Jim Maleta
Never tire of this view. 100 Miles South of San Francisco, the Santa Cruz side of Monterey Bay is worth exploring mostly free of large crowds but full of opportunities to feel the nuance of living in this unique coastal area "first" explored by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo 1542-1543 (Portuguese explored in service to Spain). The area was inhabited by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe see https://www.muwekma.org The Ohlone and other tribes thoughout the greater central coast including San Francisco bay were influenced by Catholic Missions and militarily supported by the Hispanic Empire 1776-1836. Historic Missions are still standing in nearby San Juan Batista and Carmel California. Influences of the Portuguese and missions are obvious in Monterey area.