CARMEL

November is a great time to visit the Monterey Peninsula.  The weather is crisp and clear and there aren't too many tourists around.  The Monterey Aquarium is one of the best in the world, and the scenery is spectacular on the 17-mile drive and on route 1 from Carmel to Big Sur. (note - click on the pictures to see them full-size)

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The Monterey Aquarium has some unusual exhibits.  Here is a live chambered nautilus. 

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The Aquarium has a remarkable collection of jellyfish.  These back-lit orange species is like a living work of art.
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This is the beach at Carmel.  Across the bay is the Pebble Beach golf course.
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One of the highlights of the 17-mile drive is the Lone Cypress seen here.
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This is the famous 18th hole at Pebble Beach.  The cost for a round of golf at this course is now $350.
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The drive from Carmel to Big Sur is 26 miles but seems a lot longer because the road has many twists and turns, and there are many opportunities to stop and admire the view.
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Nestled between Carmel and Monterey is Pacific Grove.  This is a picture from the waterfront park at Lovers Point.
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Pacific Grove has a public course which looks very inviting.  It runs along the ocean and is populated with deer who seem to ignore the golfers.