Central Coast – Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Santa Cruz California

When Spanish explorers arrived in the Monterey Bay area, they discovered that a Native American group known as the Ohlone people inhabited the region. During this period, Gaspar de Portola chose the name Santa Cruz for the resplendent hills near the river to honor the Holy Cross. In 1791, the Franciscan delegation chose the name to identify their mission. The Spanish government relinquished control of Santa Cruz to Mexico, which ceded the region to the United States after the Mexican American War. The city founders officially incorporated Santa Cruz, California as a city in 1866.

Located on the northern shore of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California became a major center for logging, farming, fishing and processing lime. In the late 19th century, the beautiful seaside community became renowned for its moderate climate that features mild winters and dry, warm summers. Popular activities include water sports, such as swimming, sailing and diving. Mavericks, 30th and East Cliff, Moss Landing and other gnarly spots attract surfers from across the globe. You can fish from the wharf and explore the boardwalk, one of California’s oldest amusement parks, which is home to a historic carousel and roller coaster.

The idyllic coastline serves as a habitat for the California Sea Lion. There are several state parks and marine sanctuaries in addition to the city parks and urban green spaces. You can experience hiking trails, meadows and redwood forests as well as streams and waterfalls. The parks are excellent locations for relaxing, cycling, camping and observing wildlife. An arboretum displays the area’s environmental diversity.

Cultural points of interest include museums that are dedicated to surfing, natural history and art. The city’s historic mission is open to the public. Popular cultural events include the annual Shakespeare festival, year-round farmers market and free orchestral performances. Several architectural significant buildings are listed on the National Historic Register, such as the Golden Gate Villa and the A.J. Hinds House. The Cowell Lime Works Historic District preserves a portion of the area’s industrial past.

Pearl Jam and Tom Petty have mentioned Santa Cruz in their music. The city has inspired other singers and served as the backdrop for a wide assortment of movies, television shows including Pulp Fiction and American Dad. Surrounded by groves and towering redwoods, Santa Cruz has long been home to an eclectic mix of residents, restaurants and shops that coalesce to produce the city’s unique tempo.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, Monterey, North America, Santa Cruz, United States

Santa Barbara, California

Rich history and natural beauty describes Santa Barbara, California perfectly. Santa Barbara, which was highly valued for its temperate climate since the arrival of its first settlers, is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and coastlines. While Europeans briefly visited the area in the 1500s, the Spaniards did not establish the first permanent European settlement until the 1780s. Through a series of wars, Santa Barbara became part of the United States in 1848 through the Treaty of Hidalgo. Spanish was spoken there for nearly a hundred years until English became the official language of the town in 1870.

Santa Barbara has experienced the effects of wars and natural disasters over the years, but it has succeeded in reinventing itself after every event. The earthquake of 1812 and the later tsunami was particularly devastating to the area and destroyed many of the established missions of the area. This earthquake occurred around the time of the War of 1812. Another earthquake, which hit Santa Barbara in 1925, coincided with plans to renovate many of the city's buildings. The architectural style of the buildings built after this earthquake remains there today.

Santa Barbara, located between Los Angeles to the south and San Francisco to the north, is reached via Highway 101. Nearly ten distinct neighborhoods make up the city. The area is famous for Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, and its many hiking trails and parks. Local buses enable citizens and visitors to roam the city freely without a car, and there are plenty of cycling paths around the area.

Upon viewing its large yet crowded neighbor to the south, the city planners of Santa Barbara decided to purposely keep the city small. Even though there is a shortage of housing in the area, city regulations limit the amount of water and electric meters that commercial developers may install. Over the years this has caused the prices of homes in Santa Barbara to rise sharply.

Santa Barbara is home to a variety of industries including education, healthcare, defense, and hospitality. Many people working in Santa Barbara must commute from neighboring cities because of the cost and shortage of Santa Barbara housing. The city planners knew that they had something special in Santa Barbara. Its mild Mediterranean- like climate is a rarity in the United States. The area is aptly called the American Riviera because of its climate and coastal topography.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, North America, Santa Barbara, United States

Morro Bay, California

The scenic seaside village of Morro Bay, California stretches along the Pacific Ocean on Highway 1 between the heavily populated cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles in the region called California Central Coast. The 2010 Census Bureau reported a year-round population of 10,234 including a colony of artists and writers residing in this charming working fishing village.

The town’s historic landmark, Morro Rock, can be seen throughout the village. Morro Rock is now home to Peregrine Falcons and a bird sanctuary. Therefore, climbing and trespassing is not allowed. The Rock is one of nine extinct volcanoes, 576 feet high, about twenty million years old, and covers approximately twelve miles. The quarried rock provides it with its current shape.
Morro Bay has a year-round mild climate with summer being a foggy season.

The small beach town of Morro Bay offers activities for visitors of all ages. Miles of scenic beaches provide kayaking, surfing, fishing, sailing and horseback riding on the sandy beaches. A waterfront champion golf course and hiking trails are in close proximity to motels, hotels and a bed & breakfast offering a friendly atmosphere and numerous amenities.

The Embarcadero is Morro Bay’s main strip housing a multitude of restaurants for dining and nighttime entertainment with boutiques and shops for the enthusiastic shopper. Art galleries and museums provide hours of enjoyment.
The Morro Bay Trolley operates from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October transporting visitors from the Embarcadero to Morro Rock to the historic state park.

The famous well-known Hearst Castle is only a short drive away passing through the quaint Harmony and Cambria villages. A visit to these charming towns offers fantastic dining and shopping experiences. A camera is a must to capture the picturesque surrounding views.

An enjoyable twelve-mile ride from Morro Bay will take you to historic San Luis Obispo. A traffic-free tree-lined street dominates the downtown center. Restaurants, cafes, shops, boutiques and galleries offer much to see and do.
Requesting a calendar from the Chamber of Commerce will list holiday and special events. A visit to Morro Bay has something for everyone to enjoy and it will provide life-long memories of Morro Bay’s spectacular beauty and charm.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, Morro Bay, North America, United States

Pebble Beach, California

Visitors will find the beautiful community of Pebble Beach along California's Central Coast. The town is a major tourist attraction, most notably because it is the location of one of the most famous, gorgeous golf courses on the planet, Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The name of Pebble Beach was first given to a rocky cove in the area in 1836, when Fabian Barreto received Pebble Beach as part of a Mexican land grant. In the 1850s, immigrants from China began settling in the areas due to its abundance of great ocean fishing.

In 1880, the Mexican land grant containing Pebble Beach was sold to Pacific Improvement Company (PIC), a consortium owned by railroad tycoons. The PIC completed construction in 1892 of what is still one of the area’s top draws, 17-Mile Drive, which is considered by many to be one of the most scenic drives in the world.

The Pacific Improvement Company built a grand lodge and golf course that were completed in 1919. The inventor of Morse Code, Samuel F. B. Morse, bought the land from the PIC just five days after the golf course opened, February 27, 1919. The company Morse formed to manage Pebble Beach was known as Del Monte Properties Company, but the name was changed in 1977 to Pebble Beach Company.

Pebble Beach Company changed hands a few more times over the years. In 2000, it was purchased by an investment group led by several celebrities, most notably Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood.

Golf is one of the main tourist attractions in Pebble Beach. There are eight courses for visitors to enjoy, including the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. This course was designed by Douglas Grant and Jack Neville, and appears in nearly every top ten list of courses ever released. Pebble Beach Golf Links is a stern test of a golfer’s abilities, and it has been host to the US Open five different years, most recently in 2010.

Pebble Beach is one of the most famous gated communities in the world, home to some very famous celebrities. Actor/director Clint Eastwood, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, comedian George Lopez, astronaut Alan Shepard and stock tycoon Charles Schwab all call Pebble Beach home.

Even though it is a gated community, Pebble Beach gets many visitors to play golf and to enjoy the 17-Mile Drive, which provides much of the community’s revenue at $9.25 per car.

Filed Under: Central Coast, featured, North America, Pebble Beach, United States

San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, California

Whether you seek a romantic destination for two or a family adventure spot, San Luis Obispo won't disappoint you. Nicknamed the happiest city in America, the city will welcome you with beautiful pristine beaches, delectable dishes and some fantastic wines.

San Luis Obispo is one of California's oldest cities. Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco California's Central Coast, this is where people head to when they want to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. The weather is generally perfect for outdoor activities, as very little rain falls to ruin your plans.

There are some awesome beach spots perfect for sinking your toes in the sand and enjoying the spectacular view. For more excitement, the surf is awesome in several places. Bird watching is very popular, as well as nature hikes.

Farmer's markets are abundant in the area, which may be the reason some of the restaurants have such deliciously fresh produce. Tempt your taste buds with cuisine of all types. Selections range from American to Chinese, from seafood to good old burgers and fries. You can find some excellent vegetarian food, as well as espresso bars where you can just relax.

Wine tasting is something you won't want to skip during your visit. With over 200 wineries to choose from, you are sure to taste some world class wines. The journey to the vineyards will take you through the hills and valleys of the countryside and award you with breath taking scenery.

If the family is traveling together, the kids will love visiting Bubble Gum Alley. Instead of discouraging passersby from placing chewed bubble gum on the wall, they encourage it! Here you can spot all sorts of shapes and pictures people have contributed, and even add your own work of art. There is also a zoo, water park, and a children's museum that will keep the kids happy if you get one of those rare rainy days.

Romance is always in the air in San Luis Obispo. Stay in a charming bed and breakfast, such as Old Edna. Complete privacy is guaranteed, and the picnic possibilities are endless. Dine by candlelight at one of the many restaurants. Get frisky and sunbathe nude at a secluded beach, or just walk hand-in-hand an enjoy the scenery.

San Luis Obispo is full of excitement, adventure and plenty of activities for the youngsters or the young at heart.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, North America, San Luis Obispo, United States

Monterey, California

Monterrey, California, sits on the Pacific Ocean along California's Central Coast and lower seaside edge of Monterrey Bay. The Gabilan Mountains and the Santa Lucia Mountains rise above the town, which itself sits a mere 26 feet above sea level. It is 320 miles north of Los Angeles and 120 miles south of San Francisco.

The ocean is certainly one of Monterrey’s main attractions. This ranges from time spent on the wharfs of Monterrey to wildlife watching to scuba diving. Dolphins are frequently spotted, and the harbor seals, sea lions and sea otters are a special sight. Seaweed forests, or kelp, are visible here. Remarkable bat rays are just one of the Pacific’s interesting native species. Marine science laboratories make their home in Monterrey due to the deep, underwater Monterrey Canyon only a few hours from shore.

Monterrey Bay Aquarium is right on the wharf. The Monterrey Youth Museum, also called MY museum, is a kid-favorite. The Museum of Maritime History is near popular Fisherman’s Wharf. Cannery Row, the anchor of the historic district has shops, museums and eateries that are located in the former canning factories. The Old Whaling Station has the world’s only whalebone sidewalk. The yearly Monterrey Jazz Festival, which began in 1958, is among the most significant jazz events in the country.

Sight-seers and hikers find a lot to enjoy along the coast. They can visit Carmel-by-the-Sea or drive along Big Sur Coastline and famous 17-Mile Drive. Nearby Pebble Beach offers a resort and famous golf courses. The Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is famous for its waterfall which dives from the mountains right into the Pacific Ocean. The Baxby Bridge offers a heart-stopping view. A 19th century lighthouse overlooks a lonely part of the scenic Route 1 drive. Also, nearby Salinas is home to the John Steinbeck Museum. Santa Cruz offers more metropolitan delights. The first state parks full of Redwoods are at the top end of Monterrey Bay.

The climate is mild, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures generally hover between 60° F in the winter and 72° F in the summer. With such a minimal fluctuation and consistently warm, but moderate temperatures, the area has earned itself the designation of a Mediterranean climate. Rain days are common from November through April. Summers are generally foggy.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, Monterey, North America, United States

Carmel, California

120 miles south of San Francisco lies the small but well-known town of Carmel, California, home to much natural and artistic beauty. If you’re looking for a place to explore history, art and culture in the context of lovely Pacific Central Coast scenery, Carmel should be on your travel itinerary.

The town of not quite 4,000 is sometimes called Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was first inhabited by Native Americans and later, beginning in the 16th century, by the Spanish. In fact, the town takes its name from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of the Carmelite friars who first came to the area. Spanish colonization did not occur until the late 18th century, when the Franciscans set up a mission in the Carmel Valley. Over the next century, many of the descendants of the native Ohlone peoples died. By the early 19th century, the area belonged to Mexico. In the wake of the Mexican-American War, Carmel became part of the United States when Mexico gave up large portions of California.

Carmel is closely connected to nearby Monterey, and the areas developed together. The town of Carmel was uniquely incorporated in 1916.

Even before its official incorporation, the valley was known as a haven for artists, so much so that many artists leaving San Francisco in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake settled there. Just a few of the well known artists and writers who visited often or lived in Carmel in the early 20th century were Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, and Ambrose Bierce. The town quickly established itself as a place for musicians and dramatists too. Today music lovers can still attend the respected annual Carmel Bach Festival, which has been going strong for over 75 years.

Drawing on its historic roots, the city has continued to be home to well known artists of all kinds. Actor Clint Eastwood was Carmel’s mayor for a number of years.

The area’s natural beauty attracts many visitors. Kayakers, recreational fishers, and divers will especially enjoy Carmel Bay. Part of the Bay is a marine protected area, but fishing is allowed in some areas. Those interested in learning more about the California coast may enjoy visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium nearby.

Filed Under: California, Carmel, Central Coast, featured, United States

Big Sur, California

Set along the remote and breathtaking coastline of Central Coast of California, the Big Sur region is an area of incredible natural beauty and vast, unspoiled wilderness. Home to hiking trails, campgrounds, galleries and phenomenal scenery all around, Big Sur, California is the perfect place for a memorable and fun trip. For visitors seeking a blend of natural wonderment and fun activities, Big Sur is just the place to go.

Sightseeing is one of Big Sur’s top activities thanks to the region’s wealth of natural beauty and rugged, spectacular scenery. The sights along the Pacific coastline are nothing short of amazing while the area also holds plenty of other attractions like the historic Point Sur Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark and home to some of the region’s most incredible views.

The beautiful Bixby Bridge, renowned for its stunning backdrop amidst the rugged coastal scenery, is easily one of the region’s most photogenic landmarks and a top attraction worth seeing. Yet another spectacular sight to see in Big Sur is McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that empties onto the shoreline.

In addition to its wide range of sightseeing opportunities, Big Sur also plays host to many activities and fun things to do. The region is packed with hiking and biking trails as well as graceful beaches such as Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach and the rustic Andrew Molera State Park. An especially beautiful part of Big Sur worth visiting is the Ventana Wilderness, a vast expanse of woodlands that covers a staggering 167,323 square miles and boasts a plethora of hiking trails and campgrounds. Point Lobos State Reserve, meanwhile, offers an abundance of trails, beaches and stunning coastal scenery. In addition, Big Sur hosts a wealth of galleries, fine shops and excellent restaurants worth visiting too. Other activities in this beautiful region include boating, scuba diving, fishing, camping, bird watching and much more.

A land of rugged wilderness and stunning natural beauty, Big Sur is a fantastic place for an unforgettable vacation or getaway. Whether you seek romance, leisure, adventure or natural wonders, you’re sure to find plenty to love about Big Sur. From camping to hiking to sightseeing, this spectacular region offers something for everyone.

Filed Under: Big Sur, California, Central Coast, featured, North America

Central Coast, California

California’s romantic Pacific Coast Highway traverses 350 miles of the most scenic coastline in the world; from a little north of Los Angeles to a little south of San Francisco. The Central Coast , California presents the visitor with world-class wineries, beautiful beaches, romantic beach towns and exciting activities both indoors and out.

The picturesque town of Solvang creates the atmosphere of a small Danish village, complete with horse-drawn carriage. Thatched roofs and windmills crown Danish-style architecture, and shopkeepers wear authentic costumes. Danish baked goods and a smorgasbord restaurant complete the experience.

Near San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Hearst Castle draws a million visitors annually to explore its stunning buildings and environment. The castle features 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms as well as indoor and outdoor pools, a five-story movie screen, an airfield and the world’s largest private zoo. Famous for inspiring the castle in “Citizen Kane,” it continues to inspire visitors daily. The entire Central Coast is known for seaside splendor, hiking, vineyard and wine-country tours, horseback riding, and camping in state and national parks.

Long ago, the Big Sur region enchanted writers from Henry Miller to Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The towering ocean-side cliffs and redwood forests create some of the most extraordinary coastal views imaginable. Outdoor activities abound in this magical setting; a camera should always be kept nearby.

Nestled near Pebble Beach’s storied golf courses, the tiny, romantic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea glistens with white-sand beaches and a stroll-worthy downtown area filled with storybook homes and shops. Carmel earned early fame as an artists’ colony and currently houses dozens of art galleries.

Nearby, the city of Monterey offers a 17-mile drive past golf courses, mansions, beautiful beaches and rugged coastal vistas. At an elevation of 26 feet, Monterey is famous for its diverse marine-life studies and boasts the unparalleled Monterey Bay Aquarium. The town sights include Fisherman’s Wharf, the world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival and Cannery Row, which was made famous by John Steinbeck.

Just across Monterey Bay, “Surf City,” the beach resort of Santa Cruz, supports thriving art, surfing and organic-food communities where alternative lifestyles prevail. The oceanfront amusement park and boardwalk emphasize play while the University of California’s Santa Cruz campus offers educational and cultural programs.

The Central Coast of California abounds with romantic ocean sunsets, spectacular natural beauty and cutting-edge cultural activities for every interest.

Filed Under: California, Central Coast, featured, North America, United States