "Salmon Ravioli," which she really liked.
We also shared a bowl of the famous "Coconut Shrimp Soup," which was off the menu (but was often mentioned in Yelp's restaurant reviews). The soup was delicious!
We splurged on a "Mango Cheesecake," which was quite delicious for dessert.
After lunch, we strolled through Carmel-by-the-Sea, heading to the beach. The weather was sunny and delightful. We were looking forward to walking on the white sand beach of Carmel.
There were many people and dogs on the beach - much more than is typical for Carmel, but this was the Labor Day weekend.
When we got close to the water, we spotted a pod of dolphins! They were close to shore and were diving in and out.
We were lucky to see dolphins and whales in Carmel on the same day. We walked the entire beach from one end to another, past the famous "Pebble Beach" Golf Course.
We had a fantastic day at Point Lobos and Carmel and hope to be back.
Surprisingly, the drive to Point Lobos was faster than expected. Reaching Point Lobos took about 80 minutes (instead of the usual 2 hours).
However, when we arrived, the main parking lot at Point Lobos State Reserve was entire (probably due to all of the Labor Day visitors), so we parked on the shoulder of Highway 1. (Note, there are parts of Highway 1 that have "No Parking" signs - and a ranger was giving out many tickets.)
We followed the "Lace Lichen Trail" to the Cypress Grove Trail, where we wanted to see the famous Allan Memorial Grove.
There are many beautiful trees and scenic overlook. Some trees have a rusted-out appearance - this is a unique rust-colored algae that grows here.
We saw a couple of whales in the distance spouting, but they were too far away for a photo.
The many exotic trees are so beautiful here. There were many birds, too, and we observed many pelicans flying around.
After enjoying our time here, we headed for Carmel-by-the-Sea for lunch and beach time. We found a well-rated restaurant near our parking spot - Treehouse Cafe.
For an appetizer, we ordered a plate of Hummus and Pita bread. The Hummus was as good as Oren's Hummus Shop in Mountain View (our favorite local spot).
For an entree, I ordered a Greek Gyro. It was not bad at all.
Inna ordered highly recommended "Salmon Ravioli," which she really liked.
We also shared a bowl of the famous "Coconut Shrimp Soup," which was off the menu (but was often mentioned in Yelp's restaurant reviews). The soup was delicious!
We splurged on a "Mango Cheesecake," which was quite delicious for dessert.
After lunch, we strolled through Carmel-by-the-Sea, heading to the beach. The weather was sunny and delightful. We were looking forward to walking on the white sand beach of Carmel.
There were many people and dogs on the beach - much more than is typical for Carmel, but this was the Labor Day weekend.
When we got close to the water, we spotted a pod of dolphins! They were close to shore and were diving in and out.
We were lucky to see dolphins and whales in Carmel on the same day. We walked the entire beach from one end to another, past the famous "Pebble Beach" Golf Course.
We had a fantastic day at Point Lobos and Carmel and hope to be back.
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