Central
coast
Known as the Middle Kingdom, it extends throughout the
Pacific coast, from Los Angeles Bay to the vineyards of
the valleys around Santa Barbara. The Peninsula of Monterrey
and Big Sur are beautiful natural areas. The Peninsula
(known as the Central Coast jewel) it caught the heart
and imagination of artists of all type. John Steinbeck,
Henry Miller, Robinson Jeffers, Robert Louis Stevenson
and Ansel Adams are only some of the names of that who
were inspired in the magic atmosphere to preserve it in
paper, film or canvas.
The spectacular and broken coastal line and the sunny
valleys are the context of a rich cultural inheritance,
originated in the many influences received -native American,
Mexican, Spanish, Italian and Asian- during the development
of the region. The attractions include the aquarium of
the Monterrey bay, a perfect point from which to examine
the sea depths. Carmel-by-the-sea, a colorful village
within a forest, have 90 art galleries and an annual Bach
festival. The pacific woods are witness of the colorful
annual migration of the monarch butterflies that can be
seen in autumn. In the valley of Carmel, only 3 kms. away
of the coast, is the area of the Window desert, that the
visitors can explore on foot.
Santa Barbara is in the denominated American Riviera,
534 kms to the south of San Francisco and 150 kms to the
north of Los Angeles.
The attractions include the very admired Palace of Justice
of the county, with its elegant interior of painted ceilings,
giant handmade iron spiders, murals, carved doors and
concerned tiles. The 24 meters clock tower offers a spectacular
view of the city. The mission of Santa Barbara was established
in December of 1786 and is characterized by its twin alarm
towers and a charming facade. There are many historical
stucco houses, that stayed as reminder of the Spanish
and Mexican times of the city. The Santa Barbara zoo has
an area dedicated to the botany and more than 700 animal
species worldwide.
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