When my mom came to visit a few years ago, we wanted to find a spot for a day hike by the ocean. We did some research and settled on Point Lobos, a state park situated at the top of Big Sur, which is a few hours drive south of where we live in California. The park's website provides a great description:
Long considered the “crown jewel” of California’s 280 state parks, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a magnet for nature lovers around the world. With its breathtaking beauty, fascinating wildlife and friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, Point Lobos is a place where one can experience nature at its best and explore this area's fascinating human history.
The park is a mix of varied sights. There are white sand beaches and dark sand beaches. Seals and birds. Old whaling/fishing huts to explore. Calm coves and crashing waves. We did a hike that circled the peninsula of the park and I would highly recommend this area for a side trip near Big Sur.
The second weekend, we took my mom on one of our favorite hikes, on Pillar Point Bluff. For this hike you start by parking your car at the Moss Beach Distillery and have a 3-4ish mile walk out and back to the distillery. The views are gorgeous and you can finish the hike with a yummy lunch and drink on the patio of Moss Beach Distillery.
