California Coast

On the way north from the Monterey Peninsula to San Francisco there are many wild and empty beaches in this sparsely populated region.

Sand City, California

 

Seaside, California.  Three cypresses next to a coastal bike path.  They have grown sideways due to the frequent winds from the ocean.  The cypress is an iconic tree of California's Central Coast. 

Big Sur, California

Big Sur, California.  Big Sur is a magic place, sure to capture the heart of anyone who sees its beauty.  Plunging rocky cliffs and the endless horizon of the ocean have inspired many.

Marina, California

Marina, California.  From Marina you can discover endless beaches -- wild and mostly empty -- that stretch from Monterey in the south to Moss Landing in the north.  Tall cliffs of dunes provide breathtaking views.  Fishing and flying (hang gliding) are activities here that are shared by people and birds alike.

San Juan Bautista, California

San Juan Bautista, California.  A small town tucked away in central California, San Juan Bautista is home to the largest Spanish mission in the state. 

Carmel, California

Carmel, California.  A picturesque little town on California's Central Coast, Carmel instantly charms visitors with its quaint cottages and beautiful beaches. 

Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California

Monterey, California.  Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf attracts many tourists, but few venture beneath to see the world below.

Hidden Places in Monterey, California

 

 Monterey, California.  Monterey has many historic buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

Hiking in Big Sur, California; Trail to Timber Top

Big Sur, California.  These photos were taken while hiking in Big Sur.  The plunging cliffs, steep hills, and toasty temperatures make Big Sur a challenging place to hike, but the breathtaking views of the coastline are well worth the effort.  Big Sur is occasionally ravaged by fires as evidenced by the charred fences and oak.