Pebble Beach in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cypress Point Lookout
Do you see snow or trees?
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
1. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
In 1542, the explorer Cabrillo called this point of land Cabo de Nieve - Cape Snow- to describe the white landscapes before him. No one's sure what he saw. In 1774, Tomαs de la Peρa, a missionary, gave this western-most point on the Monterey Peninsula the name. La Punta de cipreses, or Cypress Point. The name stuck and became official in 1967.
Surrounding you are the majestic trees for which Cypress Point was named. During Cabrillo's time this species was near extinction. It occurs naturally in only two places - from here to Pescadero Point (four stops to the south) and at Point Lobos (south of Carmel). Today, Monterey cypress have been planted worldwide, usually near coastlines.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1542.
Location. 36° 34.616′ N, 121° 58.485′ W. Marker is in Pebble Beach, California, in Monterey County. It is on Sunset Point, on the left when traveling south. This is located along the 17 Mile Drive off of Sunset Point Drive in a parking lot next to chainlink fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Sunset Point, Pebble Beach CA 93953, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast and specifically on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Crocker Grove (approx.
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lone Cypress (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Cypress Point Lookout. Marker is only accessible on the 17-Mile Drive, which charges a toll for visitors/non-residents. The road is a scenic route located in Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, along with five primary entrances. There are 15 notable stops that people are encouraged to visit while driving on it.
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
2. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
3. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
Cabrillo may have seen snow when he sailed past this point in October of 1542. At that time the world's climate was colder than it is today.
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
4. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
5. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
6. Cypress Point Lookout native
Photographed by Denise Boose, March 7, 2015
7. Crocker Grove Ancient Cypress Trees
Photographed by Jason Voigt, March 27, 2026
8. Cypress Point Lookout Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 797 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 16, 2015, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 8. submitted on April 4, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
