Monterey Bay
Big Sur-We're all lined up to enjoy this
From Marina State Beach to the swooping cliffs that hang off the horizon at Big Sur, the thick green forests of the Santa Cruz mountains to the golden hills of Gilroy's lesser known wine country, the area has something for everyone. It is surprisingly inexpensive to take advantage of too.
Maybe it's because Muir Woods and north of Mendocino are known for its green forest curtain, So-Cal has its miles of warm, inviting coastline, and Napa/Sonoma is the dominant Tuscan climate region producing treats such as wine and olives that Central Coast will probably always play a secondary role to the places that offer these landscapes in their totality. However, you can have all those experiences close enough together to enjoy it all in a one to two day trip. For how accessible it is and how much you get in return, Central Coast is not only one of my favorite regions of the state but also one of the most affordable.
For starters, the smaller towns south of Monterey such as Marina are some of the few places left in California where you can rent a nice 1 bedroom apartment on a student budget(~$1500/month give or take) and be within walking distance from the ocean. While it's purely conjecture, it is not uncommon to see vans and RV's parked on roads off of Highway 1 which suggests that people get away with affording this lifestyle for much cheaper.
This relatively quaint beach extends for miles. There is plenty of parking.
Many will come to the area to enjoy the beaches in Santa Cruz but just a little stretch beyond that are Marina State Beach and the greater Sand City/Seaside State beaches. They are not disconnected, (as you can see in the picture) it's just one big curved line of clean coast that extends from Marina State Beach all the way through. It is quite stunning but also very accessible. In my time there I rarely had to struggle to find somewhere to park and never have I had to pay for parking. It is impossible to say this without it being cliché' -but it's where the locals go.
Stay and walk as long as you want, or have a quick lunch. It's easy to do both.
I avoid restaurants typically, but who can resist poke on the beach? (you'll save that money elsewhere)
The theme of accessibility is worth repeating. It is really easy to find things to do outdoors in the area that are not only rewarding but free-or at least really inexpensive. The ease of accessibility to some of the nicest outings isn't just a perk but an incentive. It is kind and rewarding to the outdoor-newbie, one who doesn't want to stray too far or hike too hard but still wants to get lost in scenery for awhile.
Somewhere in the Santa Cruz forests.
Right off Highway 1 near Carmel and a short walk through is Point Lobos, for example.
It is about as quick to get to as walking from a college parking lot and a lot more immediately gratifying. There are two ways to get there, one really easy one more challenging.
Or you can do your civic-duty as a Californian and take the drive through Big Sur, take note that the road can get sketchy with rock-slides and tight curves but you don't have to go far in to enjoy it. The reward is rugged landscape with paths and trails that give way to lush temperate foliage.
Even around where people live and work, Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is somewhere you can sit back and relax for awhile. As touristy an area as it is, it still has a lot of charm.
Overall, Monterey and the greater Central Coast area is well-known so how could it possibly be underestimated and deserving of such praise? If a picture is worth a thousand words than HDR must be a thesis.
Stay and walk as long as you want, or have a quick lunch. It's easy to do both.
I avoid restaurants typically, but who can resist poke on the beach? (you'll save that money elsewhere)
The theme of accessibility is worth repeating. It is really easy to find things to do outdoors in the area that are not only rewarding but free-or at least really inexpensive. The ease of accessibility to some of the nicest outings isn't just a perk but an incentive. It is kind and rewarding to the outdoor-newbie, one who doesn't want to stray too far or hike too hard but still wants to get lost in scenery for awhile.
Somewhere in the Santa Cruz forests.
Right off Highway 1 near Carmel and a short walk through is Point Lobos, for example.
It is about as quick to get to as walking from a college parking lot and a lot more immediately gratifying. There are two ways to get there, one really easy one more challenging.
Or you can do your civic-duty as a Californian and take the drive through Big Sur, take note that the road can get sketchy with rock-slides and tight curves but you don't have to go far in to enjoy it. The reward is rugged landscape with paths and trails that give way to lush temperate foliage.
Even around where people live and work, Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is somewhere you can sit back and relax for awhile. As touristy an area as it is, it still has a lot of charm.
Overall, Monterey and the greater Central Coast area is well-known so how could it possibly be underestimated and deserving of such praise? If a picture is worth a thousand words than HDR must be a thesis.
