Travel Information / Northern California

Northern California

California has mild weather in September and affords a wide variety of sites to see. California is one of the country’s most beautiful visitor destinations and is recognized for its diverse landscape and great attractions. Visit the coastal town of Eureka and the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. The capital city of Sacramento is close to some wonderful destinations. To the east are the Sierra foothills with the “49er” Gold Rush Trail, South Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. In the San Francisco Bay Area, some of California’s most popular attractions include: Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, gorgeous parks, museums, and some of the finest restaurants.

• Big Sur
  Located in Monterey County along a 30 to 40 mile stretch of scenic Highway 1 just south of Carmel. A breathtaking paradise of sweeping ocean vistas bordered by the Los Padres National Forest. There are various parks and other sights to see along the way, including Point Lobos, The Old Coast Road, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Esalen, and a collection of small galleries and restaurants. Hike along scenic trails or just stop and shoot a few photos so that you can take back some memories of one of the most beautiful and largely unspoiled places on earth. For more information, contact the Big Sur Visitor Information Center at (831)667-2100.
  
  
• Hearst Castle in San Simeon
  Located about 95 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, the scenery alone on the coast drive through Big Sur is worth the trip. And, if you are in love with great architecture, these Julia Morgan-designed structures -- the former home of the late publisher William Randolph Hearst -- are a must-see. Hearst Castle is very unique and unparalleled in its incorporation of antique ceilings and other fixtures into Morgan's designs. The tours are lengthy, and there is a lot of walking, but this is a magnificent sight to behold. Hearst Castle is part of the California State Parks System. For more information, or to book a tour, call (800)444-4445.
  
  
• Pinnacles National Monument
  Located about 65 miles southeast of Asilomar, take Highway 68 East to Salinas, Highway 101 south just past Soledad, and Highway 146 east to the Pinnacles. If you happen to take a day trip to San Juan Bautista and are departing from there, you can take Highway 25 south to Highway 146 west instead. However, keep in mind that you must leave from the same entrance you came in, as there is no through road in the park. The Pinnacles features distinctive geological features, including caves -- bring a flashlight! Hike on scenic trails. In spring, there are wonderful displays of wildflowers. For details call (831)389-4485 or (831)389-4526.
  
  
• Moss Landing/Elkhorn Slough
  Located about 25 miles north of Asilomar on Highway 1, is the tiny fishing village of Moss Landing, home to many restaurants and antique stores. It is also the home of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Five miles of trails cover this habitat for over 200 species of birds, as well as other wildlife species. For more information about Elkhorn Slough call (831)728-2822 or (831)728-5939. For information about Moss Landing, call Visitor Information at (831)633-4501.
  
  
• Mission San Juan Bautista
  (and Mission San Juan Bautista State Historic Park)
  Located about 45 miles northeast of Asilomar, take Highway 1 to Highway 156 heading north. For awhile, Highway 156 and Highway 101 are one in the same route, so follow the signs to San Juan Bautista/Hollister. Another chain in Serra's missions, Mission San Juan Bautista is located in the lovely little town of the same name, and also features other preserved buildings and old carriages from early California days. There is a museum and gift shop, and the Mission still offers daily masses. Call for more information (831)623-4528.
  
  
• Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk
  Located directly across the Monterey Bay from Asilomar is where you'll find sunny Santa Cruz and its neighboring beach communities of Capitola and Aptos, as well as the redwood forest towns of Scotts Valley and Ben Lomond. Just take Highway 1 North for about 50 miles. Santa Cruz is considered by many to be the birthplace of mainland surfing, and the waters are often filled with surfers. Games and rides of all kinds and descriptions line the boardwalk that runs along the beach. This is also a lovely artist's community, where you can find many hand-crafted items. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce (831)457-3713.
  
  
• San Francisco
  Located approximately 120 miles north of Asilomar. Take Highway 1 North to Highway 156 to Highway 101, then follow the signs heading north. There is so much to do in San Francisco that you will probably have to decide in advance exactly what you want to do and what you have time to do before you make this trip. There are numerous museums, art galleries, shopping areas, great restaurants, and sights to see, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, the Legion of Honor, the zoo, the aquarium, and so much more. For information, contact the Chamber of Commerce (415)392-4520.
  
  
• San Jose
  Located about midway between Asilomar and San Francisco is where you'll find the metropolitan area of the city of San Jose -- and the area known as Silicon Valley! Take Highway 1 North to Highway 156 to Highway 101. It's about 75 miles. There is a lot to do in the San Jose area, so we suggest that you contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information (408)291-5250.