Point Lobos State Reserve, California

Often called the crown jewel of California's state parks system, the Point Lobos State Reserve is a magnet for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, jogging and, of course, diving. The reserve, on the central coast in Monterey County, offers rare plant communities, endangered archaeological sites, unusual geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. To protect the diverse natural resources, strict rules are enforced. Daily diving is limited to 15 teams of two buddies each. A c-card and registration are required, photo identification may be requested, and permits are valid only for the date issued. Entries and exits are allowed only at the access ramp at Whalers Cove parking lot, and diving is limited to Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays when interest is highest.

Depths to: 100 feet (30 m)

Visibility: Averages 20-30 feet (6-9 m), reaching 60 feet (18 m) from September to November.

Water temperature: Mid-50s Fahrenheit (12-14 degrees Celsius).

Marine life: Lingcod, cabezone and rockfish in the 70-foot-high kelp forests. You'll also spot harbor seals, sea lions, whales and sea otters, and all are protected under The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and state laws. No harassing or disturbing of the animals is allowed.

Fees: A vehicle fee is assessed: $8 for passenger cars and $4 if carrying a senior citizen. A $3 discount is given for cars carrying a disabled person.

On-site amenities: Picnic tables available at the parking areas of Whalers Cove, Piney Woods and Bird Island. For a taste of history, visit Whalers Cabin Museum, a structure built by Chinese fisherman in the 1850s, and the Whaling Station Museum, the site of a whaling station from 1862 to 1879.

More info: For reservations, call (831) 624-8413, visit http://ptlobos.org or e-mail ptlobos@mbay.net. An information station at the Sea Lion Point parking area is staffed by docents until 4 p.m.

Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winter hours, beginning late October, are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting there: The entrance is three miles south of Carmel, California, on Highway 1.