India, Feb. 17 -- On the northern end of California's Central Coast, the region's rolling hills and sunny beaches give way to misty bays and cypress groves, pounding turquoise surf and steep, plunging cliffs. Harbor seals and otters bob in the waves, and, a little further offshore, whale spouts rise above the water. This type of scenery is usually synonymous with Big Sur, but to fully experience the region's splendor, you'll have to drive just a little further north on Highway 1.

That will bring you to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Often called the "crown jewel of the California state park system," the gorgeous land that Point Lobos encompasses has been preserved in some form since the turn of the 20th century, when Alexander MacMil...