FACTS ABOUT THE AREA
Most information here is taken from our personal traveling experiences and my Lonely Planet travel guide . All pictures are "clickable" to see larger images. All images were taken by us! Locations are listed in order from Monterey (North) and heading South on Highway 1.
Monterey
Monterey Peninsula juts out at the bottom of Monterey Bay and has the city of Monterey at the top of the peninsula and Carmel at the bottom.
Monterey Bay is one of the world's richest and most varied marine environments. It boasts dense kelp forests and a diverse range of marine life, including mammals like sea otters, seals and sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins and whales (see whale watching).Monterey is located at the base of Monterey Bay. During the drive down from San Jose, midway is an area called "Moss Landing" (see Whole Enchilada). Moss Landing marks the center of Monterey Bay and starting just a few hundred yards offshore the Monterey Canyon plummets to a depth of over 10,000ft. In summer the upwelling currents carry cold water from this deep submarine canyon, sending a rich supply of nutrients up toward the surface level to feed the bay's diverse marine life. The frigid currents also account for the bay's generally low water temperatures and fog that often blankets the peninsula until mid-August. The towns of Monterey Bay combine the somewhat funky, beachcomber aspects of California's culture with the state's more refined tendencies. Past and present merge gracefully here
Monterey itself was once a bustling town until the Gold Rush of 1849 drained most of the population leaving it a forgotten city. That is until Southern Pacific Railroad entrepeneurs built the luxurious Hotel del Monte and wealthy San Franciscans discovered Monterey as a convenient getaway. The former hotel is now a Navy Post Grad School. Around that sametime, fisherman began to capitalize on the teeming marine life in Monterey Bay and the first sardine canneries soon opened. By the 1930's Cannery Row was "Sardine Capital of the World", but overfishing and climatic changes made the sardines suddenly disappear, causing the industry's sudden collapse in the 1950's. Modern Monterey is an enormously popular and heavily visited city for it's grand views and bit of history.
17-Mile Drive
click to
see larger image
This is a spectacularly scenic drive is highly reccommended for a good look at the natural beauty of Monterey Peninsula and a sneak peak at about 6 top Golf Courses (including Pebble Beach). 17-mile drive is a state park, open sunrise to sunset and has an $8.50 fee per carload for entrance into the park. Entry is easy from Highway 1 there are many signs. Upon entering you receive a map with detailed stopping points that boast great views and historical comments (FYI - skip the ghost tree). The 17 miles take you in a loop and along the way you encounter sea lions, squirrels (take peanuts), $12 million dollar homes and gorgeous views. You can stop at the end to use the lavatory and buy picnic sandwiches, beer or wine. Bicycle rentals are available for those athletic types. Robert Louis Stevenson used this area as inspiration for Treasure Island
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Normally referred to as "Carmel" for short. You may or may not recognize the name as it was recently made popular when Clint Eastwood became mayor (he is no longer mayor, but does own a restaurant). Spectacular coastal scenery and a colorful history all come together here. Carmel began as a planned seaside resort in the 1880s and quickly established a reputation as a bohemian retreat. The artistic flavor survives in tons of galleries that line the streets. Carmel has picturesque homes, impressive coastal frontage and upscale shopping. The towns manicured appearance is ensured by strict local bylaws, even public phones, garbage cans and newspaper vending boxes are quaintly shingled. Carmel Beach, an easy walk from downtown shops, has sparkling white sands and magnificent sunsets
Point Lobos State Park
About 4 miles south of Carmel, we have never personally been into the park, but do hear great things. It's coastline, like most of this area, is beautifully rocky. It was named in spanish as "Point of the Wolves" because of the howls from the resident sea lions.
Drive To Big Sur The Drive between Carmel and Big Sur is a 20 minute drive, but we've been there enough to give you a guide line about when and where to stop along the way.
River Inn
click for larger
picture
This is a great little pit stop on the way to Big Sur. Normally you have to use the lavatory and it's a great setting. You can get a glass of wine and sit in the river chairs. We'd call it more of a creek, being that it's no deeper than a foot.
Rocky Point Restaurant
click for larger picture
This place is also an amazing stop between Carmel and Big Sur... So much that we reccommend you stop on the way BACK. The sun will be setting towards the ocean for unbelievable backdrop. Sit on the outside tiered deck and have a shrimp cocktail (they're good) and a drink. We don't reccommend a full dinner because it's pricey and we found the meal only adaquate but if your looking for a rest stop with spectacular views and enough food to tide your hunger over, this is it!! We've spent several afternoons with a toddy and some hors derves. The restaurant is about a mile before the Bixby Bridge (heading SOUTH).
Bixby Bridge
A much photographed Big Sur Landmark, it is one of the world's highest single span bridges at 714ft long and 260ft high. Completed in 1932, it was built by prisoners eager to get time off their sentences. Before the bridge was built travelers had to drive 14 miles inland on Old Coast Road (still navigable today with a sturdy car and a high clearance)
Big Sur
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see larger picture
Big Sur is more of an experience rather than one tangible place and it's raw beauty is awe inspiring. You can get there by following Highway 1 south of Carmel for about 26 miles. There are no traffic lights, banks, gas stations or shopping centers (of course we scouted out where to stop for a great view and a glass of wine). I REALLY reccommend driving through this area. Car is the best way to explore the hairpin turns, remember to take your time and pull over for the rugged beauty and stunning vistas (there are many turn offs along the way). Go during daylight as you are unable to see anything at night
Pfieffer State Park & Beach
click to see larger
picture
This is a really beautiful beach that has both sand and rocks (more sand). But if you're going Labor Day weekend we suggest you go EARLY because the parking lot fills up and it's a 2 mile decend to the beach that is better to drive than to walk. The sign is not obvious to the beach (we think intentionally to keep it a locals secret). But Sycamore Canyon Road is the road that winds down to the parking lot. About 1/2 a mile after the turn you see the sign for the beach.
Nepenthe
Nepenthe is a great little restaurant in Big Sur. The food here is much better than Rocky Point Restaurant, but the views, while still phenomenal, are not as dramatic as Rocky Point.
Partington Cove
click to see larger picture
From the western side of Highway 1 a poorly marked steep, dirt, fire road descends 1/2 mile to Partington Cove. The walk is easy and you can take another trail to a kelp forest (which we haven't done yet). Named for a settler who built the first dock here in 1880s (I cannot help but think of Goonies or KennyWood's Gold Rush Ride when I pass under the tunnel in the hillside to the dock). Originally, the cove was used for loading tanbark, a product used in tanning leather; during prohibition it was an alleged landing for bootleggers. This is a beautiful and often overlooked section of Big Sur with great views, tide pools, swimming in the creek and lovely picnic spots (if you can find a large enough rock). This is not a beach but a rocky cove.
For Those Who Dare To Go Farther
There really are great things to see and do farther south, but if you want to see and do those things we reccommend that you get an early start on your day. You don't have to take Highway 1 both south and north, we suggest taking Highway 1 for the scenic route and State Route 101 to do the "fast route". Note that there are only 2 access roads to 101 from Highway 1 -> Montery 68 to 101 and in San Simeon take 46 towards Paso Robles and get on 101 North.If you go all the way to the Hearst Castle it's better to take 101 one of the ways (it's a good 90 minute drive on 101 to Hearst Castle and a good 3.5 hours via Highway 1)
Sand Dollar Beach or Jade Cove
click to see larger picture
Salmon Creek Trail & Waterfall
Elephant Seal View Points
Hearst Castle
Monterey Peninsula juts out at the bottom of Monterey Bay and has the city of Monterey at the top of the peninsula and Carmel at the bottom.
Monterey Bay is one of the world's richest and most varied marine environments. It boasts dense kelp forests and a diverse range of marine life, including mammals like sea otters, seals and sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins and whales (see whale watching).Monterey is located at the base of Monterey Bay. During the drive down from San Jose, midway is an area called "Moss Landing" (see Whole Enchilada). Moss Landing marks the center of Monterey Bay and starting just a few hundred yards offshore the Monterey Canyon plummets to a depth of over 10,000ft. In summer the upwelling currents carry cold water from this deep submarine canyon, sending a rich supply of nutrients up toward the surface level to feed the bay's diverse marine life. The frigid currents also account for the bay's generally low water temperatures and fog that often blankets the peninsula until mid-August. The towns of Monterey Bay combine the somewhat funky, beachcomber aspects of California's culture with the state's more refined tendencies. Past and present merge gracefully here
Monterey itself was once a bustling town until the Gold Rush of 1849 drained most of the population leaving it a forgotten city. That is until Southern Pacific Railroad entrepeneurs built the luxurious Hotel del Monte and wealthy San Franciscans discovered Monterey as a convenient getaway. The former hotel is now a Navy Post Grad School. Around that sametime, fisherman began to capitalize on the teeming marine life in Monterey Bay and the first sardine canneries soon opened. By the 1930's Cannery Row was "Sardine Capital of the World", but overfishing and climatic changes made the sardines suddenly disappear, causing the industry's sudden collapse in the 1950's. Modern Monterey is an enormously popular and heavily visited city for it's grand views and bit of history.
Cannery
Row
John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row immortalized the sardine-canning business that Monterey lived on for the first half of the 20th century. He describes the Cannery Row as 'a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.' Nowadays, Cannery Row is a tourist's destination of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. At the far end of the row you'll find the Monterey Aquarium.
Monterey Aquarium
click to see larger
picture
This is an amazing aquarium, built on the site of what was the city's largest sardine cannery. You'll encounter countless aquactic denizens from slow moving star fish to animated sea lions and otters. All galleries are great but the best is the "Jellies: Living Art" Exhibit.
John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row immortalized the sardine-canning business that Monterey lived on for the first half of the 20th century. He describes the Cannery Row as 'a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.' Nowadays, Cannery Row is a tourist's destination of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. At the far end of the row you'll find the Monterey Aquarium.
Monterey Aquarium
click to see larger
pictureThis is an amazing aquarium, built on the site of what was the city's largest sardine cannery. You'll encounter countless aquactic denizens from slow moving star fish to animated sea lions and otters. All galleries are great but the best is the "Jellies: Living Art" Exhibit.
17-Mile Drive
click to
see larger imageThis is a spectacularly scenic drive is highly reccommended for a good look at the natural beauty of Monterey Peninsula and a sneak peak at about 6 top Golf Courses (including Pebble Beach). 17-mile drive is a state park, open sunrise to sunset and has an $8.50 fee per carload for entrance into the park. Entry is easy from Highway 1 there are many signs. Upon entering you receive a map with detailed stopping points that boast great views and historical comments (FYI - skip the ghost tree). The 17 miles take you in a loop and along the way you encounter sea lions, squirrels (take peanuts), $12 million dollar homes and gorgeous views. You can stop at the end to use the lavatory and buy picnic sandwiches, beer or wine. Bicycle rentals are available for those athletic types. Robert Louis Stevenson used this area as inspiration for Treasure Island
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Normally referred to as "Carmel" for short. You may or may not recognize the name as it was recently made popular when Clint Eastwood became mayor (he is no longer mayor, but does own a restaurant). Spectacular coastal scenery and a colorful history all come together here. Carmel began as a planned seaside resort in the 1880s and quickly established a reputation as a bohemian retreat. The artistic flavor survives in tons of galleries that line the streets. Carmel has picturesque homes, impressive coastal frontage and upscale shopping. The towns manicured appearance is ensured by strict local bylaws, even public phones, garbage cans and newspaper vending boxes are quaintly shingled. Carmel Beach, an easy walk from downtown shops, has sparkling white sands and magnificent sunsets
Point Lobos State Park
About 4 miles south of Carmel, we have never personally been into the park, but do hear great things. It's coastline, like most of this area, is beautifully rocky. It was named in spanish as "Point of the Wolves" because of the howls from the resident sea lions.
Drive To Big Sur The Drive between Carmel and Big Sur is a 20 minute drive, but we've been there enough to give you a guide line about when and where to stop along the way.
River Inn
click for larger
pictureThis is a great little pit stop on the way to Big Sur. Normally you have to use the lavatory and it's a great setting. You can get a glass of wine and sit in the river chairs. We'd call it more of a creek, being that it's no deeper than a foot.
Rocky Point Restaurant
click for larger pictureThis place is also an amazing stop between Carmel and Big Sur... So much that we reccommend you stop on the way BACK. The sun will be setting towards the ocean for unbelievable backdrop. Sit on the outside tiered deck and have a shrimp cocktail (they're good) and a drink. We don't reccommend a full dinner because it's pricey and we found the meal only adaquate but if your looking for a rest stop with spectacular views and enough food to tide your hunger over, this is it!! We've spent several afternoons with a toddy and some hors derves. The restaurant is about a mile before the Bixby Bridge (heading SOUTH).
Bixby Bridge
A much photographed Big Sur Landmark, it is one of the world's highest single span bridges at 714ft long and 260ft high. Completed in 1932, it was built by prisoners eager to get time off their sentences. Before the bridge was built travelers had to drive 14 miles inland on Old Coast Road (still navigable today with a sturdy car and a high clearance)
Big Sur
click to
see larger pictureBig Sur is more of an experience rather than one tangible place and it's raw beauty is awe inspiring. You can get there by following Highway 1 south of Carmel for about 26 miles. There are no traffic lights, banks, gas stations or shopping centers (of course we scouted out where to stop for a great view and a glass of wine). I REALLY reccommend driving through this area. Car is the best way to explore the hairpin turns, remember to take your time and pull over for the rugged beauty and stunning vistas (there are many turn offs along the way). Go during daylight as you are unable to see anything at night
Pfieffer State Park & Beach
click to see larger
pictureThis is a really beautiful beach that has both sand and rocks (more sand). But if you're going Labor Day weekend we suggest you go EARLY because the parking lot fills up and it's a 2 mile decend to the beach that is better to drive than to walk. The sign is not obvious to the beach (we think intentionally to keep it a locals secret). But Sycamore Canyon Road is the road that winds down to the parking lot. About 1/2 a mile after the turn you see the sign for the beach.
Nepenthe
Nepenthe is a great little restaurant in Big Sur. The food here is much better than Rocky Point Restaurant, but the views, while still phenomenal, are not as dramatic as Rocky Point.
Partington Cove
click to see larger pictureFrom the western side of Highway 1 a poorly marked steep, dirt, fire road descends 1/2 mile to Partington Cove. The walk is easy and you can take another trail to a kelp forest (which we haven't done yet). Named for a settler who built the first dock here in 1880s (I cannot help but think of Goonies or KennyWood's Gold Rush Ride when I pass under the tunnel in the hillside to the dock). Originally, the cove was used for loading tanbark, a product used in tanning leather; during prohibition it was an alleged landing for bootleggers. This is a beautiful and often overlooked section of Big Sur with great views, tide pools, swimming in the creek and lovely picnic spots (if you can find a large enough rock). This is not a beach but a rocky cove.
For Those Who Dare To Go Farther
There really are great things to see and do farther south, but if you want to see and do those things we reccommend that you get an early start on your day. You don't have to take Highway 1 both south and north, we suggest taking Highway 1 for the scenic route and State Route 101 to do the "fast route". Note that there are only 2 access roads to 101 from Highway 1 -> Montery 68 to 101 and in San Simeon take 46 towards Paso Robles and get on 101 North.If you go all the way to the Hearst Castle it's better to take 101 one of the ways (it's a good 90 minute drive on 101 to Hearst Castle and a good 3.5 hours via Highway 1)
Sand Dollar Beach or Jade Cove
click to see larger pictureSalmon Creek Trail & Waterfall
Elephant Seal View Points
Hearst Castle