According to Rusty Tweed, california's central coast offers some of the most picturesque coastline anywhere. From Monterey to Carmel, Highway 1 takes you through windswept landscapes. Whether you're a surfing fan or just looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle, you'll find the perfect destination here. The most famous sights of Big Sur include Muir Woods National Monument and Point Reyes National Seashore, but there's much more than meets the eye.
Channel Islands National Park protects 1,470 square miles of water, providing a pristine habitat for a variety of wildlife. See humpback, blue, and Sei whales in their natural habitat. If you're a water-lover, you can even try whale watching while hiking along the shores. The coastal area of the California coast also offers great hiking trails.
Known for its beautiful beaches, the Central Coast is home to thousands of vivid butterflies that cluster together in towers. These butterflies are mostly orange and black, and you won't see them anywhere else. The area also features several beaches, including Carmel Beach, which features a scenic boardwalk and expansive sandy shores. Dogs are welcome at the beach, which is another reason to visit this coastal town.
The point Reyes Peninsula is home to the Cypress Tree Tunnel.
This nature reserve is a popular destination for tourists, but has no nightlife, hotels, or tourist traps. This nature preserve offers a serene escape for nature lovers. This park is surrounded by a beautiful vista and is home to several species of wildlife. Despite its proximity to the ocean, Los Osos is the perfect place to get lost in the scenery.
Ventura County, home to the charming town of Cambria, is only a two-block walk from the ocean. With ample room for six, this charming getaway is a perfect getaway for families or couples. The home features a king-sized bed, a fully-stocked kitchen, and two decks. The Monterey Peninsula is also part of the Central California coast and features Big Sur and scenic 17-Mile Drive.
This popular wine country is located about 70 miles northwest of LA and offers more than two hundred wineries. Visitors can sample the local wines and enjoy the sunshine while walking on the purple sand. Rusty Tweed thinks that it is not possible to stay overnight in Big Sur, so it's best to head there during the day. You'll also need to plan a getaway to this area if you are traveling by car.
The northeastern Shasta Cascade region features spectacular natural landscapes. Nearby Redding, California is home to the largest reservoir in the state, Shasta Lake. It's a hotspot for water sports. You can even walk along the boardwalk over bubbling pools. Another great spot for sightseeing is the Mission Inn, a historic hotel that hosted presidents, including Richard Nixon. The Mission Inn is a must-visit for any Californian, as it's known as the birthplace of American President John Muir. You'll find fun walking areas and one of the best Christmas light displays in the country.
One of the most scenic places in the Central Coast is Hearst Castle, a palace-style estate built between the early 1900s. This is the most visited attraction on the Central Coast. Whether you're looking for a view of the ocean or a glimpse of the majestic Hearst Castle, you'll find it here. The views of this palace-style estate are stunning and the scenery here is worth the trip.
Santa Cruz is another great location for sightseeing. A stroll along Santa Cruz's wharf will take you to a stunning location for an afternoon sunset. Nearby Natural Bridges State Beach will provide you with a stunning backdrop for photographs. While you're in town, you can also visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Centre. Both have great hands-on exhibits and aquariums for educating yourself on marine conservation. While there, you can even touch some sharks!
Rusty Tweed feels that if you're interested in surfing or kayaking, take a day trip to Morro Bay, a small town along the Central Coast. The majestic Monterey Pines surround the bay and offer trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and kayakers. You can also check out the Morro Rock and go kayaking around the bay. And don't miss the Natural History Museum, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific.