The latest itinerary inspiration from Monterey County, San Francisco, Oakland and Santa Barbara
One great way of seeing Monterey County is by Highway 1
Part of a famed California stretch of road closed because of landslides is slated to open in March, once again providing a continuous, ocean-hugging San Francisco-Los Angeles link for those eager to explore the state by car.
Rob O’Keefe, president of See Monterey, says the County of Monterey – found midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles – saw a 6-mile stretch of Highway 1 in his jurisdiction closed because of landslides in 2023, meaning travellers can’t quite explore the road trip in its entirety right now.
But that will change next spring, with tourists able to travel the highway from beginning to end and that will be welcomed by those eager to undertake an entire road that has become somewhat symbolic of the state, he said during a recent Visit California -presentation in Toronto.
But he added that even the slightly shortened current version of the road makes for a great trip.
“The reality is, you can still enjoy it,” he said. “This is an iconic trip.”
Cliffside scenery provides for “absolutely gorgeous” views, he added.
Monterey is also home to the Pebble Beach golf course, which draws instant name recognition among golfers around the world and in 2027 will host the men’s U.S. Open golf tournament. Those playing it will find what O’Keefe labels “spectacular” scenery.
The ocean Monterey County borders attracts watersports enthusiasts, including surfers and divers, he reported. “The No. 1 reason people go is for scenic beaches. The No. 2 reason is outdoor adventure.”
O’Keefe said his jurisdiction is committed to sustainability and notes a marine sanctuary is home to different creatures, including otters.
Monterey was home to 1967’s famed Monterey Pop Festival, memorable in part because of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar on stage, with a scorched spot still visible on that stage. The county hosts the annual Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest continuously running jazz festival in the United States.
Among Monterey communities is Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to Clint Eastwood of movie industry fame and of which he once was mayor.
Those visiting Monterey can visit Cannery Row, a street made famous by author John Steinbeck and now home to hotels, restaurants and shops.
O’Keefe adds that his area produces great wine, which visitors can easily experience.
Baseball fans invited to tour famed Oracle Park
Take me out to the ball park! Steven Revetria, president of San Francisco’s Giants Enterprises, says fans of the San Francisco Giants baseball team are welcome to visit the stadium it plays in, even if the team isn’t taking to the field that day.
“We have tourists every single day,” he said during a recent Visit California presentation in Toronto, adding that visitors frequently have seen Oracle Park on television and subsequently “want to take a picture of the field.”
Oracle Park has a huge following among baseball fans, said Revetria, who compares interest in it to Boston’s Fenway Park, an iconic stadium. Revetria said baseball fans often like traveling from one city that has a team to other cities that have teams, viewing stadiums for themselves.
But Oracle Park visits don’t have to be limited to simply taking pictures, with Giants Enterprises stating: “From an elegant dinner in The Dugout of The San Francisco Giants, to a 30,000 person concert on The Field, we make bold things happen. Whether you’re a top-tier, global organization looking to promote and market live events, a company looking for a Bay Area Corporate Retreat or a small party looking to host a wedding, our team of event experts can make your dreams into a reality.”
Oracle Park has other types of sports competitions, including rugby. The stadium borders saltwater, making it conceivable that those who attend Giants home games will see home runs in which the ball lands in ocean water.
The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga are among musicians who have performed at Oracle Park. Oracle Park is within San Francisco city limits and is located within a revitalized area of the city, with hotels and restaurants awaiting visitors.
The stadium is only a 5-minute walk from downtown San Francisco. Meanwhile, Revetria said San Francisco is under new political leadership, which has resulted in a cleaner and safer environment.
Santa Barbara recalls southern coastal Italy and France
The head of the Visit Santa Barbara tourist board in ocean-bordering California destination Santa Barbara says there are clear similarities between her part of the world and another sea-fronting area half a world away.
Kathy Janega-Dykes says Santa Barbara – found two hours north of Los Angeles – draws comparisons with the French and Italian Rivieras for a variety of reasons while recalling a trip she took between Nice and Monaco.
The climate and “certainly the terrain” was reminiscent of Santa Barbara, and those similarities have long been recognized, Janega-Dykes said during a recent Visit California presentation in Toronto.
“We have been known as the American Riviera for over a century,” she continued, adding those visiting Santa Barbara will spot red-tiled roofs and other Mediterranean architectural features.
Long-standing Santa Barbara has strict building guidelines, requiring a traditional look, and Janega-Dykes labelled Santa Barbara beaches pristine. The beaches are Santa Barbara’s primary draw. Such watersports as diving, kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding are available, and visitors can go whale-watching. The area is also home to Channel Islands National Park.
Janega-Dykes said those who appreciate wine will be in their element, with the surrounding region having a huge number of vineyards. Wine-tastings are available. She added that wellness options await those who visit Santa Barbara, with visitors able to “leave the hustle and bustle of big cities and get into this pristine environment.”
Tourists will also find that the city of 90,000 has numerous museums and a zoo. Nearby Montecito is known in part for a number of celebrities who have made it their home.
Oakland befriends Mother Nature
The head of Visit Oakland says those who enjoy the Great Outdoors can easily enjoy his destination.
Tourist board CEO Peter Gamez says Oakland — found a short distance from better-known San Francisco — enables people to go kayaking and then within 25 minutes of completing that activity visitors can be “in the middle of redwood forest.”
But that’s only one aspect of the city’s natural side, he said during a recent Visit California presentation in Toronto. Among city attractions is Lake Merritt, the largest urban lake in the United States, and those eager to be on the water can go on Venetian-style gondola rides that will have them “right in the middle” of the water body.
Lake Merritt also attracts birdwatchers seeking different bird species in the oldest wildlife refuge in the United States. Oakland’s zoo is rated among the top 5 zoos in the United States, earning kudos for its conservation work. The zoo focus on animals native to California and their conservation. Among specific projects are helping save California condors. The zoo also offers educational programs.
Gamez praises his city as a culturally diverse part of the world that hosts numerous festivals, among them Mexico-originating Day of the Dead. Visitors can enjoy such disparate offerings as the Urban Wine Trail, Oakland Vegan Trail and beer aficionados will appreciate the Ale Trail. Readers of Conde Nast Traveler rated Oakland the top food city in the United States.
Native son Jack London, who became famous for his Yukon stories, is remembered in part by Jack London Square, a marina and waterfront area offering dining and entertainment options.
Meanwhile, Gamez noted that area lodging options include The Claremont, which dates back more than a century and which he labels a “grande dame” hotel.”
