In the summer of 2010, Jeff and I went on a road-trip honeymoon through California. One of my favorite memories was of visiting Hearst Castle, which is perched high on a peak of the St. Lucia Hills in Southern California. At the base of the road that winds up to the estate is a cool little spot called W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach. The W.R. Hearst Memorial State Beach features a 795ft long Pier and a Coastal Discovery Center run by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the California State Parks System.

This was where I saw my first sea otter in the wild!  I’m not sure if it’s part of the property, but we took a really pleasant and scenic walk around the little peninsula located to the right of the pier (when you’re facing the Pacific). There were lots of little shady groves and secluded spots, it’d be a beautiful spot for a romantic picnic.

[a fragrant stand of eucalyptus trees]

[the tops of underwater kelp forests]