Big Sur

Pros: Beautiful scenery, magnificent ocean, serene and remote.
Cons: It's a loooong way to a bathroom!

The two things I remember most vividly about Big Sur: 1) It is breathtakingly beautiful and 2) it's so remote that it's a terrible place to be headed when you really need to find a restroom.

It's Long Drive Up Highway 1
...

Pros: Spectacular scenery, plentiful amenities
Cons: None

I first drove Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles in 1968. The stretch between Pt. Lobos and San Simeon blew me away with its beauty. Since then, I've driven that same stretch at least 35 times, and my reaction is the same every time - this...

Pros: wonderful food and service, reasonable prices
Cons: they don't deliver, if you don't like Chinese food, this isn't the place for you

For my birthday this year, my husband and I went out to dinner and then to the movies. It was wonderful - while we used to go out at least once a week (pre kid) and do this, in the last year we've only done it once. Really makes you appreciate going out...

Pros: Gorgeous location, good amenities
Cons: confusing management and site selection; bathroom maintenance could be better

This review should really be in the "Campgrounds" category, but that doesn't exist and there doesn't seem to a way to create it. So here it is.

We've camped there for about six years, every July, with a group of friends, about 16 in...

Pros: Surrounding coastline and redwood forests are stunning, unspoiled wilderness can be found however.
Cons: Andrew Molera State Park is not very scenic and should be avoided.

Big Sur was something I had been hearing about from friends for ages. I was told that its aesthetic beauty was unmatched and that its rugged shoreline was a treasure trove of undiscovered natural scenery. On the recent 4th of July, 2000 holiday, I...

Pros: Something for everybody
Cons: Bring lots of sunblock

Having lived in Monterey while single, I appreciated its diverseness. Walking down the street, I'd eavesdrop on people speaking German, Spanish, Tagalog, or some other foreign language and I loved it. I loved browsing the book stores and art galleries....

Pros: Wildlife, Kayaking,
Cons: Ugly power plant right at the start of slough

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Last March when San Francisco's cold winter rains had me seeking relief in the central coast of California I stumbled across a wonderful daytrip. Having enjoyed the Monterey Bay Aquarium...

Pros: Excellent food, breathtaking views, walk the property for a better perspective
Cons: None

Review Topic:  Restaurants

My husband enjoys a good round of golf and there is no stopping in Carmel without a proper visit to Pebble Beach so he can at least say, “I’ve been there”. Our first full day in Carmel included a run...

Pros: A Great Family Outing, "Hand On Approach" to marine life.
Cons: None

I used to love going to the beach, but I don’t enjoy it much anymore. I think the change occurred when I got married. I still love the ocean smell and the sound of crashing surf, but the darned blindfold that my wife puts on me takes all of the fun out...

Pros: Great ocean vistas and beaches
Cons: Watch for tourist auto traffic

Monterey is a place of natural coastal beauty, where dramatic scenery and quiet, pristine beaches help your thoughts escape the daily grind. To this end, I'd recommend a bike tour along the Monterey coast!

Recently, I biked the coast from...

Pros: scenery, wildlife.
Cons: none

Since the days of flipping through my brothers surfing magazines Big Sur was a place I'd always wanted to see.I had imagined a somewhat bigger place though. For some reason I had pictured a small town with surf shops and craft stores.What I did find...

Pros: fascinating history, pleasant walk, gorgeous location
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Just about every time we go to Monterey, we visit the aquarium. I love it, and as we only go once or twice a year it is always a tremendous treat. Last spring, however, we took two trips...

Pros: Fun and Educational, wonderful staff who are knowledgeable and caring.
Cons: Do not go on weekends or holidays, gets too crowded.

Have you thought about what it would be like to get up close to some creatures who live in places so far down in the ocean that at one time was almost impossible for us to even imagine.

If you take a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you can...

Pros: Scenic Beauty; wildlife
Cons: Tough driving; remote

I drove Big Sur -- a remote stretch of Highway One along California's central coast -- this weekend for the first time in ages.

The drive itself is a total pain in the neck. Hairpin turns, creeping tourists and legitimately tough stretches...

Pros: Simply Beautiful
Cons: pricey

The Monterey bay is one of the most beautiful places on earth!

You have to experience it at least once. I did, and that's why I said to my fiance (now husband) We HAVE to have our wedding here!!

And we did out on Cannery Row at the...