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A five-minute drive south of Carmel on highway 1, will bring you to Point Lobos State Reserve. This beautiful spot is more than a state park; it is a haven for appreciating nature, especially ocean animals and birds. For scuba divers, this is truly a heaven on earth. All ocean life and sea life are protected here, but observing is encouraged!

There are miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails from which you will be in awe of the beauty of this area's coastline and coves. The trails range from the least challenging, to ten-mile or more treks for those who want to be challenged.

This May, Point Lobos will celebrate 75 years as a state park. Click on: http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca .us for more information and photos of the park.

Note: There is a fee to enter the Point Lobos by car, but if you are up for a walk or bike ride, walkers and cyclists may enter free. Be aware that the park is large and in order to see the park on foot, one should be prepared for a good, long day of exercise. Bring food, water, and of course a camera and binoculars. No food is served inside the park.

Carmel Valley: Carmel valley actually begins immediately as you leave Hwy 1. However, a fifteen-minute ride into the valley will bring you to Garland Park. This beautiful, naturally maintained park, afford even the most experienced hiker a good work-out, as well as beautiful vistas and natural landscape along the trails.

If you bring your horse along to the Central Coast with you, this is a wonderful park in which to ride! In case you've left your horse at home, you may be able to arrange for a scheduled ride.

After your hike or ride, enjoy lunch and a glass of wine at one of Carmel Valley's many fine restaurants. The Central Coast, Monterey County, in particular, is world famous for
Its vines and wines. Stop along your drive for a bit of wine tasting as you leisurely make your way to and from Carmel Valley. Home or condo rentals are also available in the valley.

Pebble Beach: From the "Carmel Gate" into Pebble Beach, a tour by car through "The Forest," as locals refer to Pebble, is an entire day-long adventure. Pebble Beach, home to the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and Spanish Bay Golf Links, among others, is a natural paradise of beautiful homes that cling to the cliffs along the shoreline. There is a fee at the gate to enter by car; if you enter by foot, you could hike through the area although be prepared to really "hike!"

There are coves and beaches throughout the forest. You

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