The central California coast is a mecca for artists and outdoors enthusiasts. The climate is mild year-round, and the panoramic views of the rugged coast along Highway 1 are spectacular. Visitors can camp in state parks or stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea, and will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, fine dining, art galleries and shopping.
The chaparral wilderness of Big Sur is traversed by 237 miles of hiking trails and dotted with 55 designated trail camps. Popular day hikes in the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park include the 1.4 mile Pfeiffer Falls Trail, which meanders through a pristine Redwood grove and ends at a 60-foot waterfall, and the3-mile Oak Grove Trail, which winds through open oak woodlands and dry chaparral. The Molera 8-Mile Loop in Andrew Molera State Park is also popular for its coastal views and remote beach access.
Monterey Bay is home to endangered Humpback Whales from late April through early December and Gray Whales from December through April. Whale watching cruises run out of Monterey Bay year-round, but whales can also be seen from the coast's seaside cliffs. According to the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce website, "Occasionally the water is filled with [Gray Whale] spouts going off one after another, looking like a long line of steam locomotives spouting out in the ocean."
Conveniently located on Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is fun for the whole family. The aquarium's most popular residents are its sea otters and penguins, and visitors will be awed by the luminescent jellyfish and thousand-pound tuna in the Outer Bay exhibit. Don't miss the hands-on tide pool exhibit and daily behind-the-scenes tours led by aquarium staff. The aquarium is open every day except Christmas and according to its website, "You'll find fewer visitors between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. During peak summer months, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to visit."
Northern Elephant Seals were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 19th century, but their numbers have rebounded in recent decades due to their protected status. At Piedra Blancas, 59 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the seals can be seen at nearly any time of year in different stages of breeding, birthing, molting and resting, according to Hiking Big Sur website. The most exciting time months to see the seals are December and January, when 5,000 pound males battle for territory and breeding privileges.
