Monterey County Castles & palaces, Central + Nature pictures

• California
• USA
• North America
• World

Walk to this pretty waterfall, stand at viewpoints with superb coastal views and spot varied wildlife in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Spot sea life and admire the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Big Sur region from the top of this 19th-century lighthouse.

Search for wildlife in the abundant rock pools and be at one with nature at this wild and untamed stretch of perfect white sand.

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.” 

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.” 

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.” 

This wildlife sanctuary, a magnet for nature lovers and artists, is a jewel of the California State Park system. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

Enjoy a day of sun and surf at this beautiful beach, which is one of the few places on the U.S. west coast where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean.

Forests of towering redwoods, dramatic seascapes, a thriving arts scene and premier local wines; this community hits the perfect balance between rugged and refined.

This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

This wildlife sanctuary, a magnet for nature lovers and artists, is a jewel of the California State Park system. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.” 

Wander amid the rock pools, sand dunes and forests of this special place and you’ll understand why its name translates to “refuge by the sea.” 

This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation. 

Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.