Journey through the picturesque central coastline destinations of the Golden State.

The stunning backdrop of California’s central coastline feeds inspiration to dreamers, artists and musicians. John Steinbeck wrote, “Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream.” The quirkiness and the residual shadows of the Old Spanish and fishing days give the region a unique vibe. Seattleites venturing down the coast a few hours south of San Francisco get the chance to experience the cool, classy, and colorful lifestyle in the Golden State.

Big Sur

Highway 1 winds along the Big Sur coastline, crossing famous trestle bridges, overlooking bright blue waters under sheer cliffs with white crashing waves below. The beauty is something you have to bath yourself in to experience. Dawdling up and down the beaches, standing near waterfalls, listening to seabirds, waves and sea lions, and having the sunshine in your eyes makes Big Sur so surreal. There are several hiking trails and places to stop for a picnic lunch along Highway 1. The best thing to do in Big Sur is to drive along the highway, stop, get out of the car at every view point and let your jaw drop in bewilderment with the words “Oh my god,” falling out.

Do Something Different: Henry Miller Memorial Library and The Esalen Institute

In addition to the natural beauty there are some local attractions born out of the areas free-spirited culture. The Henry Miller Memorial Library is the main cultural hub for the region film screenings and concerts from big names looking to play at this historical venue. Arcade Fire, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, MGMT, Fleet Foxes, Phillip Glass and Gillian Welch have all performed recently. With a maximum capacity of 400, there’s nothing like seeing a famous band perform in this intimate and magical setting.

The Esalen Institute provides another uniquely Californian experience. The new-age center for learning and self-exploration rests along the Big Sur bluffs and offers multi-day yoga, painting, writing, and retreats with variable pricing. The best part about the Esalen Institute is the hot springs along the ocean. It is not necessary to take a course or pay to stay to enjoy the many pools in a moonlight setting. Access to the baths is open to the public seven nights a week from 1 am – 3 am and costs $20, calling ahead for a reservation is required. Although venturing out on a lunar escapade can feel daunting when your alarm goes off at 12:30 am, the setting is worth the pain when you are soaking in your own natural hot spring, overlooking stars peppered above the Pacific Ocean while breathing in the sea air and hearing the splashing waves closely under you.

Carmel-By-the-Sea

While Carmel is more of a town designed for wealthy old ladies and fancy purebred dogs, the restaurants, wine, art, and beaches make it a place regularly visited by Californians of all ages. The quaint cottages and the no streetlights policy gives this village a distinct feel. The beach in Carmel allows off-leash dogs, as do many of the restaurants and high-end shops. While things in Carmel are up-scale, up-scale Californians pride themselves on being laid back and welcoming. Do not be surprised if you strike up a conversation with just about everyone you meet, as no one seems to be in a hurry in this coastal community.

Do Something Different: Moss Landing and Cachugua General Store

Stop by the produce market at Moss Landing to experience first hand what the farms in California are producing– and just how much of it! With prices like 10 artichokes for $1.00 and 5 pounds of freshly picked strawberries for $2.00 (yes, this happened to me and we made smoothies for a week) you will quickly see why California’s are so healthy and active, they are powered by fruits and veggies. While there, grab lunch on the beach at the regional hot spot Phil’s Fish Market.

While there is no shortage of foodie restaurants in Carmel, Cachugua General Store is the kind of place legends are made of. Deep in Carmel Valley and only open for dinner on Monday nights and brunch on Sundays, the Cachagua General Store is a secret, word of mouth type of experience. Don’t bother looking up the menu before the day of your visit and make sure to call and get a table booked. People travel from all over to try some of the locally grown and delectably prepared California cuisine at this general store turned dining establishment.   Dishes like “Rabbit prepared five ways” for a cost of around $22.00 are served with fine wine in a general store while a local classic rock cover band serenades patrons… it’s the sort of thing that gives California the sweatpants elegance the rest of the country finds bizarre.

Monterey

There are many things to love about this relaxing bayside fishing village. From the candy stores making sea-salted caramel salt-water taffy to the up-scale restaurants and spas, Monterey feels like a gentle sigh. Lulling lapping waves set the rhythm of this small town while flourishing marine life and a world famous aquarium draw one’s imagination out to sea. The Monterey vibe is such that there is not any one thing that makes it special but rather the culmination of many components that lead people to a relaxed state of mind.

Do Something Different: Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Wharf

One would be completely amiss if they go to Monterey without spending time in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Open Sea exhibit is a one million gallon tank behind thick seamless glass resembling the outer bay of Monterey. (Check out the LIVE webcam!) Occasionally this tank has been host to juvenile great white sharks and rumor has it they may be getting another one this spring.  The jellyfish exhibit is another favorite with the black lights illuminating the drifting translucent bodies.

Having lunch on the wharf and post-lunch desert in a sweet shop will leave visitors with a sweet nostalgic memory. The Abalonetti’s patio is a personal favorite but any of the restaurants will have good food, patio seating and local characters to welcome you with a smile and very likely a story or two.