The People of
the Pacific Coast Highway
From Captain Cook to Clint Eastwood, the people who have visited or lived along America's Pacific Coast have had a tremendous impact on the region. Authors like John Steinbeck, Henry Miller and Raymond Chandler (left), who all lived for long periods in California, helped shape how the rest of the world saw America's Pacific Coast, whether it was the mean streets of Los Angeles or the bums in Monterey's Cannery Row.The Native American influence is still strong here, in particular areas, and travelers will find examples of their arts and crafts along the way. Into the lives of the Native Americans came the disruption of the early explorers, including England's Captain Cook and the Spanish conquistadores. Then came the settlers, and the Gold Rush days.
In the 20th century California's Central Valley was seen as a land of golden opportunity by the sharecroppers described in John Steinbeck's classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath, which he wrote while living in Monte Sereno, California. At the same time the impact of Hollywood had already been made, and the movie stars moved in, again showing to the rest of the world the breathtaking beauty of the California coastline where many made their homes. Some had an even greater impact on American life than just from starring in the movies: Ronald Reagan became President, Arnold Schwarzenegger became Governor of California, and Clint Eastwood was famously Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Less than 50 miles inland from the Pacific Coast Highway, wine-makers like Robert Mondavi have put Napa Valley firmly on the wine-map of the world, as well as on the California tourist trail. It's only a short drive inland to see some of California's finest wineries, and get to know more about the famous names behind the famous wine labels. To fully enjoy a visit to any part of the Pacific Coast Highway, check out the people who made the places. - Explorers
- Famous Names
- Native Americans
- Writers
Check the history, read the books, see the movies. Look for the beautiful Native American arts and crafts.
Remember – make the most of the Pacific Coast.
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