Stinson Beach too small? Try Carmel

"With its architectural mishmash of storybook English cottages and Swiss Alpine chalets, the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Northern California resembles a Disneyland version of Europe. You half expect a bereted Parisian to saunter out of one of the ridiculously cute, Euro-themed bistros. But walk a few blocks to Carmel's steep, sandy beach and the view is pure California: a rugged Pacific coastline spangled with rocky outcroppings, ghostly cypress trees and the electric green slopes of the famed Pebble Beach golf course. The one-square-mile village has no street lights, parking meters or even-numbered addresses, but you wouldn't call it low-key. Once a bohemian outpost for folks like Jack London, Carmel today is prime real estate, and the surrounding valley is abuzz with top-notch restaurants, boutique wineries and precious shops."



The New York Times does 36 hours in Carmel.

South of Stinson Beach - Elephant Seals

Just fifty-five miles south of San Francisco and the Golden Gate, Año Nuevo State Natural Reserve is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. The interpretive program has attracted increasing interest every winter for the past 19 years. People who hope to see the seals during the winter breeding season are urged to get their reservations early. The males battle for mates on the beaches and the females give birth to their pups on the dunes.


This seal had a fifteen-minute battle with another male earlier in the day (1/18/09). You can still see the bloody scars.

Guided Public Walks are offered December 15 through March 31 and can be booked 56 days in advance and no later than one day before arrival. Or call 800-444-4445.