Central Coast Part II
August 10th, 2006 @ 4:35 pm by Brotherbee
Although there are many things to see and do in Monterey, due to time constraints, we chose to take the 17 Mile Scenic Drive. This road is located entirely within a wealthy residential community. The contrast between the beaches of Monterey and Highway 1 can be summarized as feminine and masculine, respectively. The beaches of Monterey are white and pretty.
The famous Lone Cypress is one of the stops along this drive.
The residents of this neighborhood are truly blessed. They are surrounded by beautiful forests, beaches, and golf courses. Pebble Beach, perhaps one of the most famous golf courses in the world, is the last stop on the 17 Mile Drive.
Right next to the exit of this neighborhood, you enter a more lively and charismatic town known as Carmel. Clint Eastwood was once the mayor and the atmosphere here cannot be found in another California city. There are many art boutiques, restaurants, as well as wine tasting shops. Carmel is clean, cute, and romantic. My wife and I preferred it to Solvang since it has more of an authentic feel to it.
We then headed south on Highway 1 back toward San Simeon. The sun was about to set, but we made a few stops along the way.
There is no doubt that the sights we saw along Highway 1 were the highlights of our trip. If we had more time, we would not have missed Big Sur, we would have seen more of Monterey, as well as spent some time in Santa Barbara - all of which are within driving distance of each other.
The Central Coast of California truly has something to offer for everyone - beautiful beaches, quaint towns, world class golf courses, luxurious spas, wineries, and endless sightseeing options. It’s a wonderfully laid back locale for a honeymoon, a vacation, or even a weekend trip if you live in California. I must say that this was perhaps the best road trip I have had since I was a child.
Related Posts
10 Responses to “Central Coast Part II”
the views are beautiful! awesome pictures. your wife is pretty =)
J - Italy just happens to be next! =)
Yay :-)!
thanks for sharing 
My husband and i just celebrated our first anniversary in Big Sur. The scenery was breathtaking. No chain hotels or restaurants. The two high-end hotels are Post Ranch Inn and the Ventana Inn (we stayed at Ventana, which was nice, but not worth the money– try Post Ranch if you can afford it).
I’ve never been to California, and these pics just make me wanna go!
those are great pics! i went there like 2 years ago but unfortunately, i got really carsick on the 17 mile scenic drive. i wish i could’ve enjoyed it alot more if i hadn’t been so carsick. one request: please post on italy!! i’m really looking forward to that one.
Post Ranch Inn is pretty expensive. It’s regularly chosen as one of the best hotels/inns by several travel magazines. The rooms are very different from regular hotel rooms. Very unique. I know it’s a great place and all, and in an awesome location like we talked about, but for that price (about $1000-$1400 per night if you want some sort of ocean view, which is kind of the whole point if you stay there), I would rather stay at one of those bungalows in Bora Bora or a nice suite in a 5 star hotel.
The Post Ranch Inn is one of the most exquisite hotels in the world… the spa on the cliff is to die for and the treehouse and coast rooms are gorgeous. They essentially created the luxe nature retreat, and did a great job with it! The restaurant there, Sierra Mar, has the best views on the coast and amazing prixe fixe meals. They opened sister resorts in Fiji (Jean-Michel Cousteau) and Hana in Maui. As for it being “not worth it” — if you’re looking to get away… this is it. I can’t begin to tell you how many of the world’s elite spend a week plus here… because it is so amazing and right in California.
If you were choosing a get-away honeymoon where you wanted to really GET away and not be touristy, this is it. Go to Pebble Beach if you want to be ritsy, and stay in Carmel if you want to be cutesy.
Brotherbee, Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 27, Education
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Student
Wedding Date: 11/18/2005
Venue: City Club, Los Angeles
About Me: I'm Mrs. Bee's younger brother. My wife and I are avid travellers, so I write about possible honeymoon destinations.
My fiance and I are actually considering one of the The Pebble Beach Resorts (there are two, the Inn at Spansh Bay and the Lodge of Pebble Beach) as our wedding site. It’s number 2 on our top 3 venue list. It is just soooo beautiful there! BrotherBee, thank you for your great reviews! I like your writing style…the way you describe the trip & places. You and your wife are adorable! Thanks for joining Weddingbee! (Psss.. please write a review on Italy when you get a chance. That’s where my brother and my dear new SIL are looking to do their honeymoon
)