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Lovers Point Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
54 reviews for Lovers Point Park
54 reviews in English
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Review from Maria isabel P.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this park. Nice view and good pathway for bikers and walkers.
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Review from Christy M.
Sacramento, CA
1/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is a more touristy spot than others in Pacific Grove, but there is a lot to offer. Grass areas can host weddings, parties, and even church services. Jog along the path, or go down to enjoy the beach. There are swimmers, SCUBA divers, and kayakers in this cove, as the water is calmer here than elsewhere. There are also hotels and restaurants right there as well.
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Review from Steph C.
6/8/2011 3 photos
Ok.. So maybe I missed the memo to bring my drugs but I came here with the bf before dinner and the reviews talked so highly of this place. It is absolutely beautiful here. The cliffs overlook a beautiful sunset and there was even an outdoor wedding when I came.
My bf and I, like many others, decided to climb the rocks over the beach. There we saw a group of shirtless Mexicans smoking... illegal substances... in the crevices of the rocks. Now look, I'm probably the LAST person to give a crap when it comes to weed but I can honestly say that they weren't smoking weed. I'm not going to say what it was.. but trust me when I say it wasn't weed.
Now they were REALLY high and one decided to start humping a rock and rolling around on the rocks. It was SUPER weird. After taking pictures of the sunset, we decided to walk back to the car and watch the wedding from afar. Then we realize that right behind the trees of the bride and groom you can see the shirtless Mexican humping the rock PERFECTLY. hahahahahahah
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I took many pictures and yes, we were laughing VERY HARD. I'm pretty sure the wedding heard us and I'm sorry for that.. but holy shit it was hilarious.
I just say that this place is PERFECT for any romantic occasion but I just wish there were some type of police involvement when it comes to what goes on around here. There were at least 10 people doing things between the rocks.. They weren't mean and I didn't feel threatened but there were young kids running around and I just don't think its an overall safe place. -
Review from Julietta B.
Sacramento, CA
The name itself oozes the promise of romance and the breathtaking view does not disappoint. The after dinner drive from Cannery Row to this spot was well worth it. I imagine I would hold my husband tight and nuzzle myself into his neck for warmth; but alas, I am here with the Mothership and she is harping from the back seat about how it's getting dark and it's too cold outside. "I'm just gonna step out for a bit Ma" and I gleefully shut the car door and walk out to the vista. My oh my that sunset is gorgeous. I close my eyes, feel the breeze, and listen to the waves crashing below. "BadJuju! You come back to the car now before you get sick!" The Mothership bellows from the cracked window. I briefly entertain the thought of flinging myself onto the jagged rocks below just to get a moment of silence...."Yeah Ma, I'm coming" I mutter with growing resentment.
I think I'll bring my hubby next time. -
Review from Harry K.
Monterey, CA
3/26/2011
Lovers of Jesus Point. That's what it was, back in the Methodist retreat days (http://www.pgmuseum.or...). You don't have to love Jesus to love Lovers Point--but it doesn't hurt :-)
Ennyhoo, this here park here is a fine place for kids, dogs (on leashes, please!), families, adults--just about everyone, really. The lawn area (watch out for the rocks!) has barbecue grills and picnic tables; there's a rocky area great for clambering on; there's a couple of stairways down to the beaches; there's a concession stand; and--oh yeah! A fantastic view. There are portapotties, too, as well as a disused swimming pool and a sandy volleyball court.
The beach is pretty well contained; the only place your child can run away to is the ocean.
It's cold, though. PG is cold most of the time, and is often either foggy or breezy. Even when it's clear and hot (about three times per annum), the water is icy. Must be that glowball warmening I keep hearing about.
This is also a popular spot to go into the water for divers. I wouldn't dive here without a drysuit, and maybe not even then. Frigid!
Lovers Point marks the end of the Rec Trail (which was, once upon a time, the location of train tracks--wouldn't it have been great to ride that train?). There's a jitney rental place here, too.
The park is just a hop, skip, and jump away from downtown PG, so it's convenient going either way.
Once you're done here, I highly recommend driving along the coast going west on Ocean View Boulevard. More beautiful scenery is yours if you do.
The park is the site for the annual Lantern Festival closing festivities. If you're lucky, they'll even put on a fireworks show for that, but I think they have failed to do so for the past couple years.
They also sometimes have bouncy houses and the like for kids during the "summer" (the foggiest, dankest season in PG), also in conjunction with some festival or another.
All in all, a fine place to spend a day.Listed in: An Ode to Pacific Grove in…
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Review from Kelly B.
Monterey, CA
2/18/2011
For the record, the full name is Lovers of Jesus Point. Not Lover's Point. Not Lovers's' Poin't. Lovers of Jesus Point. The 'Jesus' part fell from the sign long before the nation's collective demonstrated tolerance for all religions by whining every time the name 'Jesus' appeared in print, in conversation, on "The View."
Digression.
Lovers Point, anyway, Lovers Point is magic. Although true, when they say, "Stick it where the sun don't shine" they actually mean Pacific Grove, on those few days per annum when the sun rips through the otherwise eternal blanket of fog... like I said: magic. Find a place on the warm, sloping sand, close your eyes, and the music of children laughing and the pulse of gentle waves will do more for you in ten minutes than any therapist can in a year.
There's a mixed bag of nostalgia, however, peppered along the beach and clinging to the torn boulders of granite. You can't see it if you're not looking for it.
Back when, denizens of Monterey and Pacific Grove'd had enough of the Chinese; the smell of drying squid, the odd tourist dollar that found its way into their coffers. This was all too much to bear. The first Chinese village, closer to where the Aquarium sits today, burned to the ground under mysterious circumstances. The good, charitable people of the peninsula came together, picked through the rubble for anything of value, and gathered a whopping $25 to help these displaced people. (Help = strongly suggest moving on to another county)
What no one anticipated was the reaction of the Southern Pacific Railroad, of the Pacific Improvement Company. What the looters and arsonists didn't know was that the Chinese were notorious for ...paying their rents on time.
Under the auspices of the SPR, & the PIC, and much to the chagrin of all, the Chinese were given a spot to rebuild, just up the coast...
In our time, this place is commonly known as Lover's's Point. -
Review from Esther S.
5/31/2011
Nice little park area with a small beach and a big rock area to climb around on. Saw some otters there floating and playing about. Super windy the day we came so didn't stay too long.
Would be nicer if came for a picnic or if the wind wasn't about the blow us away! -
Review from Ryan L.
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you continue south from Cannery Row along Ocean View Blvd. you'll approach Lovers Point Park.
A large formation of rocks, presumably that lovers would sit on and make out, juts out into the water forming this charming point. The surf is light as it's protected by the large Monterrey Bay. There is a small sandy beach and a lot of rocks to climb. Photographers were out in droves taking photos of the beautiful scenery.
I could sit on these rocks for days and listen to the siren song of surf washing onto shore that has drawn so many to this location. It's a beautiful stop to enjoy. -
Review from Constance C.
East Bay, CA
2/10/2011
Loved walking around here and on a nice day it is absolutely beautiful! The day I went was pretty warm so it was nice that it didn't get too windy like most other waterfront areas in Monterey.
Originally we weren't planning to go here, but we saw it on our drive to get brunch in the morning and decided to come back and stop since it looked so beautiful and inviting. Didn't regret that decision at all!
So scenic and beautiful! I think it's one of those places that's nice to go to to clear your mind and just walk around. -
Review from Cassie J.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2010 4 photos
Scuba Diving Certification--Day 2
After our first dive at the Breakwater in Monterey, we made our way over here to Lovers Point for day two of our certification.
Parking in the area ranges from a 2 hour parking lot, and some all day street parking across from the beach. We were able to find parking directly across the street, and this helped enormously with all of our scuba gear packed on. My suggestion for divers would be to arrive before 9:00am in order to find parking if you plan to be diving all day.
Lovers Point is a popular spot for beach go-ers and kayakers since the cove itself is very protected. So you can beat that it gets quite crowded here.
This review is mainly a diving review. I didn't so much care for the water itself here at Lovers Point in comparison to the Breakwater down in Monterey, but what I did like is the fact that the waters entering the ocean were extremely calm. There were hardly any waves upon entering.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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(Dad and I entering the calm waters)
The negative about entering the water here at Lovers Point from my experience would have to be the over abundance of California Kelp surrounding the coast. We literally had to weave our way through a maze of kelp causing our gear the get tangled everywhere.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
There were a few members of our dive group who were so exhausted from swimming out to the middle of the waters because of the kelp which caused them to tire before the actual dive down. So word of advice--patience is key when diving here...the Kelp will drive you crazy.
Once we descended to the bottom, we got to about 25-30 feet down. The waters were quite murky and not as clear, and there was a lack of sealife under at 30 feet down. The only thing we noticed a lot of was...again...kelp. Maybe we needed to be further out in the waters in order to see more interesting creatures. Next time perhaps.
Lovers Point has a snack stand that sells hot dots and refreshments, but for the most part, there weren't many places to dine. I would recommend packing a picnic lunch as there are plenty of benches surrounding.
Overall, the waters entering were very calm and very easy to, the only exception is of course...k e l p . But I can see why swimmers and kayakers would love Lovers Point when hanging out around the sandy area. I will return for a future dive, in hopes of seeing a bit more.Listed in: Water Water Everywhere!
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Review from Foam R.
Monterey, CA
12/12/2010
When it gets warm, head to Lovers Point Park for a picnic. This is Pacific Grove's crown jewel of the park system. The park has a beautiful lawn, and a rocky point facing the Peninsula. The beach is a quaint throwback to the days of the WPA of the 1930's. There's a kiddie pool which is filled in the summer for wading. The hamburger stand serves up greasy specialties also during the summer. Then this is probably the only spot in Pacific Grove where'll you'll see some cleavage. Although it doesn't happen very often since PG is dominated by the cold and fog.
My favorite part of the park are the picnic benches underneath the canopy of the pines. The squirrels will want to share your lunch with you, and are quite tame as they will come very close. The seagulls tend to patrol the park for handouts too, and will swipe lunch if you're not looking. It's a good spot for surfers in the winter when the swells on the bay get much larger. I always see scuba divers here everyday regardless of the season, and it seems to be a safe spot since PGFD isn't called out here very often.Listed in: Picnic time
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Review from Anna B.
Pacific Grove, CA
You can go to this beach and let the kids play knowing they are not going to wander out of sight. If you get thirsty you've got a snack bar right there. There are public restrooms, picnic tables and bbq's... pretty much everything you need. Theres a little shack that rents out kayaks and bikes.
I grew up spending everyday on this beach all summer long. As a young child I explored the tide pools, kelp forests and took my first big jump off the peer. Good times for sure.
My kids actually know this beach as "the popsicle beach" because since they were 2 years old they've been eating the all fruit popsicles they sell at the snack bar. :)
Oh did I forget to mention the volleyball court? Nice sand court with a killer view of the bay. Swimming pool, unfortunately is out of commission and looking pretty shabby right about now... another one of PG's issues with promoting positive activities for youth. So much red tape in this town... anyway, you've got to spend a day here especially if you're with kids. -
Review from Chloé N.
Mountain View, CA
Went there to watch Sunset...Nice little park with good view!! Though it was SUPER cold that day when we went there, it's still really nice view of the sunset. And it has a nice name for romantic dates :)
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Review from J W.
Elk Grove, CA
11/23/2010
This is a scenic spot in Monterey/Pacific Grove that my husband and I have visited a couple of times when we vacation here. It is a pretty location with a nice view, not the most spectacular in the region but serene and beautiful all the same. We like to watch the waves crash against the mighty rocks and the carefree gulls and pelicans flying high above in the sky.
The wind was very strong on a recent visit so it was freezing cold, but at least the sun came out after quite a bit of rain so it was still nice. The cypress trees are majestic and make for nice backdrops. This is a good spot for a leisurely stroll with your SO or a picnic with your family. Worth a visit especially since parking is free for 2 hours and was easy to find. =) -
Review from David K.
6/12/2011
Nice view of monterey bay... just didnt enjoy the shirtless mexican guy smoking a joint and humping a rock, while there was a wedding going on. It was pretty funny though haha
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Review from luis m.
Oakland, CA
11/11/2008
Why don't we have a "Yeah we don't want to get married but at least we aren't backstabbing cunts" Point?
Anyways, for those that are all about the Love and creating beautiful moments to enjoy for the rest of your life this park and little parcel of beach do it up quite nice. The grass in the park seemed very well maintained and I really wanted to kick my slippers off and just feel it all between my toes. The beach is very small but it was big enough to hold my brother and sister-in-laws wedding party.
Maybe one day I'll care enough about someone to have a "Hey I really like you and trust that you won't go choking on some random asshole's cock every time you have two vodka sodas" kind of ceremony here. Probably not though. -
Review from Michelle M.
San Jose, CA
7/1/2011 7 photos
It's a pretty place to stop by if you're in the downtown area, if not just for the squirrels. See uploaded photos.
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Review from Cheri L.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2009 2 photos
Ocean squirrels roam these rocks, which overlook the sea. For this alone, Lover's Point garners five stars.
But really, there is a charm and natural beauty here that reflects what I love about Pacific Grove. Watching kayaks drift out to sea, listening to seagulls fly above, hearing sea otters in the distance, daydreaming about owning my own little cottage along the water, searching for tidepools...
I have fond memories of this place. -
Review from Drew T.
8/4/2008
Definitely the biggest tourist draw next to cannery row. If you have to come here, please stay the hell out of my pictures!
Also, there are a few restaurants nearby, 2 motels within walking distance, and an outdoor volleyball court. This is also where a lot of kayakers enter to get out into the open seas.
I would be careful of standing on the highest rocks during bad weather as several people have been eaten alive by the waves.
Rent a bike and go down to the rocky points that have a better beach. -
Review from Jonas T.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2009 1 photo
Beautiful place, and climbing the rocks is fun. You can also spot sea otters out in the ocean.
JONASAPPROVED! -
Review from Robert S.
Salinas, CA
6/10/2010
Whether you're a couple, friends, married, single, young old, this is a great spot to just get away from everyday life. It's the ideal place for all of you couples who enjoy long walks on the beach; why not walk on paths right next to it?!
Oh coarse there are those couple on the rocks trying to get away from everyone else and hold each other until the rest of us get sick and vomit from their love for each other; just kidding, it's cute.
Or you can be like me and make conversations for them by using their body language. My girlfriend would take the voice of one as I, the other. Good times. Besides the adorable couples at this park, you'll see families enjoying their day with a friendly picnic or BBQ. Yes the park supplies us with benches, tables, and BBQ pits.
If you decide to have a picnic on the grass, beware of the birds; they will want your delicious goodies and try anything to obtain them. Before you know it, you're naming all the birds after people you know because of the way the birds act around you.
Getting back to the park slash beach itself, you can enjoy the waves from any location; the rocks, a bench, or sand. If you need a a little get away from life and have the need to relax, why not come by to Lover's Point and watch the waves until the sun goes down.
Have fun out there! =) -
Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
9/15/2008
I never swam here.
I goofed off with my friend who used to work at the rental place.
I sat on the beach and relaxed.
I watched some silly people play hacky sack while I relaxed on the grass.
I read a whole book in one day there.
I watched a friend train for a triathalon and totally fail attempting to navigate the kelp beds.
I watched the undulating calm from a nearby apartment window of a home I almost rented.
This place is amazing... and my recent memories are dwarfed by my early childhood memories. So crazy.
So beautiful! -
Review from Teri B.
Vallejo, CA
4/28/2007 3 photos
Reasons to visit Pacific Grove:
The Annual Feast of Lanterns
http://www.feast-of-la.../
and my home beach -- we have photos with me as early as a year of age on this beach...eating sand I'm sure...
go, see, do...and DIVE if you are able! will never forget the summer we all saw JAWS...then NONE of us wanted to learn to scuba dive OR surf...
back in the day there was a glass bottom boat...and I have many wonderful memories of this beach...and tidepooling in the same place that Doc Ricketts conducted his marine research...and the train coming through here...read Steinbeck's Cannery Row...and glimpse back in time...it hasn't changed all that much...Listed in: Home Sweet Home...
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Review from Yanne R.
Maui, HI
1/2/2010
I live a block away from Lover's Point. Its a pretty cool place during the week. Weekends get crazy busy. During the summer, skip it altogether. If you go here on a weekend in the summer you won't be able to hear yourself over the 50 person-family Filipino picnics and the six Mexican weddings they have there a day. They have so many Mexican weddings at this place I think I've been asked to be a stand-in for a groomsman a good 5 or 6 times.
The snackshop is awesome. Their cheeseburgers are about as good as I've ever tasted. They're In N Out quality. -
Review from Kelly S.
6/23/2008 3 photos
not only for the lovers :) friends, your mom, my mom, his mom. Whoever!
The view is breathtaking! The sand is huge like playground sand.. it's interesting.
This place is awesome to people watch and relax. As i was laying down in complete vegetation, i couldnt think about anything. ANYTHING. What a great way to spend the end of my week. So chill, i will definately be returning. -
Review from Michelle B.
Concord, CA
10/9/2007 1 photo
This is a must see when you go down to PG. The rocks brought back childhood memories.
When I checked in @ our hotel, the FD host suggested to take the "walk" to lover's point. I was so delighted we did go, because we got cool pictures and got a bench to ourselves and just watched the waves rush in. -
Review from Brittany N.
Sacramento, CA
3/23/2011
Gotta love Lover's Point. Whether you go in the morning or evening and capture the serenity that the point has to offer or if you go out in the middle of a "warm" day where there are kids running around and people having picnics, it's always a beautiful spot. You can see out to Moss Landing on a sunny day and the waves breaking on the rocks are quite majestic. There's a great walking trail and bike path along Lover's Point that I would recommend taking a stroll down so that you can see more of the beautiful beaches that Monterey and Pacific Grove have to offer.
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Review from Jonathan C.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2009
A great park! Really scenic ocean front park! Nice grassy areas for a picnic or some light sports. A rocky point to climb on, which is probably not the safest thing to do in the world, but sure is fun. There a rocky shoreline that is uncovered during low tide for a tidepooling kind of experience. Plenty of above shore wild life like birds, otters, and seals. There's even a little snack shack and place to rent kayaks and stuff open during the summer. Public restrooms are available and opened daily around 8 or 9 in the morning.
The biggest draw for me is the protected dive entry on inner lover's. Even on the roughest of days, you can probably enter here with little or no problem. There's even a nice landing with bench build into the wall which makes a great place to put your gear together, settle your final dive plans, and don your gear before entering. There's great sea life too, probably my favorite dive spot in the area when there's some swell. If you're willing to make the swim out to edge of the kelp line, there's people who pay 100 bucks a day for boat to drop them off at the same place.
Be sure to check with a local guide or dive with someone who has dove here before, if you're not used to diving around here.
I've never had trouble parking here, since there's lot space with a 2hr limit with some exceptions for weekends and holidays (I think) and a ton of street parking if that's filled. -
Review from Amanda S.
Pacific Grove, CA
5/3/2010
This is the place to go. I live about 10 blocks up the coast from here. I am usually walking the bike path at dusk with the dogs and the BF. We always make our way down to lovers point where we can go done to the beach and let the dogs run free for a minute. I have met several people here at night doing the same thing. Probably about 10 people over the past year and I have no idea what one of them looks like.
I think this place is optimal for destination weddings. I have seen several done here and they all appear to be beautiful. You really cannot find a more gorgeous place to get married for what I believe is FREE -
Review from Mike T.
6/8/2009
I wouldn't make a special trip to Pacific Grove just for the park but it is one of the coolest small parks I have ever seen. It's got a tiny beach, a decent amount of grass with picnic benches and a rock railing that goes for most of the park that you can sit on also. The rocks on the ocean that you can climb on are cool and I even saw a couple getting some wedding photos taken there.
Free parking on the streets which was ample on a Sunday. Lot of people were running, biking, or renting bikes.
Some really great views and has a different feel to it from some of the other ocean towns in CA. -
Review from Yuchi C.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2008
Agree, not only for lovers!
Beautiful like everyone else said.
Great for running! It's mostly flat and good distance. -
Review from Nicole C.
Discovery Bay, CA
7/9/2009 1 photo
Really a beautiful park to go see! Lush green grass and steep steps down to the beach coupled with some pretty interesting Rock Scapes makes this place a great place to see!
Lot's of picture opportunities at this park with lots of sculptures, etc.
The only thing that is hit or miss is the cleanliness of the restrooms...someday's they are fine while others your better off digging a hole in the sand to pee in. (I am NOT suggesting that you do this!! It's just for effect! :) ) -
Review from Jason D.
Van Nuys, CA
2/22/2011
Super cool park in Montertey. We went to the end of the rocks which was really fun. Great for a picnic lunch, taking pictures, and smoking bowls which I did not do there.
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Review from Doug F.
Seaside, CA
5/23/2011
super fun good times
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Review from Eliza S.
Aromas, CA
2/7/2011 13 photos
I love this place. Of course, I could probably say that about almost anywhere in Monterey - I'm a little biased. But seriously..
I actually got to do a group presentation on Lovers Point in a public speaking class last semester- a fun assignment. After wandering around the park and taking lots of pictures (and yes, feeding the squirrels our MYO yogurt- we know, we shouldn't have), my classmates and I stopped in the Lovers Point Inn across the street to ask the desk clerk if she knew any interesting information about the park. Turns out Lovers Point Park was not, in fact, named for the handholding, starry-eyed couples that wander its grounds thinking romantic thoughts and talking romantic talk and making the rest of us want to hurl... Pacific Grove actually used to be a Methodist retreat back in the 1800s, and the park was originally called 'Lovers of Jesus Point' (hence the missing apostrophe) until the name was shortened later on. Little trivia for you there. It also helps somewhat when you happen to be single and find yourself jealously watching said couples while you're wandering around the park..
ANYway.. I've actually only been here just to walk around, never long enough for a picnic or anything like that. I have heard that it can get a little crowded (as you might imagine), especially on the weekends when it's popular for weddings. But crowded or not it's still a great place to go. every time I come here I just fall in love with the ocean all over again. It doesn't matter whether it's sunny or cloudy, Lovers Point is just beautiful. Don't take my word for it! Stop for a few minutes. Get out of your car, walk around a bit, breathe in the salty air as you watch the birds and the ocean. You'll be glad you did. -
Review from Candace G.
San Jose, CA
10/28/2009
Talk about the new (old) hang out!
This entire area (not just "Lover's Point Park") is sooooooooo wonderful. Off the beaten path & away from the touristy/ trendy Monterey.
The beach, water, & wild life are up close & personal. The residents of Pacific Grove & people in general are very nice & personable. The area is well maintained & respected. It's quiet & peaceful (no ninjas & Harley's roaring through the streets).
The beaches are wheelchair/walker accessible, dog friendly, kid friendly, & you can bring your own BBQ! What more can I say - I love PG & Lover's Point. -
Review from LALA T.
Sacramento, CA
8/12/2010
Haha, i thought it was actually a "Lover's Point" where lovebirds go to and well, be lovebirds! Me & the bf was heading to the American Tin Cannery Outlet and found Lovers Pt on the map, so the name got us and headed right over. Unfortunately, the sky wasnt pretty that day. Cloudy, gloomy, cold, no sunshine..it kinda sucked for us. I sure seen alot of couples out n about! Beautiful place, would come back on a nicer day!
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Review from Byron C.
Walnut, CA
4/18/2011
Very fun place to relax, hang out, and play with your friends. Not exactly the biggest place compared to other beachside parks in California, but it wasn't crowded at all despite being a weekend so there was plenty of space for us to stretch out. Lover's point is surprisingly clean and the view is great.
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Review from justin p.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/13/2007
Great views, and it's free! Plus, nice strolling on either side of park along bluff. Would love to rent a kayak! Good beachcombing and/or tidepooling, as well.
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
12/25/2007 1 Check-in Here
So many good memories here as a kid. Used to be ballsy enough to swim out quite far. Not sure if I'd do that anymore since you can get tangled up in those kelp beds. You can throw parties in the picnic area but don't feed the squirrels. I saw a lady get bit once.
