Facts
California is 770 miles long and 250 miles wide at its most distant point. 155,973 square miles of it is land area and 7.734 square miles of California are covored by water. The highest point is Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet. The lowest point in California is Death Valley. It lies 282 feet below sea level and is the lowest point in the United States. The Coastel Ranges in the north reach inland 20 to 30 miles extend from the Klamath Mountains the north south to Santa Barbara. The Coastal Ranges include many smaller chains of mountain ranges including the Diablo and Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of the valleys separating these ranges are the Napa Valley, north of San Francisco and the Santa Clara and Salinas Valleys to the south. The Coastal Range is home to California’s legendary Redwoods and, less fortunately the San Andreas Fault. The San Adreas Fault enters California from the Pacific Ocean near Port Arena and extends southeast into the state. Earthquakes are caused by movement of the earth’s crust along this fault.
Climate
As would be expected in such a large and diverse land area as California, the climate is varied. The climate along the coast is mild; cooler along the central and northern coast. Southeastern California is hot and dry. Most of California is marked by only two distinct seasons; a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season runs from October to April in northern California and from November to March or April in southern California.
Evenings can offer spectaculary clear skies, which are perfect for star gazing. Bring layers of clothing because at this time of year it can be sunny in the afternoon and very cool in the evening.
Big Sur
It’s time to plan your springtime vacation and getaway to Big Sur. You’re sure to see some wild turkey foraging in the forest. Andrew Molera State Park has an influx of migrating birds and the return of the annual migration of many birds and whales.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sancturary off the Big Sur coast looks stunning in the springtime light.
California Condors are flying overhead throughout Big Sur. Humpack and Blue Whales begin summer feeding along Big Sur. California Sea Otters are rafting in the kelp beds. These are just a few of the natural wonders that make Big Sur a great place to visit. Come on out and watch the natural magic unfold before your eyes, or create your own.
Wildlife
The Pacific Coast Highway offers so much by way of spectacular scenery, beaches, good food and wine, yet for most people it’s seeing something of the Pacific Coast Highway wildlife that makes for those special moments. To see a humpack whale breaching the surface of the Pacific Ocean, spouting or slapping its tail on the water reminds us of the power and majesty of the natural world. No wonder whale watching, in California especially, is one of the most popular activities all along the Pacific Coast.
If you can, you should try to time your visit so you’re there during California Whale Watching Season. We did just that, and you can read our own account of a Hornblower whale watching cruise.
Cycling
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most amazing cycle rides in the world.
From the Canadian border to the border with Mexico, the routes take you on the highways and the byways through over 1700 miles of magnificent West Coast scenery.
Cycling the Highway is a challenge, but it can be done in about 40 days by anyone who is reasonably fit and at home in the saddle. That’s an average of about 40-50 miles a day, though some days will be shorter and some days longer, depending on the breaks you take and the accommodation options you’re looking for.
But if you have the time to take a slower pace then do it. Leave yourself more time to enjoy the magnificent West Coast scenery and the attractions you’ll see on the way, for the example the gardens.
Gardens
For plant lovers the Pacific Coast Highway is the road to some of the best gardens in the United States. The variety ranges from the lush gardens of the Pacific North-West to the desert blooms of southern California.
Here’s a list of gardens along the west coast of the USA, which are on or near the Pacific Coast Highway. The worst driving diversions you’ll have to make will be to navigate cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, to get to spectacular gardens like Balboa Park in San Diego or the stunning Huntington in San Marino, in north-east Los Angeles. Both are well worth the diversion.
No practical information on opening hours and prices is given here, because hours can change with the seasons and all the gardens listed have websites. Click on the link to visit the website and get driving directions and learn if there are any special garden events while you’re in the area. The Pacific Coast gardens are listed alphabetically within each State: Washington, Oregon and California.
Surfing
Sharks
At least 34 species of sharks have been recorded off the Pacific Coast of North North America. These are listed in their hypothesized phylogenetic sequence with notes on their known geographic distribution off the West Coast.
