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Central Coast
The central coastline of California is home to some magnificent shores, with the rugged bays and sun kissed shores of beaches like the Big Sur and the Monterrey Peninsula.
For visitors who wish to see the best of California the Pacific Coast Highway stretches from San Francisco, past the beautiful bay area of Santa Cruz all the way to the Monterrey Peninsula. Called the 'jewel of the Central Coast', Monterrey's beauty has been immortalised by artists, writers and photographers, appearing in books like John Steinbeck's 'Cannery Row' and the black and white photographs of Ansel Adams. Its diverse cultural heritage is evident in its Spanish architecture and lively harbour and wharf.
The northern edge of the wild and undeveloped area of the Big Sur is marked by Monterrey. Big Sur refers to the entire 90-mile (145km) stretch of wilderness between Monterrey and San Simeon. The often nerve-racking drive, especially when blanketed in thick fog, takes visitors along one of the most dramatic and exhilarating coastlines on earth, hemmed between the mountains of the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean. The area provides a peaceful respite from the frantic energy of the cities, with little more to do than enjoy the mountains, cliff-top views and occasionally accessible beach coves.
