A five hour plane trip from the eastern seaboard will carry a traveler to the Pacific Coast. In fact the Los Angeles International Airport, LAX, lies less than one mile from the coastline of southern California. A flight into LAX carries a traveler to an ideal spot, a spot that is a “door” to the Pacific Coast cities in central and southern California.
A short 10 minute drive north from LAX, a drive that can be taken on Lincoln Boulevard, takes a traveler to Marina Del Rey. Marina Del Rey contains the boat marina that provided a backdrop for several Hollywood movies. Hollywood often has its most interesting characters residing on a boat, and many times that boat lies in the docks at Marina Del Rey.
If one chooses to ride a train into the Union Station in Los Angeles, then a 30 minute bus ride offers a bit slower entrance into Marina Del Rey. If one wants to take a private plane to Santa Monica Airport, then one lands at a point just three miles from Marina Del Rey. And of course, one can also ride a boat into the harbor in Marina Del Rey.
Marina Del Rey lies close to the beach communities of Venice and Santa Monica, CA. Still all of the boats in the Marina harbor indicate that Marina Del Rey also affords easy access to the Pacific Ocean. Marina Del Rey offers the traveler a glimpse of a special aspect of the Pacific Coast. Marina Del Rey contains a section of the wetlands of southern California, a rapidly disappearing ecosystem.
Marina Del Rey also contains a number of great restaurants. Many of those restaurants give the diners an excellent view of the waterfront. Café Del Rey at 4451 Admiralty Way is one such restaurant. It specializes in Mediterranean dishes, dishes made with fresh seafood and California produce.
The Cheesecake Factory has gained local recognition due to its setting and its food. The Factory claims to have been the scene for a large percentage of the marriage proposals made in L.A. County. Later, as those newly wed couples began to deal with family obligations, some brought their families to El Torito in Marina Del Rey. Travelers also dine at this Mexican restaurant on Fiji Way in Fisherman’s Village.
The Pacific Coast Highway, a route easily reached from Marina Del Rey, carries the traveler up to the Pacific Coast of central California. A 230 mile trip brings the traveler to San Simeon, CA, a point half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Simeon is the site of the famous Hearst Castle.
The Hearst Castle offers a number of different tours. Tour one is the suggested tour for the first time visitor. Tour two allows the Castle visitor to spend more time in the rooms on the second floor. Tour three features a visit to the Castle’s North Wing. Tour Four concentrates on the grounds and gardens; it also includes a visit to the guesthouse and the wine cellars. Tour Five is strictly for evening visitors to the Hearst Castle. The Castle recommends reservations for all tours.
The cities on the Pacific Coast in central California offer a number of different activities. Golfers can enjoy Pebble Beach on the Monterrey Peninsula. Gourmets can sample some of the fare at Grassing’s Coastal Cuisine. The chef at that restaurant, which is located in the village of Carmel, prepares excellent lasagna; he uses the local artichokes in his unique dish.
At one time Clint Eastwood served as the Mayor of Carmel. He often commuted south to Hollywood. A visitor to Carmel might also plan to journey south. In fact, many cities on the Pacific Coast lie south of Los Angeles County; some lie close to San Diego.
La Jolla is a seaside community within the boundaries of San Diego. A drive down Interstate 5 offers the fastest route to La Jolla. La Jolla is neighbor to California’s greatest concentration of medical professionals, a group focused on biomedical research. The Scripps Research Institute and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies are both found in Torrey Pines, just north of La Jolla.
La Jolla restaurants treat the traveler to many wonderful seafood dishes. The Fresh Seafood Restaurant and Bar serves both seafood patters and seasonal dishes. Its patios at 1044 Wall Street offer a refreshing glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.
Travelers get an even more sweeping view at Top of the Cove. The chef at that restaurant on Prospect Street treats diners’ taste buds with Lobster Ravioli, Coldwater prawn and grilled Filet Mignon. Travelers can avoid a long wait by calling ahead for a reservation.
