China Cove and Gibson's Beach

You have to see China Cove and Gibson's Beach, at Point Lobos State Reserve, at least once in your life! What a gorgeous little cove! You can only see China Cove from above because it is now the home of mother seals and their babies, and has been blocked off. If you want to dig your toes into some perfect white sand though, you can walk down the steep staircase to Gibson's Beach next door. The water looks a bit rough and feels too cold for swimming though.

The water as you look down at China Cove isn't the slightest bit grey! It is crystal clear with hues of blue and green. Flowers cling to the cliffs that frame the cove. Spend a blissful hike just taking in the beauty of this place and watching the seals frolick about. With the sea-cave to the left of the beach it really looks like a place of magic where mermaids would live!
Be aware it is cold in Monterey- I was shivering even though I was in the full sun at noon with a sweater and jacket on, in the middle of summer! This area though can be sheltered from wind, so it makes a good choice if other parts of Monterey are blowing a gale.
Between China Cove and Gibson's Beach is Bird Rock, a huge white rock covered in happy cormorants. Here you may see sea otters playing in kelp offshore or harbor seals sunning on rocks just above the water.
On the drive to the Bird Island Trail there is another parking lot before Hidden Beach. If you stop here, your kids will enjoy playing with the pebbles on shore and watching the waves crash on the rocks and swoosh into a tiny cove. The rock formations here are interesting- the earth's crust has clearly been jammed right up by an earthquake at some time.
There are many trails that hug the cliffs. Explore each one- all are easy- and see what new views you discover with each turn!
To see China Cove and visit Gibson's Beach, you must visit Point Lobos State Reserve. It costs $10 per car but you can park outside the park along Highway 1 to avoid the fee or if the parking lots are full, which is often. Hike the South Plateau trail from the free parking, which is to the left of the entry booth. It takes you for 18 minutes through moss-strung trees and then along the cliffs to Gibson's Beach and Bird Island Trail, which is the trail you that gives you views over China Cove.
If you pay to enter the reserve, you can drive to the Bird Island Trail parking lot, at the end of the road, and hike the Bird Island Trail for six minutes to China Cove and Gibson's Beach.
There are restrooms at most of the parking lots.
While in Monterey, take a day to do the Big Sur Coastline Drive to San Simeon. It is something you will always remember!

Directions

Take Highway 1 south from Monterey. Soon you will see signs for Point Lobos State Reserve. Pull into the driveway to the right, and pay $10 per car to enter. If it's full, park along Highway 1 and walk in for free (see directions above). At the booth, you can buy a great map for $2 that tells about the park and its trails. On weekends, expect a ten minute delay as you wait for everyone to pay at the booth.
The address for Point Lobos State Reserve is 62 California 1, Carmel-By-The-Sea CA 93923.

Click on map for interactive view