Drive around the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey

One of the best known tourist attractions of the Monterey Peninsula is the scenic 17 mile drive. The route has 21 points of interest that are marked in the map they gave you when you enter by one of the 5 gates. You will have to pay a nominal fee to enter the route. 

We entered the route by the Carmel gate since we were spending the weekend at the Hofsas House Hotel. I decided to drive a little by the residential area to see the beautiful houses all around the forest. After that we started the drive headed toward Pebble Beach.

Point of interest 21, 20 and 19

They are all located by Pebble Beach. You will find the Pebble Beach equestrian center, The famous Pebble Beach Golf Course and The Lodge. Great place for restaurants here.

Point of interest 18,17 and 16

You will find here Pescadero Point, The Ghost Tree and The Lone Cypress: Beautiful view of Carmel and the Lone Cypress that has prevailed on its rocky perch for more than 250 years.

Point of interest 15, 14 and 13

Crocker Grove, Cypress Point Lookout and Fanshell Overlook: great views of pines and cypress. The Cypress Lookout is closed from April to June but when open you can see seals lying down on the beach.

Point of interest 12, 11 and 10

Spyglass Hill Golf Coruse, Seal Rock Picnic Areas and Bird Rock: sea lions, great areas for picnics if weather is nice.

Point of interest 9, 8 and 7

Bird Rock Hunt Course, China Rock and Point Joe: great ocean views and views of golf courses.

Point of interest 6, 5 and 4

The Restless Sea, Spanish Bay and The inn & Links at Spanish Bay: great place to eat, has good restaurants, surfing point.

Point of interest 3, 2 and 1

Poppy Hills Golf Course, Huckleberry Hill and Shepherd's Knoll: huckleberry bushes, great view of the Monterey Bay

If you need more information about the 17 mile drive you can visit the website to see current fee and closures. Also notice that motorcycles are not allowed on the route.