17-Mile Drive Scenic Tour
Categories: Active Life Parks Hotels & Travel Tours Local Flavor Parks, Tours, Local Flavor [Edit]
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
273 reviews for 17-Mile Drive Scenic Tour
273 reviews in English
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Review from Sal E.
Los Gatos, CA
4/30/2012
Went for the drive on Saturday the 21st. It was our fourth drive to date.
The ride is beautiful enough alone but ours this time exceeded our expectations!!
We saw an abundance of deer in front of the golf course & whales breaching off of the coast the course. We also saw dolphins off the coast of the Lone Cypress.
Definitely got our money's worth today! -
Review from Karen T.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
It's a beautiful drive, but I think I would have appreciated it more if I was a golfer as well. You get an amazing view of the California coast line and there are some beautiful places to take walks and enjoy the scenery. We brought a sandwich and just sat by the beach and relaxed.
I didn't like the $9.75 fee as I'm not sure where it's going towards. I'm fine with paying fees to visit national or state parks, but the folks that live here can probably afford to pay for upkeep of the area. And, as beautiful as the scenery is, there are other places nearby where you get just as amazing views (Point Lobos State Natural Reserve being one of them). -
Review from Jennifer N.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/23/2012
I think 17 Mile Drive is something you should do at least once, or in my case, at least once every 10 years. My first adventures down this road were in 2001, when I was still a New Yorker and any kind of Pacific Coast vista brought out the "ohhhs" and "ahhhs" from my boyfriend and I.
We ventured here again this past weekend for the first time since, and, although the first time magic of the drive wasn't quite there, it was still a worthy way to spend a late Saturday afternoon. We had already spent the day in Pacific Grove, playing along the coast there, so we entered through that gate. Consequently, we didn't feel the need to make too many stops, as we were tired and already had a long day.
Two stops worth doing no matter what, are the Lone Cypress and the Ghost Tree-two beautiful vista points with amazing views and sense of peace (despite the tourist hordes with cameras.)
There are also quite a few properties and houses to oogle at and go "now WHAT kind of jobs do these people have-they can't ALL be CEO's, can they?"
Driving with the windows open and fresh air, with the smells of the Del Monte forest and ocean air, was the perfect way to cap off our day in Monterey County.
As everyone else mentioned, there is a $9.75 entrance fee and they do give you a map with noteworthy sites. I just wonder where that fee is going to-if it's going to support and preserve the coast, then I am okay with it. Hopefully the local homeowners aren't getting a piece of that action-they seem to be doing just fine without it, thank you very much...
Also, certain vista points along the way are fenced off with no parking or vantage points from March-June. This is due to the seal pups and the need for them to raise their young without being disturbed. There are several beaches that are not accessible during this time, so plan ahead if there is a certain spot you have your heart set on seeing! -
Review from Sara M.
Citrus Heights, CA
5/23/2012
Waste of 9.75. Way way WAY better views along Asilomar Beach and all the way from Carmel to Big Sur. Without giving money to greedy rich people!
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Review from Sarom H.
Long Beach, CA
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fresh air & peaceful. I love this drive, I will do it again and again and again. Every time I'm driving up to SF and taking the 101 I always pass by this drive, the fee is quite ridiculous but I guess that's what it cost to see how rich people live. lol
Tips.. grab lunch, blanket, bathing suits, and camera, you will want to spend at least 2-3 hrs relaxing, exploring, discovering, and just let the fresh air, water, nature take you in. -
Review from Seymour D.
Pasadena, CA
5/7/2012
It sounds like nobody is reading the fine print on your receipt when you pay the $9.75 to get past the gate.
You will get your money back if you spend at least $25.00 at one the restaurants at Pebble Beach or Spanish Bay. Besides the beautiful scenery, the Tap Room has burgers that are among the best anywhere. Just give your gate receipt to the server and get a $9.75 credit on your check.
Great burgers and a "free" admission to 17 Mile Drive. It doesn't get any better than that. -
Review from Calimom B.
Lodi, CA
5/21/2012
Yes they do charge almost $10 to get in kind of a bummer because that seems awful high to me. However it was a nice drive, very beautiful. Some of the spots do get crowded which make it difficult to take photos. Not sure why they don't allow motorcycles in but they should, we motorcycle riders enjoy nice rides too!! I really liked it, may go again someday but I'm pretty sure I could get beautiful photos around here at other places for free =)
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Review from Loon E.
Seattle, WA
5/13/2012 5 photos
Worth the $10 or whatever they charge to drive through. Great views, quiet, relaxing way to spend a few romantic hours with your loved one.
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Review from Ian F.
San Jose, CA
4/2/2012
Well, I guess there's been some serious inflation because the price has gone up since the last reviews from a month ago. Price is now $9.75
Came here with the wife to take in some California-ness. Like other yelpers have mentioned, there is ALOT of house-sightseeing on the drive, with a few nice vistas and scenic spots mixed in between.
The Lone Cypress is still a spectacle to see, but no longer the mind-blowing experience of "I CANNOT believe there is a tree on a rock" that it was when I was 6.
It's cold.
Sometimes the residents will tailgate behind you because you're trying to take in the scenery. Get over it. We PAID to drive this road. You CHOSE to live here.
Overall, great thing to do if you've never done it, if you have, even if it was 25 years ago, it's pretty much the same. -
Review from Lisa C.
San Jose, CA
1/25/2012
Breath taking, peaceful, gorgeous, and so relaxing. The drive is one of the best rides you can have in this area.. All you need is the right music + the beautiful scenery and you are in bliss. Once you get to the beach you are ready to set your mind free and be at peace. Nothing compares to the drive+ beach and the internal feeling of calm and peace it brings..
I just feel sorry for the people driving behind me, I like to take it slow so I can absorb all the beauty and fresh air.
A must see if you are ever in the area! -
Review from Debbie M.
San Jose, CA
4/26/2012
I haven't done this drive in over 15 years. This weekend was a surprisingly gorgeous one so we decided to drive on down and do the 17 miles.
It was just as beautiful as I remember it..Gorgeous Views ..
Even though they had certain areas blocked off for the seals birthing seasons(gotta respect their privacy!)..It was well worth and an absolutely perfect day! -
Review from JC M.
West Covina, CA
2/23/2012
Went here during our Monterey vacation and heard about the 17 miles Scenic Drive.
The views were absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. For every once in a while it is nice to enjoy what mother nature has to offer away from the city and be able to relax.
There is a fee of $9.50 but with all the view and natural beauty I didn't mind paying at all because it is totally worth it. -
Review from Eila S.
San Jose, CA
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was expecting something spectacular seeing as how this is a very touristy spot in California. Maybe I went in with such high expectations that it left me a little disappointed.
There are definitely some beautiful scenic views and some gorgeous houses. However, I feel like it is no different than many beach areas in California. There were a couple things I did enjoy about the 17-mile drive. I really enjoyed that they gave you a map with spots to look for. My boyfriend and I turned it into a sort of scavenger hunt. The other thing I really liked was one of the turn outs on the beach. There were literally thousands of rounded rocks that people have piled up into towers on the beach making for quite a site.
Overall, yeah it's worth checking out but don't go in expecting something magical. -
Review from Will C.
2/17/2012
Who doesn't love driving 17 miles worth of prime beachfront filled with multi-million dollar estates and prime golf courses? Asians do. Asians love this place. About half the tourists I see playing golf at Pebble Beach or doing this drive are from China or Hong Kong.
Every time I drive to Monterey or Carmel, I have to do the detour and do this drive. Call it an engrained habit. My parents took me here when I was a young lad, and now I'm doing the driving with my parents in the backseat. I should also mention that I am Asian and my dad has played golf here. Darn your stereotypes!
For $9.50, it's not prohibitively expensive and it goes towards maintaining the grounds.
Only downside is that weather is very uncooperative. Often overcast, rarely have I been here on a clear day. Lots of multi-million dollar estates overlooking this beach. Oooh, -
Review from astrid s.
12/27/2011
I've never seen beauty as amazing as this. This is truly California's most sacred treasure. It's almost like.. a beautiful scene from Inception. Except- instead of grays, it's painted with rich colors, like those red succulents crawling along the grounds next to the white sand.
And the beach.. nothing compares. I, for one, am not a beach person. It's meant to be admired from far away, I say. And today, what happened was I got two pairs of shoes wet. I couldn't resist. The foam hitting the waves. The sand so pure and clean. I wanted to touch. And I climbed those rocks. I wanted to see it up close. The whoosh and crash of water against the rocks.
So it's $9.50 per vehicle, free for pedestrians and cyclists. Next time, I tell my husband, we're biking it.. how amazing would it be?
Oh and I do wonder.. that $9.50. Does that go to Clint Eastwood since he basically owns Pebble Beach? -
Review from Malia W.
12/17/2011 2 photos
Every time I'm in the area we have to come here. I love the beach, fresh air, and beautiful scenery and this place has it all.
It does stink that you have to pay for the drive, but its very well kept and free parking for a whole day at the beach which is a steal! For the most part its usually not busy. You can get stuck behind a very slow car, but they usually stop at every other point of interest anyways.
A great place to take pictures, have a picnic, sight-see, golf, and the list goes on. -
Review from AJ R.
1/25/2012
The views aren't bad for sure, I was expecting quite a lot better for how much it cost. That and then you have to thread you way through all of the private community roads with loads of people in Mercedes tailgating you and turning up their noses. That's always nice....
Top all that off with the fact that I CANT ride my motorcycle on this road? Are you kidding me? Ive never heard so much discriminatory BS in my life. Ask the guy at the little kiosk and he will just get irritated with you and tell you to leave.
Even if it was for noise pollution, wouldn't they be upset with loud cars as well? If you want less noise get a sound meter, dont just randomly discriminate against people.
If you want better views for free, just head down the coast to Cambria. You also feel like an American citizen, not like you're in communist Russia. -
Review from James K.
Malibu, CA
Oh man, I never thought there was such a lovely scenic site in this city as I came here late last night. And I think lover's beach is an epitome of Pebble Beach.
Always drive a car there, and you will find the trip worthwhile! -
Review from Veronica C.
San Jose, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ahh, Pebble Beach! Another one of those places in Monterey Bay with breathtaking views...
Hadn't been in this neck of the woods since I was a kid and it brought back some memories. My parents got married at The Inn at Spanish Bay overlooking beautiful Pebble Beach when I was about 6 years old. Great wedding venue! :)
Don't forget to bring your camera to the drive! You'll be able to get a lot of great snapshots here and also one of the Lone Cypress!
-$9.50 per car to get in -
Review from G M.
El Cajon, CA
THE - BEST - SCENIC - DRIVE - EVER!!!!
Beautiful, peaceful and dog friendly! Yay!
Took the mutts on a power walk along the dirt path along the area BEFORE entering the actual paid 17-Mile-Drive area.
I guess what I'm sayin' is....I like the drive before "The Drive". Heh.
We go here every time we're in the area. Love it! -
Review from Nancy C.
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking and I loved looking at all the unique houses. Oh to see how the other half lives...seriously, the people who live here are filthy rich. One house had a freaking HORSE running around their massive front lawn the way most people would have a dog running around their back yard. That's not something you see every day. I loved looking at the architecture and decor of all the different homes.
You're provided with a map to guide you around when you pay the entrance fee. I believe it was $9.50 when I went last week. I didn't even really look at the map though. Just follow the red line on the road and you're good to go. It was windy when I went but I imagine it'd be an even better experience if you go when it's sunny and warm. The beach looked like a lot of fun and there were people actually in the water. Come here early in the day so you can actually fully experience all the views while there's still light out.Listed in: Step it up, sexy betch
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Review from Andrea C.
3/15/2012
Great scenic drive. Theres different gates you can enter and it costs $9.50, I think thats a reasonable price to pay for this drive. We stopped at almost every stop and really enjoyed all the beautiful views along the coast. It was freezing/windy, but the views were BEAUTIFUL. Loved it, and the bf loved the driving, too =P
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Review from angela k.
10/24/2011
Absolutely gorgeous drive with places to stop by to take pictures. It's $10 to enter the place and they will give you a little map. You'll start by seeing expensive houses then onto the beautiful oceanside.
It truly made me want to get my bike and bike the perimeter. The weather was absolutely gorgeous making the scenery perfect.
I know the $10 fee seems ridiculous but I think it's definitely a place to try at least once either with family or a couple that enjoys scenery.
We also stopped by the Butterfly Sanctuary called the Monarch Grove Sanctuary which I also yelped.
Overall, I loved the 17 Mile Drive.
TIP: It's always nice to bring a jacket.Listed in: AK's Best of the Best, CA Scenic Route 1
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Review from kim p.
11/20/2011
the first thing i have to say after experiencing this is: "Meh. I've experienced better."
im warning you! read yelp reviews before you go! they seem for the most part to be spot on. mainly because if youre just entering to "see" the sights, its not worth it. youre paying 9.50 to drive a small road around a private home community that noone really seems to live in. the only reason it could ever be worth it would be to say youve done it. there are better vistas along the Hwy 1 and quite frankly any other cool city in the state of California. Hollywood has some better sights even!
im pretty certain that the 17 mile drive isnt like a verb that you should do. its more like 17 Mile Dr. or 17 Mile Road. its just a dumb road with some smattering of houses and condos.
it got really frustrating after 5 minutes and all i wanted was out! i would rename it, 17 Mile not-worth-the Drive -
Review from Jennifer W.
San Jose, CA
2/10/2012
The 17 mile drive scenic tour is absolutely breathtaking! It is beautiful and stunning! I forget sometimes from the busy life, that we living in California are truly lucky. What always calms my mind is nature and somehow the water and trees just do it for me. Pay the $9.50 to drive in, its worth it! Totally! :)
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Review from Dee Y.
New York, NY
10/23/2011
What the heck? $10 to drive through a community w/ a golf course. Really?
Unless you are looking to spend some time on the greens or gawking at tourists, do yourself a favor and find any other park/beach access along route 1 instead. Pebble beach is full of seaweed and smells horrifying.
You'd think the community would be better given how steep the entrance fee is. -
Review from Deepika B.
Schaumburg, IL
9/9/2011
After the CA State route 1 drive, I found this drive a bit boring and definitely not worth the $10 we paid. It is good for those who may not have taken the state route 1.
I recommend taking the highway which is free and is much much more scenic and beautiful. You shall come across breath taking views on this highway. -
Review from Kristen L.
Elk Grove, CA
8/6/2011 2 photos
This is always a MUST whenever I go to Monterey.
CASH only! The price has gone up to $9.50 (seems like that is $2 more than my last visit - maybe, maybe not).
They give you a map and a little information on each stop (I believe there's 25 points of interest). Don't skip Huckleberry Hill! You'll want to keep driving on but it's so worth the stop! There's places to sit and look and appreciate! It's so gorgeous - a small view of the ocean but the plant life is so colorful and pretty!
China Rock is my favorite stop. There's rocks to climb on (adventure!) and squirrels who will look cute and beg for food (they are not afraid of you. They will get in your face if necessary - in a cute, not creepy kind of way!).
Drive around! Learn some history (they could give you more history than they do in the descriptions)! Drool and HUMONGOUS houses & talk with your significant other what you might possibly own to fill all that space! ADVENTURE! Climb on rocks! Search the beaches for seashells! Enjoy the beautiful sights! Talk to some strangers! They might even take a picture for you!Listed in: Monterey! Oh yea!
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Review from Me M.
Alameda, CA
4/15/2012
the beau and i loved it. a must do when in carmel as well as all of the golf courses on the drive.
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Review from julie n.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think everyone should atleast go through here once. Great view and of course great for pictures!
its $10 enterance fee.
Takes a few hours if you take most of the stops but im thinking if you go through without stopping anywhere (why would you want to do that?!) you can go through it within an hour?
try to go on a sunny day so you can get some great pictures =)
there are stops for food and etc but its pretty pricey since most of it is on a golf course. -
Review from Brenda P.
7/21/2011 8 photos
BEAUUUUUUUUUUUUTIFUL!
I researched this prior to my trip. When I got to my "starting point" there was a sign that said traffic was being detoured because of a golf tournament! We somehow took a wrong turn in all the chaos, explained to a guard at a nearby reserve that we had reservations at Roy's and he let us through. We somehow escaped the fee to drive through it this way although it was accidental. My OCD self was panicking at being retained and having my plans ruined.
The drive was spectacular. We made several stops as mentioned in other reviews. They are easy to find since they all have the info signs in front of them. From Roy's we drove into Carmel by the sea and continued our scenic tour!
I would have been happy even if I had paid the fee!Listed in: When in San Francisco and…
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Review from Cheryl G.
San Jose, CA
1/5/2012
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! You just need to see it for yourself. I can't describe it. It's like art's interpretation. Oh...don't forget there's a $10 entrance fee (cash only). Other than that...enjoy!
Listed in: Adventure Time
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Review from Patty G.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The 17 mile drive was recommended by a couple of people, so I had imagined it would be a spectacular drive. It was nice but not spectacular.
However, I was not totally convinced with this drive. You have to pay $9.50 to get in... that is one EXPENSIVE drive. After the 17 mile drive, my hubby and I drove on the PCH - 1 and it was a million times better than the 17 mile drive. If you're gonna take a scenic drive, do it for free, take the PCH. I thought it was way more beautiful than the 17 mile drive. -
Review from Novy D.
7/15/2011
The weather the weekend my family and I took a vacation was absolutely perfect. What better way to enjoy it than to take a ride down this scenic route and bask in the beauty that is Pebble beach.
As everyone mentioned the homes here are gorgeous and each one was vastly different from the neighboring million dollar homes, satisfying everyone's architectural taste. Even though we received a map of the route we thoroughly enjoyed the drive and took our time making lots of stops along the way. We weren't going to pushed to rush ourselves by other tourists.
Be sure to make plenty of stops throughout of and off the map; The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach Golf and Spa Resort (don't blink or you might miss it), the Lone Cypress, and Point Joe for a great walk along the shore. -
Review from Michael B.
Brea, CA
What I remember most about the drive is nearly getting hit by a stray golf ball and almost running over a small deer. Lol.
Do take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Follow the dashed red line on the center of the road (faded at times) and it will take you to the points of interest. Come early enough in the day otherwise the gates will be closed to visitors and they'll only let residents in. It amazes me how nice the homes are in this area! Be sure to stop by the Pebble Beach lodge to check out merchandise and the 18th hole.
Bring your camera to take some awesome pictures. More importantly bring money otherwise you can't get in. Its $9.50 if I remember correctly. -
Review from Ed U.
My earliest memory of the 17-Mile Drive is being in the back of my dad's Rambler station wagon and making frequent stops along the way for the Japanese guests he was entertaining on this particular road trip. My dad was big on road trips because we used to have these frayed car bingo cards. I always lost because my evil older brother made sure I had the card with Studebaker and Edsel in the boxes. I honestly don't remember the scenery as much as my obsession for finding a Studebaker convertible even though they stopped making them a decade prior.
But I digress... Like most people, Jamie W. and I started at the Pacific Grove end where we paid the nice elderly guard the $9.50 admission. Once you get inside this exclusive enclave, the route is pretty well signposted to help you prevent a wrong turn into an actual neighborhood of high-security estates. The road winds through a forested area and along the oceanfront, passing by three golf courses and two luxury hotels. Before you start yawning too much, there is the legendary Lone Cypress to contend with (see photo).
That was actually one of only two stops we made. The scenery is best appreciated at 30 miles per hour. As a non-resident, you can only patronize the Inn at Spanish Bay and at the Lodge at Pebble Beach anyway, and they feel so old-money that you may need to take lessons to act more Aryan. Pass. But there's no getting around the fact that the coastline is gorgeous in parts, and even if it's free in other parts of Monterey County, there is still a certain cachet in saying you took the 17-Mile Drive. At least that's what the guidebook says.Listed in: Meandering from Santa Cruz to…
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Review from Melanie K.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2011
Breathtaking and beautiful. Plenty of places to stop, sight see, picnic, walk around and take photos. Worth the $9.50, and makes me want to live on Pebble Beach! Very romantic.
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Review from L G.
Sherman Oaks, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Second time to Monterey/Carmel area and finally had a chance to see the sights and experience this "17 mile drive." My bf and I were not disappointed.
It was last holiday 4th of July, not a cloud in the sky.. it was beautiful! $9.50 was worth the drive around... took lots of pictures and pretty much took in the scenery. Since it was a holiday, took us about 2 to 2 & 1/2 hrs to do the whole loop with lots of stops along the way, including a little snack/break stop at the lodge. The map was very helpful.. although some stops we really didn't know what we were supposed to be looking at.
Overall, if you have about 2 hours to spare, check this drive out! You'll be glad you did! -
Review from Eric B.
4/30/2011
It's worth the ~$10 to take this very scenic coastal drive. And when I have guests in from out of town, this is one of the places that I recommend.
The 17 Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, much of which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous golf courses and mansions. Like the community, the majority of 17-Mile Drive is owned and operated by the Pebble Beach Corporation.
Travel along the road takes as long as you would like and for the most part, slower is better. There are numerous turnouts along the road to stop, take pictures, or get out and stroll along the ocean or among the trees. Visitors receive a map that points out some of the more scenic spots. In addition, a red-dashed line is marked in the center of the main road to guide visitors, and help prevent them from venturing into the adjacent neighborhood streets.
Chief among the scenic attractions is the Lone Cypress Tree, a salt pruned tree which is the official symbol of Pebble Beach and a frequent fixture of television broadcasts from this area. The road also provides access to Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach, and other golf courses (and associated services) around the community. -
Review from Veronica S.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Absolutely my kind of drive!
Sure, the Bird Rock smelled of dead fish and sea water BUT that's a part of the tour ain't it?
From Spanish Bay to Pescadero Point, I loved this drive so much I went twice in 3 days.
Every point is a recommended stop.
The mansions, oh the mansions! Endless houses that seemed at least $10 million dollars each. The gigantorous mansions are a scenic view themselves. I don't get to see houses that huge every day in the Silicon Valley, so to me these houses were truly remarkable.
Finding the ramp to exit from Highway 1 is easy as there is a big sign that say 17 Mile Drive NEXT EXIT. If you miss that then you can either turn around or get a new pair of eyes. Hehe, just kidding. No really. It's Exit 399A.
I took the Carmel Gate on both times. There's a toll of $9.50 BUT I got in free on my 2nd drive - the toll attendant recognized me and my car and returned my money - God bless him.
Getting lost in the drive is basically impossible. If you do, it's not a waste either because the sights with every road are magnificent and lush.
Yup, I did get lost - on the 2nd drive. Trying to experiment on taking a different route. Mind you, I wasn't the only driver who was. Found my way to Spanish Bay in no time. Plenty of signs along the way and arrows on the road that point to which direction to turn. I don't mind getting lost here anytime - hopefully I'd get lost with a cute beach dude. Couldn't care less if he smelled like the ocean either.
Who doesn't like the beach? 17 Mile Drive is endless beach, waves and pure nature. It even smells like it. Wonderful.
Just catching a glimpse of the waves crashing into the Restless Sea rocks is relaxing. Hearing the waves crashing is also even more relaxing.
Like I said, every point (there's like 18 major key points - seen in the map, handed to you at the gate) is breath-taking. My favorites would have to be Spanish Bay, Point Joe, China Rock (collected some hermit crabs here), Restless Sea, Bird Rock (bathrooms here), Seal Rock, Pescadero Point where the infamous Lone Cypress is and The Ghost Tree.
Pictures here, pictures there. Heck I was even able to snap a picture of a squirrel who seemed to have made a pact with the seagulls as friends forever. 17 Mile Drive is a place I will definitely keep coming back to. Cannot wait for the summer. The 17 Mile Drive will be a perfect route for me for a nice oceanside run.
Be ready to play some cool, beach music in your car. Make this drive as memorable as mine!
