Nature’s bounty in a 17 Mile Drive

The best way to spend a boring weekend in a foreign country is to go for a long drive. And if the long drive is as beautiful as the 17 mile drive in California, your day is well worth the effort. We started on a Saturday morning and spent a few hours at the Bay Aquarium. But the drive proved far better. Though it was only a 20-minute stretch, there are so many scenic spots along the way that we were transported to a different world each time we crossed a few miles.

17 Mile Drive is a fabulous, scenic drive that takes you from Monterey to Carmel, winding its way through Pebble Beach and Del Monte Forest. Most of the way is covered with fabulous coastlines and breathtaking views. The name is thanks to the 17 mile circular strip that makes up this stretch.



We began our drive by paying the $9.25 entry fee and receiving a map at the entrance. With the map it was easy to drive around the 21 marked spots. It was a simple way to enjoy this beautiful expanse of land and take in the sights and sounds of 17 Mile Drive. Each stop was on a well marked route and had a landmark of interest along with paved parking for your vehicle.

17 Mile Drive has it all - seascapes, flora and fauna on land as well as sea and gives the observer unimaginable variety in the form of nature here. Many of the landmarks are right along the coast where you can have a picnic or just enjoy the feel of sand of your under your feet.