10 votes

China Cove

Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 93923 USA

9
Photos

Free

Free to Visit

Open Now

Fri 8a-7p

Independent
Not Wheelchair
Accessible
No Wifi

“a hidden paradise!”

These white sand beaches and blue green waves and wild life, including seals and whales, are well worth the effort to exert your hiking skills. The gorgeous cove got its name from a distinct pink house, called the China House, which was for many a landmark to mariners upon making entrance to the Newport harbor. The home was built using elaborate scrolling and curved Chinese architecture that was based on the Buddhist belief that evil spirits could hide in straight lines. The home was built upon the rocks at the entrance of Newport Harbor. Sadly, it was demolished in the 1980s.

Add Review

Thanks!

Your Rating

Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

Road Warrior
1,169 Reviews
910 Helpful

August 30, 2014

Rated 4.0

This is a gorgeous cove that is at the end of the driving trail in Point Lobos State Park. You pack and hike up a trail to see one of the most beautiful coves ever. It's often closed off, and the stairs are considered unsafe, so you I recommend walking behind the cove and then down to Gibson Beach. It's bigger than China Cove, and you can see the other side of China Cove from it. You can also see some whales.

Read full article here >

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
rachelsherbondy

2 Reviews
1 Helpful

June 17, 2018

Rated 5.0

Really cool experience I was planning this trip same day & it was well worth it! My mother loves seals so it was really cool that were were able to see them as we looked down on the shore!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
awillardson

1 Review
1 Helpful

March 31, 2015

Rated 3.0

The trail down to the beach was closed off - and it costs 10$ to get into the state reserve area. It's a beautiful beach from above, though I'd have loved to go down and get that close to the sun bathing sea lions.

1 person found this review helpful