California State Parks

One way to explore the coastal area south of Monterey (Big Sur) off of Route One. Pull into one of the several state parks and start walking. Pfeiffer State Park, for example, features a self-guided nature hike. Along the way you'll see costal redwoods, sycamores, and cottonwoods, raccoons, wild boar, and unusual birds like water ousels and belted kingfishers. This park is about 37 miles south of Carmel.

For information about any California State Parks in Big Sur, call (408) 667-2315.

Wildlife Viewing

Check outthe amazing websites of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (much of the spectacular wildlife lives in the kelp forest, not the pine forest).
Also see "Otters" under Activities on the homepage.