Touring The 17 Mile Drive Monterey
Really a self guided tour by car, the 17 Mile Drive Monterey winds through the Pebble Beach area of the Monterey Peninsula between Carmel and Pacific Grove. The drive costs about $9.25 (as of April 2008), which you pay at the entrance gate of your choice. They will hand you a map which points out the main sights along the route. There are actually five gates in all. There's the Pacific Grove Gate, the Carmel Gate, the Highway 1 Gate, the Samuel FB Morse Gate and the Country Club Gate. If you want to do the whole loop drive, (which is actually closer to 12 miles long), it doesn't matter which gate you choose, but if you want to just do the coastal portion where most of the sights are, you might want to enter at the Pacific Grove Gate off Highway 68 and exit at the Carmel Gate at the Northwest corner of town. Or vice versa. The part you would miss is driving through the higher elevations fo the Del Monte Forest, which can afford some great views at Shepherd's Knoll and Huckleberry Hill when the weather is clear.
The most scenic part of the 17 Mile Drive Monterey is the coastal bit. There is so much natural beauty to behold. The ocean, the Monterey cypress trees and the Monterey pines all contribute to a stunning experience.
The weather can be cold, gray and windy, foggy, sunny, or a combination, so come prepareed! A good windbreaker will serve you well. Additionally, there are several famous Pebble Beach golf courses you'll see all over the place. Some are private while others are open to the public. The private homes in Pebble Beach range from woodsy and rustic to modest and dated, to modern and palatial. The Pebble Beach resorts are fabulous. You can get a meal at one of a variety of restaurants at either the Inn at Spanish Bay or at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. The golf courses also have dining options and bars.
You'll find places to pull off the road at various points to admire the views, the sparkling white sand, the jewel like blues of the water in Monterey Bay, and a variety of marine and avian wildlife. Check your map for trails you can walk along to really get the feel of the area. There is one area that is closed off in spring due to seal pupping season, but there are still plenty of other sections to explore and enjoy!
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If the weather is good enough for a picnic, the Inn at Spanish Bay has a little market with snacks, or you can go to the Pebble Beach Market in one of the outer buildings at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Inside, they offer gourmet picnic items, wine, cheese, coffee and pastries.
