The Sands of Monterey: Hitting the California Coast

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Visions of crisp ocean coast lines and matching blue skies bounced in my head as I landed in NORTHERN California for my first jaunt to the West Coast.

But San Jose was far greener than I ever imagined, as all those hypothesized images of sandy and sunny California were derived from television shows and the movies. The reality of this part of California is in miles of farmland, foggy beaches, and tree-lined country roads. Not something you’d expect after watching a season of Laguna Beach.

The trip from San Jose International Airport to Monterey Bay was an hour-long journey splashed with views of golden plains, dark hints of forests, and eventually the Pacific Ocean. Although my estimated visions were dashed, the reality proved just as beautiful as I had anticipated.

With a friend attending California State University at Monterey Bay, I had instant accommodation and a guide. Once an old army base, CSU-MB is stationed in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere; but suddenly we would spot a Starbucks on the corner of a main street and smile at the sign of civilization.

Several communities surround the campus, with Carmel, Marina, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Seaside, and the famed Pebble Beach known for its golf course only minutes away. But if playing golf isn’t on your list of priorities, there is still plenty for the trendy traveler to do in Nor-Cal.

When the wind picks up and it’s too cool to swim, grab a sweater and a cup of coffee and hit the beach despite the weather. With your toes in the sand, you’ll be mesmerized by the Pacific Ocean and forget about the cold. And while you’re near the seaside, check out the Fisherman’s Wharf. Seeing the bobbing boats in the harbor is entertainment enough, but otherwise there are plenty of shops and restaurants to pacify boredom.

Wild Thyme Delicatessen in Marina can quench every thirst and appease every craving. From espresso to wine, quiche to lime bars, Wild Thyme is a small bistro located in a fairly unattractive strip mall, but once inside you’ll find satisfaction. Frequented by locals, you can get a true taste of California flair.

Feel like going down under? Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, though you may not be feeling the seafood love once you see the creatures below the water. The otters, CSU-MB's mascot, are the most popular animal at the aquarium.

Beyond the water and Pebble Beach, we were on another mission while in Cali. We were hunting for an artichoke, the famed vegetable that grows in abundance on the West Coast. My guide spotted a stand off the highway and so we turned into the dirt lot to find several locals perusing the fresh fruits and veggies.

A bag of about ten small heads will cost around five dollars, but what they lack in cost they make up for in hassle; to this day I don’t know how to eat an artichoke, especially without pricking my finger with the needle tip. So if you ever find yourself in California, you must dissect one and let me know how to do it. But I warn you, it’s a dangerous vegetable, so eat them at your own risk.