Route 1 Road Trip: Majestic Monterey

Good morning everyone! I think it’s about time that we headed out on the latest and greatest adventure of our PCH road trip, don’t you? Hop on in, buckle your seat belts, and let’s enjoy the scenic drive from Santa Cruz to the popular port city of Monterey!

An oceanfront attraction for both nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike, Monterey was once the colonial capital of California under Spanish rule. As an influential port city, Monterey was the home of many Californian “firsts”: the first public library, the first public school, and the first newspaper. Although it’s commercial fishing economy is no longer active, it boasts one of the largest aquariums in North America.

Seagulls fly overhead en mass and can even be seen catching a snooze on nearby rocks or, in my case, piers.

Just as nature attracts many of Monterey’s annual visitors, over the centuries it also attracted the attention of many influential artists, musicians, and authors. Among the most well-known of these creative minds was John Steinbeck, who immortalized Monterey in his literary works Cannery Row, East of Eden, and Of Mice and Men. Sports enthusiasts would probably be pleased to know that the internationally acclaimed Pebble Beach golf course is only a few miles down the road!

We, however, opted out of the $10 fee to coast along the 17-mile Drive, home of Pebble Beach and the oft-photographed Lone Cypress. Why pay so much for scenic views that you can surely enjoy during the rest of the drive down Highway 1?

Our flower friend Coastal Catherine rested on a nearby bench just outside of the Monterey Bay Aquarium while we went on an oceanfront escapade. She didn’t have to wait long before a lovely lady sat beside her, joining Catherine for a short moment of relaxation.

We headed down a walking path that hugged the coastline and its tide-pool rich beaches.

Lucky to arrive during low tide, I scrambled across the stones and hopped over pools of crystal clear water in search of fun sea creatures.

I found beautiful lilac-colored growth clinging to the tide pool walls and lots of shy sea anemones. I was unable to find a pretty starfish to show you guys… but maybe we’ll have better luck in the warm waters of Malibu!

Happy with our little romp around the streets and shores of Monterey, we waved good-bye to Coastal Catherine and made our way back to the main highway. The sun was once again getting low on the horizon… so we had to pick up the pace!

As for Catherine… she got to enjoy a much more exciting adventure! Lovely Lori and her daughter Claire happened upon Catherine on their way to the beach after enjoying a mother-daughter day at the aquarium. They were kind enough to bring Catherine along on their search for sea glass hidden in the sand! :)

I’m so glad that Catherine was able to find such a loving home with two very special ladies! :)

With Catherine safe and sound in the company of her new family,  it’s time to hurry up and get on the road before the sun sets… we’ve still got some sights to see!