Pacific Coast Highway - California Coastline (Part II)
The Central Coast
A magnificent vista of the cliffs from the fabled Pacific Coast Highway, California Highway 1. The route hugs the cliffs for over 100 miles from just north of San Simeon (home of the Hearst Castle) to Carmel. Many people consider the Pacific Coast Highway the most scenic drive in the world and for good reason. It is also one of the most strenuous if you have a motor home or are pulling a camper. The route offers fascinating contrasts. Long stretches along the cliffs offering large scale vistas are broken up by sudden turns inland into lush wooded areas followed by another stretch of cliff-hugging. Heading north you transit from the scrub covered hills environment of southern California to the lush wooded environment of Big Sur. The Ragged Point Inn sits atop the cliffs near their southern end. The inn offers an excellent lunch, has great views, plus a trail to the ocean at the foot of the cliffs. A very worthy stop. 
The coastal cliffs are actually caused by the mountain range diving straight into the ocean. Note how the road is built right into the side of the cliff. Note the golden brown color of the hillside. That color predominates in the summer and fall because little or no rain falls during those seasons. In the winter and spring the hills are lush green. Spring and early summer often offers profuse wildflower displays. 
A beautiful stretch of untamed beach near San Simeon. 
Above left, a solitary gull watches the fog roll in at Pacific Grove
on the Monterey Peninsula. 
A view of the Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. 
A lush inlet just inland from Pismo Beach.
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Books
Driving the Pacific Coast California, 6th: Scenic Driving Tours along Coastal Highways
by Kathy Strong
This is the perfect tote-along companion for uncovering California coast's many treasures. Conveniently organized, easy-to-follow, and packed with information on 37 communities, this book has everything from a relaxing one-day breather to a month-long tour of the entire 1,100-mile coast.
Hidden Coast of California
by Ray Riegert
This guide focuses exclusively on California shoreline and doubles as the ultimate beach lover's guide. Photography
Big Sur Coast I by Gerald Allen
The Million Dollar View from Ragged Point on California's Big Sur coast. Buy This Print! Related Pages
California's Central Coast offers some of the American West's most splendid scenery and attractions, from the Golden Gate to the Hearst Castle to the magnificent scenic drive on the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1).
Location
Attractions on California's Central Coast from San Luis Obispo to Monterey are accessed by The Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1). About midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Local Weather
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