As winter was creeping up on us, we knew we had to get out and do one more big camping trip. We did some research and determined there was not yet a plan to explore the central coast of California. Our friend, Corwin, also decided to come along because he wanted to experience one of our crazy, full weekends!
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
So off we went on a Friday night after work toward our first site- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park campground located on the famous Big Sur coastline. This was roughly a 5-hour drive down, landing us at our site near 11:00 p.m. We unfortunately had very limited opportunities when looking into snagging a campsite near Big Sur. There was a giant mudslide blocking off highway 101 in the southern part of the rugged coastline, and multiple old wildfire areas effectively closed off the whole eastern part of Big Sur. Some other good camping options would be Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Limekiln State Park, and Andrew Molera State Park. Again, this is California, so if you know you’re going here, book the site months in advance.
Overlook Trail
The next morning brought us a beautiful day for observing the stunning scenery. Our first stop landed us at the Overlook Trail, a very short 1-mile hike that culminates at a perch which gives you glorious views of McWay Falls, one of the few waterfalls on the west coast that drains directly onto a sandy beach and into the ocean. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to climb down to the beach, and we don’t know if you’d want to anyway as it appeared treacherous.
Overlook Trail
McWay Falls
Further down the Overlook Trail
Overlook Trail
McWay Falls
Further down the Overlook Trail
Partington Cove
Following this brief stop, we started driving back north up highway 101. We knew our goal but got distracted by the multiple turn off viewpoints along the way as the mountains dove right into the ocean. Eventually, about 30-40 minutes north of McWay Falls, we came to our second hike, a somewhat unknown two mile out and back trail down to the edge of the ocean called Partington Cove. It is technically located in the Garrapata State Park area and it has no signage near the road. All we can say is that you come to a large curve in the highway and just off the west side of the road there is a gated cattle fence which marks the start of the hike. You go downhill all the way out and come upon a small tunnel that spits you out onto a beautiful rocky shoreline. We found some cool rocks to post up on for a while enjoying a beer and watching the turbulent water flow around the rock islands.
The Pacific Coast
Valley View
We spent around an hour traveling to our next hike, located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, called Valley View. This is the only time we traveled slightly east of highway 101. It did not disappoint at the end of its ~3 miles going directly up. The views from the top peered over a peaceful looking valley that led out to a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. There was even a small bench facing out toward the ocean to rest on at the end of the hike.
At the Valley View lookout
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
After this change in scenery, we headed back to our campsite in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park around 4:00 PM to catch the sunset at one of the most iconic and picturesque beaches in California. The beach is simply called Julia Pfeiffer Beach, and it is somewhat of an interesting drive to get there as you feel like you’re going through a restricted private community. There is a small fee to gain access to the road down to the beach, but it is so worth it. Don’t be thinking you’ll be the only people down here though- we were among at least another hundred people strolling up and down the beach, looking for the best vantage points of Keyhole Arch. With the sunset complete, we spent the rest of our Saturday night around the fire, resting up for another busy Sunday.
Pfeiffer Beach
Crazy cool sky!
One of the best sunsets ever!
Some people were even surfing here!
Pfeiffer Beach
Crazy cool sky!
One of the best sunsets ever!
Some people were even surfing here!
We rose early to pack up and drive north up highway 101 to a small town called Carmel. We had heard many good things about this community, which is located just south of Monterey, and thought it might be a good spot for a quick breakfast. It proved to have multiple coffee and pastry shops open. Downtown Carmel is super cute and clean, and the people were extremely friendly. The best part- some small residential blocks to the west and you arrive at an amazing large white sand beach which looks upon Pebble Beach golf course to the north. There were a bunch of people enjoying a morning run or playing with their dogs on this immaculate beach.
Monterey Peninsula Coast
From this quiet town, we decided to take the “17-mile drive”, which is a scenic by way that takes you along the Monterey peninsula coast. You must pay an entrance fee of about $11 to gain access to this awesome road, but it is worth it. There are a multitude of things to see/do, including visiting Pebble Beach Golf Club, Poppy Hills Golf Club, snapping a picture of “the lone Cyprus tree”, and gazing at the spectacular homes along the entire way. If you take the “17-mile drive” starting from the south, it eventually brings you north to the city of Monterey.
Stop along the 17-mile drive
The Lone Cypress
Another lookout on the 17-mile drive
One of the golf courses right on the coast!
Stop along the 17-mile drive
The Lone Cypress
Another lookout on the 17-mile drive
One of the golf courses right on the coast!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The main attraction in downtown Monterey is their aquarium, so we thought a change of pace might be good and bought a few tickets to explore the world living in the sea. The Monterey Bay Aquarium also got high marks from our coworkers in Clearlake, so this was a fun way to spend an early Sunday afternoon. The aquarium itself is pretty tiny, but it is very interactive. The best parts of the aquarium for us were the octopus, sea otter, and jellyfish exhibits. All in all, it took us around two hours to totally cover the whole place.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jellyfish
Cuttlefishes
Stingray
Penguin
More jellyfish
Jellyfish
An octopus
The back deck of Monterey Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jellyfish
Cuttlefishes
Stingray
Penguin
More jellyfish
Jellyfish
An octopus
The back deck of Monterey Aquarium
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Our very last excursion for the weekend broke up our long trip back to Clearlake quite nicely. We checked out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which we discovered is renowned for its size, location, and entertainment value with a full-on amusement park. To be honest, if you’re a little older, the main boardwalk is a bit much. There is a pier that shoots out into the ocean just north of the boardwalk that is more pleasurable, and it has a ton of seafood restaurants to pick from. We chose Stagnaro Bros., what appeared to be an older establishment with history, and really enjoyed it. After grabbing some clam chowder on the pier, it was time to get home for another work week.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Seals under the boardwalk
Their barks were pretty loud!
Santa Cruz beach just off the touristy boardwalk
View from the pier
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Seals under the boardwalk
Their barks were pretty loud!
Santa Cruz beach just off the touristy boardwalk
View from the pier