Archive for ◊ February, 2011 ◊

Sea Otters here have to be one of the main attractions here in Monterey California. You may not realize this until you actually spend some time watching these playful guys. They’ll give you a smile from ear to ear especially if you’re lucky enough to spot 2 or more playing and hunting.

Keep your eyes peeled while walking along one of many Monterey pathways and coastal trails. They can be difficult to spot at first and easy to mix up with Harbor Seals or Sea Lions since they’re often spotted some distance off the coast.

A tip though, Sea Otters swim on their backs and use their chest as a table tray for their meals. They also have thick brown to light brown fur. Harbor Seals and Sea Lions do not have fur. Matter of fact, Otters are the only Marine Mammal that have fur.

Check out this Sea Otter Video taken just off of the pathway just South of Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove on Ocean View Blvd.

Binoculars or a camera with a nice zoom lens will give you good views but for the best place to see Sea Otters in the wild check out Sea Otters Secret Hangout.

The Monterey Aquarium has a great Sea Otter exhibit as well.

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Check out more of my Monterey Videos

Would you like to visit and experience one of the most beautiful places in the world? Then take a day or at least half a day to explore and take in Point Lobos in Big Sur California.

There is something just so magical about Point Lobos. It inspired the classic novel Treasure Island and world famous photographer Ansel Adams frequented Point Lobos throughout his career.

Check out this China Cove Video to get just a glimpse of the magical beauty of Point Lobos.

I would recommend heading to Bird Island Trail first upon your visit to Point Lobos. This is where China Cove is as well as China Beach, Bluff Trails, and Bird Island. Sea Otters can be spotted here as well.

It’s a nice easy 2 minute hike from the Parking Lot to views of China Cove but the full round about which I highly recommend is 30-40 minutes with stops.

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The Monarch Butterflies winter here in Pacific Grove, California every year from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. This is why Pacific Grove is also known as “Butterfly Town” Well, Valentine’s Day is approaching which means there are only a few Monarch Butterflies left here at the Monarch Sanctuary.

Check out this video of Monarch Butterflies enjoying the Cherry Blossoms:

Monarch Butterflies also “cluster” in large groups to stay warm. Check them out in this Monarch Butterflies Clustering in Pacific Grove Video

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Monterey Bay is so beautiful that she often draws a crowd. Anybody who’s been to Carmel Beach on a hot weekend knows this all too well. Sometimes it’s nice to have Monterey all to yourself with a little bit of seclusion, even if it’s for just 10 minutes.

Imagine having this all to yourself. The lucky gal in the upper right in yellow did, once I left

There are a number of places that aren’t as well known where you can find some time for just you and the gorgeous Monterey Bay.  Some are way out of the way and hard to get to and others just aren’t very well known or popular. One spot that is easily accessible, within 7 minutes walking distance from easy parking with striking Bay views is located in SandCity.

One of 4 Benches to have some alone time with the Monterey Bay

Park behind Orchard Supply Hardware (800 Playa Avenue Sand City, CA, 93955) at the Edgewater Shopping Center which is located right off of Highway 1 five minutes North of Monterey.  It’s the same center that has Target and Borders.  Plainly visible from the Highway 1.

From there walk up the bike path for a good 5-7 minutes.  Don’t be tempted to walk down to the beach as you will, but keep walking until you come to a Vista Area with a Picnic Table, Benches, and great views of the Monterey Bay and Monterey State Beach.  This spot is a favorite stopping point for bicyclists riding along the bike path.

Great Views to be had at this Vista Area

Be careful though, there are signs everywhere stating that the cliffs are unstable and some of it is roped off. Also, Highway 1 isn’t too far from this Vista Area but not close enough to disturb your alone time with Monterey.

Do you know of a great secluded place to take in Monterey? Comment below or drop me a line here.

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur California has to be one of the most beautiful Beaches in all of Monterey Bay if not California. You have to see and be there to truly understand what I’m talking about. From the moment you step onto the beach you truly get a sense of how grand and vast Big Sur is. This beautiful beach is tucked away about 2 miles off of Highway 1 but the road is slow going so it takes a good 10 minutes to drive those 2 miles from Highway 1.

The turnout, Sycamore Canyon Road is very, very easy to miss off of Highway 1 as there are no signs. It will be an ocean side turn (Right if driving South, Left if driving North). What usually works for me is if you’re driving South, you’ll pass Pfeiffer Burns State Park which indicates the turnout is just 2 minutes away. When you see the “Big Sur Station” sign then slow down as your turn out is coming up. It will be a blind Hairpin turn but you’ll know it’s the one when you see a bright Yellow sign that says “Narrow Road, No RV’s – Trailers”.

This seems like a lot of trouble just for a stroll on a beach, but trust me it is not a bother at all for what you’ll experience. Stick around for a sunset if you can, they’re gorgeous but this place often gets very windy. Have those jackets and hoodies ready.