Point Lobos Association is a charitable non-profit association formed in 1978 to support interpretive and educational programs at Point Lobos Reserve and to assist California State Parks in preserving Point Lobos. The PLA maintains interpretive collections, provides a library for historical and field research, and publishes materials encompassing all facets of the Reserve.

In addition, the PLA sponsors and funds docent educational and interpretive programs by qualified volunteer docents who augment the ranger staff. Docents lead nature walks; set up spotting scope stations along the shore to afford visitors a better view of the marine mammals and birds; staff the information station, where various publications relevant to the Reserve are sold; staff the Whalers Cabin and Whaling Station Museum; and schedule slide shows for groups upon request.