Monterey Peninsula
While we are on the subject of jewelry, let me share with you one of the "crown jewels" of California and the United States: our own Monterey Peninsula. There are simply too many wonderful sights to mention here, but here is a "short" list of some of our favorites.
Point Lobos
Trail near Whaler's Cove
Point Lobos has a myriad of landscapes containing headlands, coves and rolling meadows with wildlife viewing of seals, sea lions, sea otters and migrating gray whales. Thousands of seabirds also make the reserve their home. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. The area used to be the home of a turn-of-the-century whaling and abalone industry. A small cabin from that era still remains at Whaler's Cove.
Point Lobos State Reserve is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, and scuba diving. In addition to the spectacular beauty, there are rare plant species, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. The sound of the sea lions can be heard eminating from the offshore rock formations. Many consider Point Lobos "the crown jewel" of the State Park System.
Carmel Mission
Carmel Mission Basilica
The Carmel Mission is one of the most beautifully restored missions in the state, with its Moorish bell tower and star-shaped windows. When the Spanish decided to build a mission in Monterey, California, Father Junipero Serra left San Diego by ship and Governor Portola traveled by land. It took them each more than a month to travel the 400 miles to Monterey. Two days after he arrived, on June 3, 1770, Father Serra founded the Carmel Mission, which was originally located at the Monterey Presidio.
In the summer of 1771, the first buildings were started. The initial labor was done by 40 Indians from the south, 3 soldiers and 5 sailors. By 1783 there were 700 people living at Carmel Mission and on its ranch. Father Serra returned to Carmel in 1774. He moved into a small hut next to Carmel Mission, and administered its affairs from there until he died on August 28, 1784, at age 70. He was buried next to Father Crespi, who had died in 1782.
Big Sur
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur boasts of some of the world's best ocean and mountain vistas. Hike along the streams in the cool, redwood forested valleys. Climb up on the high ridges for a spectacular view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope. It all starts with a scenic drive down California Highway 1 towards Big Sur. This is one of the most spectacular meetings of land and sea to be found on this planet.
Big Sur has been voted "Best Place to Play Hookie," and "Best Romantic Getaway." Big Sur is also home of the world-famous author, Henry Miller, and the Big Sur International Marathon. National Geographic Traveler listed Big Sur as one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime" in it's "The World's Greatest Destinations."
Carmel-By-The-Sea
The Tuck Box Cottage
Carmel-by-the-Sea is among the most charming small towns in California. Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a population of 5,000 residents, plays host to thousands of visitors each year. By the 1920's Carmel had already achieved its international reputation as an artists' colony. Now its biggest attractions are the downtown shopping district and its beautiful beaches.
You won't find many sidewalks, street lights, neon signs or mailing addresses, but you will find a unique style of architecture that gives it a European look and feel. Carmel is also known for it's colorful local population, and it's hospitality towards our canine friends.
Carmel Beach
Carmel Beach at Ocean Avenue
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea curves around the bay of pristine Carmel Beach. Visitors are most likely to walk downhill on Ocean Avenue, the main street that bisects the village east to west. However, residents usually walk to the beach down other streets including 8th, 12th, Santa Lucia and Martin Way where stairs lead to the beach. Strolling along Scenic Road, a wide landscaped walkway along the shore, is a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike.
At the end of the day it seems as if all of Carmel meets on the walkway or the beach for those spectacular sunsets. Traffic stops on Scenic Road, and people stand entranced watching the sun slip below the horizon.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach attractions include the scenic 17-Mile Drive which snakes along the jagged coastline. Along the way you will see the famous Lone Cypress tree and Stillwater Cove, as well as an array of world-class golf courses, restaurants and hotels.
Pebble Beach golf course is home to the AT & T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and the Concours d'Elegance car show.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
28 Foot Tall Kelp Forest Tank
In 1984, on the site located on Cannery Row (immortalized by John Steinbeck), the Monterey Bay Aquarium opened its doors. In its first year the Monterey Bay Aquarium, built with backing from Hewlett Packard co-founder David Packard, drew 2.3 million visitors. In three story glass tanks designed for easy viewing, sleepy-eyed octopuses cling to coral outcropings, Stingrays kicked up sand along the bottom, and sea otters play along the water's surface.
Monterey's jewel has been rated in a Zagat survey as the best aquarium in the country and the third-best family attraction in the United States, after Disney World and SeaWorld in Florida. Shortly after its opening it was featured in the film "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home."
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