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| The coast of California stretches for more than a thousand miles from Oregon down to the Mexican border. There are beaches and wonderful places to hike and explore. Going from north to south, here are some of those that we have visited and enjoyed. Although not strictly along the coast, I also show some excursions to inland places such as the wine country, Mount Diablo and Carmel Valley. Since San Francisco is along the coast, I have also included some unique things we have done in the City-by-the-Bay. Click on any green box or picture below for details. |
A drive up Highway 1 along the coast is a trip that can be exhilarating and full of surprises. Starting at Tomales Bay you can just taste the oysters in the air. Then there is Bodega Bay, scene of a famous movie. But also a stay at the Whale Watch Inn, further up north, should be considered a 'must'. |
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North of San Francisco are some beautiful stretches of coast line. Point Reyes is a huge state park with lots of hiking trails, beaches and places to enjoy the outdoors. It also has some interesting history, such as 'Drake's Bay', the landing spot of Sir Francis Drake back in 1579. |
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Napa Valley is well known for its vineyards and some excellent wines. However, just west, across the ridge, is another beautiful area often overlooked by visitors. A drive north of San Francisco to Bodega Bay, then inland along the Russian River to Santa Rosa and the Valley of the Moon are all part of another three day excursion we took in 2006. Come and join us also for a walk through a redwood forest near the Russian River: |
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Near Santa Rosa is a park with numerous wild animals imported from Africa. They roam loose on many acres of oak studded hills. A safari tour lets you see zebras, wildebeests, giraffes and many more. Our highlight was to stay overnight in a luxurious tent right next to the animal compound. It was interesting to hear the animals at night and it did not take much of an imagination to think we were at the other side of the world. |
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The middle of April is a great time to do a hike in one of the parks east of San Francisco. Mount Diablo is well known for its many trails and scenic spots. But another favorite of ours is Sunol Park, a few mile further south. It not only offers good trails but it has the distinction of having its 'Little Yosemite", a nice canyon with boulders, waterfall and lush vegetation. It is the time of year when wild flowers abound and bees are busy pollinating. |
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This city has so much to offer; more than we can touch on right here. But let us describe a couple things we have done that are a bit out of the ordinary: |
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There are several nice beaches along the coast south of San Francisco. One is Halfmoon Bay. However, this little town is better known for the 'Pumpkin Festival' where the big ones are judged, weighed and carved. We have been there many times during that busy weekend, but this time we decided to go during the week when it was a bit less hectic.
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From January through March the elephant seals come to the California coast to mate and give birth to new pups. We joined our daughter and three of our grand children to witness how these large creatures gather in large harems and have sex on the beach. |
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The coast north of Monterey stretches for many miles along wide beaches and sand dunes. One beautiful day in November, 2009, we drove down and stayed at the Seascape Resort. Here are a few pictures of this nice retreat and a day of relaxing in the fall sun.
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The Monterey Peninsula has some great scenery and Carmel. Here you can play golf, ride a bicycle, rent a kayak to paddle amongst the sea otters and harbor seals, visit the aquarium and mission - the list of activities goes on. Point Lobos is one place to see, and be sure to do the 'seventeen-mile-drive' in Carmel.
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Further south along the coast is a very popular tourist destination. Santa Barbara has some wonderful beaches and is a shopping meca for those coming north from LA or south from the San Francisco Bay Area. This time Sharon and I took the train for a long but scenic ride through rolling hils and along the coast of California.
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