California Drive

Hi there, We are Flying into San Francisco for a couple of nights then driving down to San Diego and the on to Los Angeles, and wondered where the best places to stop on route to see wildlife are. We would like to see Whales, Sea Otters and Eagles if possible. We would be very grateful for any information

Cheers Gordon

Definitely stop in Big Sur. That place has so much wildlife there, that even the National Geographicchannel did a special show about just that city. If you don't see any wildlife there, at least you will get to drive down the most beautiful part of CA on the Pacific Coast Highway.

I'd also recommend stopping in Monterey (which is just north of Big Sur). They have one of the best aquariums there that I have ever seen.

For whales, you might need to go on a whale watching boat tour, which there are lots of in CA. Although, I don't know what time of the year is best to view them. There are some great whale watching tours in Newport Beach, which is in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles and just north of San Diego. If you don't really care if they are in captivity or not, then make sure you go to Sea World in San Diego.

Schedule some time to shoot Big Sur...

http://www.popphoto.co​m …/2008/12/big-tips-big-sur

The Herst Castle is another photogenic location...

http://www.hearstcastl​e.org/

By all means, if your schedule allows, take an hour or two and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. The view of the Golden Gate from the Marin Side is spectacular...

http://www.virtuar.com​/ysf2/golden_gate_brid​ge.htm

In San Francisco itself, there are many wondeful photogenic areas such as the largest Chinatown outside the Orient. The cable cars also are must shoot subjects. This book is inexpensive and great...

http://www.amazon.com …-California/dp/09653087​15

I have promised myself to take the Fire Engine Tour in San Francisco. Although I don't usually like tours, imagine shooting from the top of an open fire engine as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge...

http://www.fireenginet​ours.com/

CalPiker wrote in post #13546586
Definitely stop in Big Sur. That place has so much wildlife there, that even the National Geographicchannel did a special show about just that city. If you don't see any wildlife there, at least you will get to drive down the most beautiful part of CA on the Pacific Coast Highway.

I'd also recommend stopping in Monterey (which is just north of Big Sur). They have one of the best aquariums there that I have ever seen.

For whales, you might need to go on a whale watching boat tour, which there are lots of in CA. Although, I don't know what time of the year is best to view them. There are some great whale watching tours in Newport Beach, which is in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles and just north of San Diego. If you don't really care if they are in captivity or not, then make sure you go to Sea World in San Diego.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply we plan a stop at Monterey. I also want to visit San Diego zoo.

There seems to be so much to see and do, I cant wait.

Cheers Gordon

RPCrowe wrote in post #13548763
Schedule some time to shoot Big Sur...

http://www.popphoto.co​m …/2008/12/big-tips-big-sur

The Herst Castle is another photogenic location...

http://www.hearstcastl​e.org/

By all means, if your schedule allows, take an hour or two and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. The view of the Golden Gate from the Marin Side is spectacular...

http://www.virtuar.com​/ysf2/golden_gate_brid​ge.htm

In San Francisco itself, there are many wondeful photogenic areas such as the largest Chinatown outside the Orient. The cable cars also are must shoot subjects. This book is inexpensive and great...

http://www.amazon.com …-California/dp/09653087​15

I have promised myself to take the Fire Engine Tour in San Francisco. Although I don't usually like tours, imagine shooting from the top of an open fire engine as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge...

http://www.fireenginet​ours.com/

Thanks also to you for taking the time out to reply to my Question's
The links are great thanks, we have a car so the drive over The Golden Gate Bridge is a must.

We have 10 days to fit it in, if we do not manage we will be back.

The POTN site is great for getting Info from the people who live in or near these fabulous locations around the world.

Cheers Goggs

Is there any Camera shops you can recomend for San Fran and LA.
as I am always on the look out for gear.

My kit I plan on taking with me will be my 7D, 17-40, 24-105, and my 100-400, my Manfrotto 190 pro B, a B&W 10 stop filter. and a 430EX II flash.

It may seem a bit of an over kill but it will change as the departure date approaches.

Place I like to shoot in and around SF include Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, City Hall, Lombardy Street, the Painted Ladies, Fishermen's Wharf, GG Bridge from both sides, Alcatraz, Mission Dolores, Coit Tower, TransAmerica Building...all the icons. Point Reyes and Pigeon Point lighthouses, and others down the coast. Golden Gate Park for gardens. On Monterrey Peninsula, Carmel and the 17 Mile Drive (famous Lone Cypress). If you plan to visit the Hearst Mansion, call ahead for reservations, at least a couple days. Several missions along the coast, as well as some neat towns. Bixby Bridge is a must. Also lots to shoot in LA and San Diego. Use Google to research things that might interest you.

If you drive down HWY 1 (the Pacific Coast Hwy) you will find many spectacular sights. Just south of San Francisco is Halfmoon Bay, which is the site of Mavericks, one of the world's premiere big wave surfing destinations. I am not sure when there is a break and if people will be out there surfing, but it would be easy enough to find out. Enjoy your trip.

sparker1 wrote in post #13586488
Place I like to shoot in and around SF include Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, City Hall, Lombardy Street, the Painted Ladies, Fishermen's Wharf, GG Bridge from both sides, Alcatraz, Mission Dolores, Coit Tower, TransAmerica Building...all the icons. Point Reyes and Pigeon Point lighthouses, and others down the coast. Golden Gate Park for gardens. On Monterrey Peninsula, Carmel and the 17 Mile Drive (famous Lone Cypress). If you plan to visit the Hearst Mansion, call ahead for reservations, at least a couple days. Several missions along the coast, as well as some neat towns. Bixby Bridge is a must. Also lots to shoot in LA and San Diego. Use Google to research things that might interest you.

Thanks for taking the time to reply Sparker1 the info above is great I have been on Google looking at some of these places.

Cheers Gordon

Niccas9 wrote in post #13592717
If you drive down HWY 1 (the Pacific Coast Hwy) you will find many spectacular sights. Just south of San Francisco is Halfmoon Bay, which is the site of Mavericks, one of the world's premiere big wave surfing destinations. I am not sure when there is a break and if people will be out there surfing, but it would be easy enough to find out. Enjoy your trip.

Hi Niccas9 I cant wait to get on HWY 1 and drive down the coast from what I have seen on Google there is lots to see and do.
We intend to do some whale watching and look out for some sea otters,
and if possible some giant red woods.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

Gordon

Monterey Bay area and Cannery Row http://www.canneryrow.​com/

Monterey Aquarium there as well. Good tide pools that depending on time of day, you can walk on rocks out to where the seals bask in the sun.

Should be a nice 1/2 day spend for you.

dave

I say spend some time in Carmel at the Weston Gallery....

Ask to see the works of Adams, Edward Weston and Brett Weston.

snyderman wrote in post #13594025
Monterey Bay area and Cannery Row http://www.canneryrow.​com/

Monterey Aquarium there as well. Good tide pools that depending on time of day, you can walk on rocks out to where the seals bask in the sun.

Should be a nice 1/2 day spend for you.

dave

airfrogusmc wrote in post #13594027
I say spend some time in Carmel at the Weston Gallery....

Ask to see the works of Adams, Edward Weston and Brett Weston.

Thanks guys for the Info it is most welcome we are staying in Monterey.
We also intend a stop at Carmel my list of things to do is endless,
I hope I can fit it all in in the time we have.

Cheers Gordon...

Well not long now I Will be leaving on my holiday for San Francisco shortly
thanks for all the tips and advice given.

Cheers Gordon

Better post some pics and show us the adventure. Enjoy.