Page 98 - 2017 Travel Guide to California

DRIVE
»
TOUR
Trace a beautiful path along the
California coast by starting on
HIGHWAY 1 and drive south, from
Santa Cruz through the
MONTEREY PENINSULA. Once you
pass CARMEL, you enter the 90-mile
stretch of California coastline
between Carmel and SAN SIMEON
called BIG SUR, shoehorned
between the ocean and the Santa
Lucia Mountains. The road twists
and turns along the wild coast, so
take your time and be sure to stop
and enjoy the view along the way.
96 2017 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
THE KELP FOREST TANK at the Monterey
Bay Aquarium is a popular attraction, left;
getting a lift over the Santa Cruz
Boardwalk, below.
Heritage & Culture
Agriculture dominates the inland region—
from the Salinas salad bowl to Carmel
Valley wines. The region’s coast is home to
fishermen, artists, surfers and a booming
tourism industry. Whether it’s a chef from
Carmel, an artist from Santa Cruz or a
farmer from Soledad—all take time to enjoy
the beauty of Monterey Bay and Big Sur.
Family Fun
The Monterey Peninsula is a wonderland
for families, with historic sites, accessible
beaches, Dennis the Menace Park and the
Monterey Bay Aquarium. South through Big
Sur, the variety of hiking paths can lead you
to a pink-sand beach or a seaside waterfall.
No matter your age, you can’t go wrong at
the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with rides
and entertainment for everyone. Inland,
get a look at California’s pre-statehood past
and follow the California Missions Trail
along Highway 101—always a good lesson
for grade-schoolers and adults alike.
PHOTOCRITICAL/SHUTTERSTOCK; THORSON FAMILY MINNESOTA/CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR. OPPOSITE: JEREMY THOMPSON/CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR; COLIN CREITZ/CREATIVE COMMONS/FLICKR