By Robert Vaux
The California coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, reflecting the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean in myriad different forms. The Pacific Coast Highway winds leisurely along the coast and allows for copious views of the gorgeous landscape. A number of specific attractions can be found along its path--many of them perfect for family
vacations--in addition to the countless swimming
beaches, rock formations and seaside communities that constitute California's western border.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld can be found in San Diego, the first of a chain of attractions bearing that name. It features exhibits of marine mammals and other aquatic creatures, water-themed rides and shows featuring a killer whale named Shamu--the park's official mascot. Fireworks and similar displays take place periodically throughout the year. SeaWorld is also very close to a number of other family attractions, including the San Diego Zoo.
SeaWorld
500 SeaWorld Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
Tel: (800) 257-4268
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary Sits in Long beach Harbor, now serving as a permanent exhibit and hotel after many long years spent as a celebrated cruise ship. In its time, the ship was perhaps the most famous luxury liner in the world, and rivaled the Titanic in terms of size and scale. Today, it hosts conventions, musical concerts and similar events, as well as allowing visitors a tour through much of its inner workings.
The Queen Mary
126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: (562) 435-3511
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica's world-famous pier first opened in 1909 and remains a staple of the Los Angeles landscape. Today it contains restaurants, shops, amusement park rides and a rotating series of special events such as concerts and exhibitions. Fishermen still cast lines off of its sides and the nearby Santa Monica Beach offers swimming and sunbathing when the weather is warm.
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: (310) 458-8900
Hearst Castle
Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst built his own personal palace along the central California coast near the city of Cambria. He filled it with art and treasures from all over the world, complementing its status as an architectural marvel. Today it hosts public tours, allowing visitors to explore its grounds and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery as well as its impressive art collection. The nearby beaches play host to local wildlife--including herons, otters and elephant seals--and the Hearst estate itself allows several herds of zebra and antelope to roam free.
Hearst Castle
50 Hearst Castle Road
San Simeon, CA 93452-9741
Tel: (805) 927-2020
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best of its kind in the world. It was constructed on the site of a former fishing cannery and first opened to the public in 1984. Today it hosts more than 600 different species of aquatic life, including sharks, penguins, octopi and sea otters (though thankfully not all in the same tank). It also conducts scientific research aimed at preserving the world's oceans, which was part of its founding charter. The grounds provide a beautiful view of Monterey Bay itself, and numerous restaurants and hotels can be found nearby.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 648-4800
About the Author:
Robert Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000 he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.
