Established in 1907, the half-mile-long boardwalk is reminiscent of many turn- of-the-20th-century amusement parks.

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The hurricane is one of some 35 rides and attractions along the boardwalk. The Pacific Ocean provides a scenic backdrop to this amusement park.

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Santa Cruz is located at the northernmost end of Monterey Bay and has some wonderful arches.

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We had fun watching these pelicans as they soared right in front of us. They might not be the most beautiful birds but they are really graceful in flight.

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This broken bridge is part of the Natural Bridges State Park. Unfortunately we were a bit too early to get to view the monarch butterflies who migrate here each year.

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These canopies that were covering the berry crop in Watsonville intrigued us.

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Housed in one of the historic sardine canneries, the Monterey Bay Aquarium houses more than 35,000 animals and plants representing 550 species of marine life.

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We found this avocet in the aviary of shorebirds.

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This exhibit presented the mysteries of the open ocean complete with sunfish, barracudas, tuna, sharks and sea turtles. They were all visible through an acrylic panel in a million-gallon tank.

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We saw colorful fish and sponges...

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...entertaining penguins...

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...and many species of jellies.

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Cannery Row was the colorful locale of several of John Steinbeck's novels. It is wonderful that the historic canneries have been restored and are being used today to house shops and restaurants.

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We took the spectacular 17-mile drive that meanders through Pebble Beach and offers grand views of the craggy Pacific Ocean shoreline...

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...cute little squirrels skittering along the rocks and into crevices...

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...palatial mansions along the coastline...

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...amazing golf courses - this one at Spyglass Hill with deer grazing on the greens who were not at all bothered by the golfers...

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...and of course the famous Lone Cypress that has prevailed on its rocky perch for over 250 years.

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