Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Big Sur California
 |
| Waves and lingering fog on California's Central Coast at Big Sur |
The scenery in Big Sur, California cannot be done justice by film or secondhand account. An eclectic populace and cosmic vibe flows through the area and permeates Big Sur hotels, shops and restaurants. A table with a view isn’t hard to come by in Big Sur. Neither is a sense of well-being. Cliffs, rocks, redwoods and effervescent surf create an epic backdrop for recreation, romance and relaxed exploration.
While there are miles of trails for the dedicated hiker and backpacker, Big Sur also offers spectacular scenery within steps of Highway 1. And for those willing to hike a few miles, the rewards include rapidly changing settings of oak and lush redwood forests, ocean views, rocky streams, and coastal brush.
Be sure to visit Hiking In Big Sur's Website, you will be happy you did.
 |
| McWay Falls, Big Sur |
 |
| Big Sur California |
San Simeon State Beach, San Simeon California
Within the boundaries of Hearst San Simeon State Park are Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve and San Simeon Natural Preserve. Santa Rosa Creek Preserve is an area of approximately 40 acres, which includes valuable riparian forests and coastal wetlands, that provide habitat for endangered Tidewater Goby. San Simeon Natural Preserve consists of approximately 365 acres of vast wetlands, riparian areas, and several undisturbed native plant communities including unique mima mound topography. The Natural Preserve is also the wintering site for monarch butterfly populations. In 1994, a 3.3 mile trail was constructed encircling portions of the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Washburn Campground. The trail includes scenic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on wildlife and habitat. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible.
 |
| Hearst Castle |
After Hearst died, family fortunes declined, and they gave Hearst Castle to the state. Today the state Park Service preserves Hearst Castle as a State Historical Monument, and we can all enjoy a glimpse into the Hearst's opulent lifestyle.
Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available. Information regarding the locations and scheduled time of interpretive programs is available by calling Hearst San Simeon State Park at (805) 927-2035.
Location and Reservation Information
Hearst San Simeon State Park is located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, and 5 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center.The community of Cambria is located 2 miles to the South and offers gas stations and grocery stores. Campground Reservations can be made from March 15 to September 30 by calling 1-800-444-PARK (7275). The rest of the year the campground is open on a first come, first serve basis.
Pismo State Beach, Pismo, California
A 60-acre regional beach, pier and promenade. Public restrooms, sand showers, volleyball courts, children's play equipment, benches, drinking fountains and many ocean recreation opportunities are available. A parking lot is located adjacent to the Pier and at the end of Addie Street. Handicapped parking is also available. Pismo Creek can be observed with a variety of bird life by walking down Addie Street where the creek merges into the ocean.
Directions:
North 101: Exit Wadsworth. Turn west on Wadsworth, South on Highway 1 and west on any street towards the ocean.
South 101: Exit Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 and turn west on any street towards the ocean.
Morro Strand State Beach, Morro Beach California
This beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites. A three-mile stretch of beach connects the southern and northern entrances to the beach. Fishing, windsurfing, jogging, Horseback riding and kite flying are popular.
 |
| Morro Strand State Beach |
Location - Directions
The beach is two miles south of Cayucos on Highway 1. Take the Yerba Buena exit, a short distance north of Morro Bay, 24th Street allows access to the northern part of the beach.
 |
| Morro Rock and Morro Strand State Beach |
Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria, California
Please Note: For the current status of this park, please call (805) 968-1033.
Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there, because of naturally-occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats.
Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.
Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.
Location - Directions
The park is off U.S. 101, twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. Exit at Casitas Pass Road, travel West on Casitas Pass Road to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm. The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue.
The park is off U.S. 101, twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. Exit at Casitas Pass Road, travel West on Casitas Pass Road to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm. The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue.
Santa Barbara Califonia
Waves, Fun and shopping what else do you need? The county is famous for its beautiful beaches, most of which lie along a unique south-facing stretch of coastline that affords beach visitors sun all day long and more shelter from winds and surf. But there's far more here than beaches. The county encompasses enormously varied terrain: Nearly one-third of its total acreage is set aside in the Los Padres National Forest, which includes the rugged San Rafael Wilderness Area. Santa Barbara County's topographical diversity creates a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in a relatively compact area. Snuggled between the 4,000-foot-high Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara's 200,000 residents enjoy some of California's best weather, earning it the title "American Riviera."
Santa Barbara is famous for its beaches, and visitors spend their time pedaling bicycles and quadricycle surreys or walking along Palm Drive, browsing the weekly Sunday arts and crafts fair and visiting Stearns Wharf and Sea Center. State Street, a tree-shaded thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants leads north from waterfront to city center.
Old Mission Santa Barbara is one of California's best-preserved and most beautiful Spanish missions, its facade designed from a book on Roman architecture. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park gives a glimpse into a Spanish soldier's life in early California.
Nearby Santa Ynez Valley is Santa Barbara's wine country, home to vintners such as Zaca Mesa, Fess Parker, Firestone, Byron and Cambria.
Befitting its long history as getaway for the rich and famous, Santa Barbara's top digs are priced to match their reputation. Inn of the Spanish Garden's 23 rooms take top honors, followed by San Ysidro Ranch, a popular romantic refuge since newlyweds John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned there in 1953. On the eastern waterfront lies Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, famous for its lavish Sunday brunches. More affordable but still centrally located, the West Beach Inn and Marina Beach Motel offer comfortable, clean lodging.
Carlito's Café y Cantina serves excellent Mexican cuisine, Arigato dishes up top-rated sushi and Chad's is a popular spot for a romantic repast, but judging from persistent lines outside Brophy Bros seafood restaurant, a seat on their balcony overlooking the marina is one of the hardest in town to come by. Speaking of lines, there's almost always one outside tiny taqueria La Super Rica, waiting to order the inexpensive, authentic, fresh Mexican food that made it one of celebrity chef Julia Childs' favorites.
A few miles outside Santa Barbara, nineteenth-century stagecoach stop Cold Spring Tavern is a charming spot for steaks, drinks and impromptu Sunday afternoon concerts, its clientele an eclectic, convivial mix of motorcycle riders and luxury sedan drivers.
 |
| Santa Barbara Mission |
Jennifer Aniston
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)