Take A Trip Up The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the west coast
. It goes all the way from southern to northern California.Along the northern part of the Shoreline, or Pacific Coast, Highway, there are plenty of beautiful sights and places to see. About two hours south of the city of San Francisco along the highway lies the town of Big Sur.
Big Sur is located right on the coast, and is characterized by its beautiful shoreline and scenery. It is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the spring and summer when temperatures are slightly warmer.
Native Americans were the first inhabitants to settle the area that is now Big Sur. It is steeped in beauty and history, and there are a lot of outdoor activities to take part in there.
The area is a noted destination for artists and writers. During the Cold War era from the late 1940's to the early 1960's, the famous author Henry Miller made Big Sur his home. In fact, it was the inspiration for one of his most famous works.
Writer Jack Kerouac spent a small amount of time there during the 1950's, which inspire his well-known poem Big Sur. The city was one of the first places that bohemians traveled and settled during the "Beat Generation."
The area is now sparsely populated. It only houses about 1,000 inhabitants because the price of real estate is so high.
Big Sur is not very big, and mostly draws tourists that want to spend time on the coast hiking and camping. The temperature there is chilly and wet year round, but the spectacular views make up for it.
It is also home to a population of elephant seals. Those taking the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur can view the seals from the road or, in some cases, stop and watch them sunning themselves on the beaches.
It is unclear as to why the seals flock to the same areas year after year, but the large groupings of them are a sight to behold.
Elephant seals are marvelous creatures, but they tend to have very poor tempers. Be sure to view them from a distance or the safety of higher ground.
While visiting these animals, be sure to watch the waters of the ocean as well. It is not uncommon to see whales spouting water in this region.
Another popular destination along the beautiful northern coastline of California is found in San Simeon, which is a bit south of Big Sur. San Simeon is a relatively desolate, but beautiful, place full of only coastline beaches and rolling hills.
However, it draws millions of visitors every year due to the landmark found there, the Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper mogul, and his family inhabited this home in the twentieth century.
The mansion looks like it belongs in France, like Versailles. There are majestic flowers and grounds.
It is decorated like a palace, with Roman and European influences. Tours of the mansion are available to visitors.
The grounds are so large and extensive that multiple tours are available. Each one examines one wing or area of the home, and there about six or seven to choose from.
The home is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the United States. The area that houses it is very secluded, but the mansion is so beautiful that it is not hard to see or find from a long distance.
Once you have visited these places, make your way up to the Bay Area to visit the city of San Francisco. There are a great deal of sites and places to see here.
Be sure to visit the different neighborhoods of the city. These include the Haight Ashbury District, where the hippie movement of the 1960's began, and Market Street, the economic side of the city, complete with some of the country's greatest shopping.
Be sure to take a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and visit the park, as well. Other necessary sites to see and things to do are visiting Coit Tower, exploring Alcatraz Island, and riding the cable cars.
The northern coast and Bay Area of California offers some of the most beautiful sights and refreshing weather in the United States. Do not miss an opportunity to visit these areas!
by: Terry Daniels Beating The Heat In Phoenix, Arizona Turkey Holidays - Culture, Peace & Coastline Benefits of a Travel Trailer and Protecting It How People Are Tripling Their Money On Cheap Stock Picks In Hours Buying the Right Travel Trailer Cover Preschool Easy Crafts- Halloween Ideas Party City Reveals Top 2010 Halloween Costume Trends Holiday On Prince Edward Isle Why We Should Landscape Washington DC Travel Trailers and Its Advantages Swimming And Sunning In Myrtle Beach Tarzan and Jane Night at the Copacabana Desire Hotel on Jaco Beach Getting A Taste Of Washington Dc