California Central Coast
In a state filled with things to see, California’s Central Coast still stands out as a high-payoff destination. From Monterey and Carmel to Big Sur you will find some of the most incredible coastline in the world. When you throw in a national park and national monument on top of that, it is too much to see in a short trip. Plan for at least a week.
Here are some of the things you will want to see:
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is, in fact, a large underwater canyon and home to a wide variety of marine life, which includes: sea otters, harbor seals, elephant seals, bottlenose dolphins and a variety of whales. It is common to see many of these as you explore the coastal areas of the bay.
Carmel by the Sea
Typically referred to as simply “Carmel,” this section of Monterey Bay was an old Spanish settlement and some signs of that influence are still visible. Today the town government has pursued a strategy of preserving the beauty of the coastline and the and the old town. This makes it one of many regional must-see stops.
Big Sur
The Big Sur portion of Highway 1 is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. This 71-mile route is marked by uninterrupted views of the pacific ocean and precipitous seaside cliffs.
Pinnacles National Park
East of the Salinas Valley and California’s central coast, Pinnacles National Park protects the eroded remains of an extinct volcano. The pinnacles and other rock formations create a unique landscape that is home to a variety of wildlife including 13 species of bat. Hiking and camping are two popular activities in the park, but rock climbing attracts the most visitors.
Fort Ord National Monument
Between 1917 and 1994, Fort Ord was a major U.S. military installation. Because of this, the area within its expansive boundary was largely undeveloped. When the fort was deactivated in 1994, the Bureau of Land Management was given administrative control, but future use and development are overseen by a state and federal multi-governmental body. The monument is open to the public for recreational use.
