Monterey Peninsula

In all the hustle and bustle of the past week I realize I’ve forgotten to mention one of my favorite beach areas.  I’ve talked about beaches in southern California and neglected the area around Monterey Bay.  The city of Monterey rests at the northeast corner of a square nub of land that juts out into the sea.  This nub is Monterey Peninsula.  Two other cities make up the area: Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea.  (Always liked that name)  Most of the peninsula’s coastline is part of the 17-Mile Drive toll road which is belongs to the Pebble Beach Resort.

While not strictly part of the peninsula I do want to mention that a few miles south of Carmel is the Point Lobos State Reserve. This is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching but the most thrilling attraction for me was spotting humpback whales just offshore. There are a number of elevated cliff areas that give you a good view out to sea. All you have to do is stand there and wait.

The northern entrance to 17-Mile Drive is in Pacific Grove, by far my favorite of the three towns. The beach runs along two sides of the town and is very accessible. Asilomar State Beach faces more or less toward the west and is a good sunset spot for photos. There are plenty of parking areas. Walking can be a little treacherous on the wet rocks should you be bold enough to venture out.

Pacific Grove has a number of photographic enticements but one that pertains to the sea is the Lighthouse. It’s sits surrounded by a golf course but don’t let that put you off. The Point Pinos Light is the oldest operating light on the west coast. Tours are available and one can even climb up and take a look, from a slight distance, at the light.

The most famous city on Monterey Peninsula is Monterey itself. With Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, not to mention the Monterey Bay Aquarium, well that’s a whole story all by itself and one I’ll save for another day.