1406 Madrone Drive, Modesto, CA, United States
Vernalis Freeway, Tracy, United States
Cannery Row was, until 1958, only a nickname for Ocean View Avenue in Monterey. The change was done to honor author John Steinbeck, whose 1945 novel Cannery Row made the street and its sardine canning factories famous. The book's first sentence beautifully describes it as "a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream." Today, there are no more canneries, but it remains a popular tourist attraction. Named the Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation area, the shoreline is protected and home to thriving sea lion population. There are also numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions along Ocean View Avenue as well. The biggest draw is the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is housed in (you guessed it) an old canning factory.
Cruise up to the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea and grab tea at The Tuck Box. Try the waffles or eggs Benedict from the breakfast menu, a sandwich or English pie for lunch, or a plate of their famed scones (served with preserves), and a cuppa for afternoon tea. From the decor to the recipes, this special place has remained virtually unchanged since the 1940s. In fact, the Tuck Box is the only commercial property designed by Hugh Comstock, who designed nearly two-dozen homes inspired by fairy tales in the town. Take a stroll around Carmel-by-the-Sea and see if you can spot some of the homes before hitting the road again.
Located in the northern portion of Big Sur, Point Lobos State Reserve has been called the "gem" of the California parks system. The rocky cliffs that form the point's headland give way to rolling patches of forests, canyons, and wildflowers on one side, and the Pacific on the other. You can swim, scuba dive, drive, hike, and kayak around the reserve, which protects an incredibly diverse ecosystem of plant and wildlife, such as harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, sea otters, gray foxes, coyotes, and Monarch butterflies. China Cove is a famous pocket beach that's worth visiting, and tourists should also check out the Whaler's Cabin, which displays old diving equipment, whale bones, and a ton of artifacts pertaining to Japanese and Chinese history.
Vernalis Freeway, Tracy, United States
1406 Madrone Drive, Modesto, CA, United States
The Pacific Coast Highway is cram-packed with cute towns, incredible views, historic landmarks and unique attractions, but there's nowhere else on the route quite like the portion around Monterey Bay. Slowing down and making the most of the 76 miles here means you'll be able to fully and truly appreciate Point Lobos's beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea's charm, Steinbeck's love affair with Salinas, and the Boardwalk's just-plain-fun atmosphere.