The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which stretches from San Francisco to Cambria California, is the largest preserve in the nation and one of the richest marine environments in the world. Migrating grey whales, sea otters and elephant seals are just some of the protected wildlife that can be experienced along this magnificent stretch of coastline.

This image was made at Sand Dollar Beach on the Big Sur coast in Los Padres National Forest. It is one of the most rugged and scenic areas on the Pacific and a favorite location for photographers, surfers and beach combers alike.  A 17mm wide angle lens was used to frame the half-mile cove and Santa Lucia Mountains beyond, and a split neutral density filter balanced the exposure between the sunset and flowers.