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The Central California coast
The Californian Pacific coast between Monterey and Big Sur
offers stunning scenery and spectacular wildlife
(map). Endless viewpoints are strung along famed US Highway 1.
The tourist, attracted by California's sun, may however be surprised to find
another California specialty: low coastal clouds (so low they are often called fog),
especially in summer. In fact, winter is the best time to find clear skies,
in between rainstorms! Let us view some of the sights along this fabulous coast,
starting from Monterey and heading south toward Big Sur.
For over 70 years, from 1777 to 1849, Monterey was the capital of California
under Spain, Mexico and the USA (California became part of the USA in 1846,
just in time for the Gold Rush of 1849!).
It is described at
Wikipedia.
The old Custom House in Spanish style is a witness from that era.
Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey includes among its attractions the delightful
Fisherman's Wharf
(map), where one can sample great seafood, take a whale watching
cruise and enjoy at close range the antics of sea otters, very noisy sea lions,
sea gulls, cormorants and pelicans.
17 Mile Drive
Following the shore from Fisherman's Wharf, we pass Pacific Grove,
a comfortable residential community with fine views over Monterey Bay.
The "ice plant" (so called because it is slippery when walked on)
is characteristic of the region, and provides colorful flowers.
In Pacific Grove starts the famous and spectacular 17 Mile Drive, described at
Wikipedia.
This toll road crosses the gated community of Pebble Beach,
with its expensive homes and golf courses.
Much of the drive follows the beautiful shoreline,
as seen in the next 360-degree scrollable panorama.
This extract from a movie shows a mother sea otter and its baby
feeding in a kelp forest.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The 17 Mile Drive leads to the quiet artistic town of
Carmel-by-the-Sea
(map), with its numerous art galleries and quaint shops.
It is described at
Wikipedia.
The Barnyard is a pleasant shopping center in Californian architectural style.
Big Sur
After Carmel starts the wildest and most scenic stretch of the Central California
coast, which includes the community of
Big Sur
(map), described at
Wikipedia.
This ill-defined area covers a vast territory in which are tucked away
rustic and expensive homes, mostly invisible to the motorist.
The long winding road provides stunning views of the steep shore where the
Santa Lucia Mountains dive into the Pacific Ocean,
hosting all manner of wildlife (such as the pelicans and seals shown here).
