Wonders of Wildlife at Point Lobos State Reserve

Overview: You can cram all the charms of California's amazing coastline into one stop at Point Lobos State Reserve, about 100 miles south of San Francisco.

It's all there at Point Lobos: crashing waves, barking sea lions, chattering shorebirds, sun-bathing sea otters, remarkable rock formations. Granted, you get a few nibbles of this anywhere along California Highway 1, but why not save your appetite for the whole feast?

Point Lobos has a network of well-maintained trails, but it's not really a hiking destination. Better to just find a place to park, find a trail, walk toward the sound of the ocean and enjoy the scenery.

Best time to go: September, when the summer heat is easing and the coast is less foggy. The rest of the year will do, however. Park authorities limit the number of cars allowed in Point Lobos, so you might have to leave the car outside the park on Highway 1 and walk in. This'll add about two miles of walking to your outing.

Tips: Entrance fees (summer 2010): Passenger cars: $10; vehicle with a senior citizen: $9; disabled discount: $6.

If you see a volunteer guide, ask if any migrating whales have been spotted lately. If so, it might be worth your while to park yourself on a patch of dirt and watch for their spouts.

Go on a weekday to avoid crowds and park closest to the coastline.

Give yourself two and half to three hours if you're driving south from San Francisco. Best way to get there is to take Highway 1 south from Pacifica. From Silicon Valley, take Route 17 south from San Jose and pick up Highway 1 south in Santa Cruz.

Watch for poison oak on narrow trails.

What to bring:
Clothing in layers and a wind-breaker - the breeze coming in off the Pacific is generally strong and cold.
Water and snacks (a picnic lunch is even better).
Camera
Binoculars