California's Central Coast: Middle of Everywhere

	Coastline at Big Sur

Between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the Pacific Ocean lies the California Central Coast. The cities and townships here are well known, and their names - Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Big Sur - invoke thoughts of the Spanish influence that settled the area. It's an inspiring place, evidenced by John Steinbeck, who wrote some of his most famous works based on his life here. It boasts a mild climate, and is full of excellent recreational activities, including world-class golf courses. For either a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the California Central Coast is a great choice.

HISTORY

The area was originally discovered by Native American tribes. Large numbers were drawn to the California Central Coast for its abundant natural resources. Europeans did not discover the area until 1542, when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo saw the coast from his ship. Due to high seas he could not land his ship, so Europeans did not set foot on the land until the early 17th century. Explorer Sebastian Viscaino named many of the coastal villages in the area. Carmel was named for his patron saint, Our Lady of Carmel, and Monterey was named for the Viceroy of Mexico.

As Europeans settled the area, fishing became the backbone of the economy. Whaling was originally the largest sector. In the economy of the 1880s, fishing gave way to tourism, but fishing regained precedence in the 1920s, when sardine harvesting became popular.

One of the more interesting aspects of the area's history occurred in 1961 in Santa Cruz. Hundreds of disoriented sea birds, drawn to the house and street lights, rained down upon the area and its residents at 3 am. This event inspired director Alfred Hitchcock, and his film 'The Birds' was based on the incident.

Today, the California Central Coast is a highly popular tourist destination. It remains a well-liked vacation spot for every kind of traveler, including hikers, golfers, surfers, and beach lovers.

	Golfer on the California Central Coast

CLIMATE

The California Central Coast has a moderate and pleasant climate year round. Summer doesn't get too hot, and winter doesn't get too cold. The average summer temperature isn't much higher than 68 Degrees Fahrenheit (20 Degrees Celsius), and in winter it doesn't drop much past 44 Degrees Fahrenheit (7 Degrees Celsius). Inland areas, such as the Big Sur, Salinas, and Upper Carmel Valleys can get up to 20 Degrees warmer than the coast. The area has an average of 19 days of rain a year, and these produce about 18 inches (47 centimeters) of rainfall. Most of this occurs between November and April.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting to the California Central Coast should not pose a problem, as the Monterey Peninsula airport offers domestic, as well as some international service. Getting around can be accomplished with relative ease, as Monterey-Salinas Transit, a commuter train, services Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and other cities and towns. Connecting service with Amtrak is also offered. There are numerous car rental services, and taxis are easy to locate.

POINTS OF INTEREST

CARMEL

Carmel, also known as Carmel-by-the-Sea, is home to Pebble Beach, one of the most famous golf courses in the United States. More than just golfing, Carmel is also renowned for its architectural style, which features Adobes, Tudor-style houses and fairytale cottages.

Constructed in 1927, the Tuck Box Tea Room is a quaint little building. Three years after being built, it was turned into a restaurant and has remained one ever since. It has changed owners several times throughout the years, but it maintains the spirit that turned it into such a well-known part of Carmel. It also still features several items off the original menu.

The first permanent building in Carmel was the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a Catholic mission that was originally housed in Monterey, and relocated to Carmel. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful missions in the area, and it has a very distinctive Spanish style to it.

Just north of Carmel's sandy white beach is an entrance to the Seventeen-Mile Drive, a scenic route from Carmel to Pacific Grove, a small town adjoining Monterey.

	Penguin at the Monterey Aquarium

MONTEREY

One of the most famous streets in the United States is located in Monterey. Cannery Row, aptly named due to the amount of canning and seafood harvesting that was done here, was immortalized by John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. The first canning operation began next to Fisherman's Wharf. Fishing, canning, and processing of sardines, squid, and other fish became a major part of the economy. However, over-fishing and poor conservation methods exhausted the supplies, and the canning eventually stopped. The last major canning operation shut its doors in 1973. This particular space is now home to The Monterey Aquarium.

The Monterey Aquarium houses a plethora of sea life. Not only can fish and other underwater creatures be viewed here, but animals such as otters and penguins can be seen as well. The Aquarium is home to the largest ocean sanctuary in the country, and is set in a three-storey tall living kelp forest. A million gallon outer bay exhibit, touch pool, and jellies gallery are just some of the exciting features. A number of special exhibitions exist here as well.

Cannery Row is a hotbed for dining, shopping, entertainment, and other attractions. Paying homage to the man who celebrated it on paper, Cannery Row houses The National Steinbeck Center. This museum features displays highlighting some of his most well known works, including East of Eden and The Grapes of Wrath. It is designed to introduce Steinbeck, and his works, to everyone. Seven themed theatres are in the Center, and these feature film clips and interactive displays.

	Surfer in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ

The most unique attraction in Santa Cruz is an area, 150 feet (46 meters) in diameter, known as 'The Mystery Spot'. This space has the bizarre distinction of seeming to repeal the laws of gravity. Nothing seems to stand up straight, from the trees to people who choose to visit it. It would seem that people can very comfortably stand while leaning in all sorts of directions without falling over. While no solid explanation seems to have been found, The Mystery Spot is definitely one attraction that must be seen to be believed.

A little less strange, but just as much fun, is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It's a perfect family spot with arcades, miniature golf courses, laser tag and numerous other games. There are also many rides here, both traditional, modern, and 'classic'. The 1911 Louff Carousel has 73 hand carved horses with tails made from real horse hair. The Giant Dipper is a massive wooden roller coaster that was constructed in 1924.

BIG SUR

Big Sur is a wonderful place to enjoy nature, and there are numerous resorts and state parks located here. One of these is Point Sur Historic Site.

Point Sur caused many shipwrecks, and proved to be a navigational hazard for many years. To combat this, a lighthouse and fog signal were constructed in 1889. Tours of Point Sur Historic Site allow visitors to get a close look at the blacksmith shop, barn, assistant and head keeper's dwellings, cistern, and the lighthouse itself.

21 miles (34 kilometers) south of Carmel is Andrew Molera State Park. It hosts a variety of geographical features, including ocean, mountain, and rivers. Pico Blanco is a 600 million ton piece of white grey marble that overlooks the park. The Ohlone Natives believed that Coyote, the creator of people and other creatures, resided here. It is a popular spot for hiking and biking. It also has a number of camping facilities.

	Spanish Mission on the California Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA

Spanish heritage is very evident in Santa Barbara. It is noticeable in everything from the street names to the buildings, which are white washed and tile roofed. The most well known visitor's landmark here is Stearns Wharf.

Stearns Wharf was built in 1872 to serve cargo and passenger ships. Over the years it has seen its fair share of troubles, as it has been damaged by earthquakes, fires, and floods. In 1941, all shipping and transportation ties were ceased. Today, it is a huge tourist draw, filled with restaurants, specialty shops, tour companies and other merchants.

Mission Santa Barbara was founded in 1782, and completed in 1820. It is a magnificent piece of architecture, complete with twin bell towers. The design was formulated after that of a Latin temple in pre-Christian Rome. In 1925 it was the victim of severe earthquake damage, but rebuilding and restoration has returned it to its original glory. Called the 'Queen of the Missions', it is easily one of the best preserved. The living quarters have been converted into museum rooms featuring period artifacts, and the church contains numerous examples of 18th and 19th Century Mexican art.