Point Lobos SNR – China Cove Beach

China Cove has a tiny pocket beach with emerald green water in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel, California. It’s a frequently photographed spot because of the stark white sand and green water.

At low tide you can find a small cave and a rock arch in the south wall. Bird Island, a top birdwatching spot, is just offshore and is best viewed from Pelican Point (aka Bird Island Lookout) via a short trail just south of China Cove. Gibson Beach is south of the point.

To get to China Cove, drive into Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and continue to the very end of the park road. Find the trailhead and venture out on the Bird Island Trail for about 250 yards and look for a signed trail branching off for China Beach. This short trail descends steps that lead down into China Cove. If the parking lot at the end of the road is open, then you won’t have to walk far to get there, but the parking lots at Point Lobos fill up regularly. If you can find a parking space somewhere else in the park and are willing to hike, with a map you can find your way to China Cove Beach.

Address

62 CA-1
Carmel, CA 93923

Phone

831-624-4909

Park Name

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Other Names

Bird Island Lookout, Bird Island Trail

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed in the reserve - even in cars

Fees

Fees for parking

Activities

Hiking, Birdwatching, Photography

Amenities

Trails, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Rock Arch

Links

Tide Chart
Water Temps