Let me give you a peek into the places in and around San Jose, California- the place which has the best beaches, most scenic golf courses and also has the largest population of South Asians in US.
One of the most easy places to move around- I have found that travelling 100-150 miles during weekends is not only tire-free but also highly enjoyable! I will put-forth a collage of pictures taken over past 3 weeks here. I am including only the best 3 spots I visited till now here..
Santa Cruz- beaches and hikes..
This weekend getaway is located in Monterey bay region and is well-known for watersports such as sailing, diving, paddling and surfing. It is the home of O'Neill Wetsuits and Santa Cruz Surfboards, as well as Santa Cruz Skateboards and Santa Cruz Bicycles. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California’s oldest amusement park and a designated State Historic Landmark.
This idyllic city of 40 sq km is just 50 miles away from San Jose and is well connected from Highways 1 and 17.
On the way to Santa Cruz, along highway 1.
The sandy beach in Santa Cruz, holiday crowd..enjoying a game of beach volleyball!
Entering the hike- Wilder ranch. Morning sun, beautiful flowers, clear blue sky!!
The drop...
and... the shoreline!!
Hi birdy!... San Fransisco- winding roads, hilly city and the rusting bridge (hey, they call it golden!)
San Fransisco is around 70 miles from San Jose- the drive along I 880 is refreshingly fast (I had never cruised at 120 mph before)... the city's best places are well known- pier 39, golden gate, tram ride, cruise.. But, the best thing about the city is- its built on small hillocks; travelling around the city is fun- the roads have ups and downs at such frequest intervals- that one has a feeling of travelling on waves on land...!
Just entering the city.. concrete jungle..
Along the golden bridge (Trivia- The bridge is painted yearly.... it takes a year to paint the whole bridge... and then its time to start painting all over again!)
A local artist making portraits for a living...
The wavy roads.. and tram lines right through them!
Hey guys, let the ladies first... (strategy guru and designer blocking the path of unsuspecting women entering the tram)
Pier 39 cruise... get away, and make way for the sea lions!Monterey Bay and along the mile 17!
This is millionaire's land. Yes, most of the millionaires in California have their cozy villas along the 17th Mile road beside the sea amidst the picturesque golf course and Pacific groove.. The most memorable drive along Ocean's View Boulevard is worth remembering for a long time to come!
The Monterey Bay area is known for its vast aquarium, maritime museum and also the most scenic coastline along the Pacific.. it is accessed via 101, Highway1 and is located 70 miles south of San Jose.
Hey, I can't locate my boat... (nah, if I own one; you will be able to locate it)
The maritime museum.. wealth of knowledge and history oozing from every inch..
Along the Ocean's View road... the best shoreline I have come across in my life.
The 'Lone Cypress' tree along the 17 mile drive. Its been there for past 250 years and it symbolises the spirit of harmony in the Pebble beach community.The 17 mile road serves as the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach. Like the community, the 17-Mile Drive is owned and operated by the Pebble Beach Corporation.
It has been a long post. Let me say goodbye now! More to come..
Ciao till next time...Harsha
