17-Mile Drive

Why the 17-Mile Drive is special
The 17-Mile Drive on the Monterey Peninsula in California is one of the most scenic short drives on our planet. It encompasses a variety of highlights.

Famous vistas
The Lonely Cypress
This gnarled, twisted tree sits in solitude on a rocky perch. Two centuries of strong ocean winds shaped it. The endearing Lonely Cypress has become the icon of the 17-Mile Drive and has been captured in countless paintings and photos (including the one above).

Seascape
The Lonely Cypress is but one of many photogenic scenes along the coastal part of the 17-Mile Drive. These include the blue-green ocean and the white-sand cove beaches framed by rugged rock outcroppings and gorgeous tree groves. And, there's Bird Rock teeming with birds, seals and sea lions.

Pebble Beach Golf Links
It is generally regarded as the world's most stunning golf course. The Pebble Beach links dramatically skirt the rocky shoreline. Nearby are its three celebrated sister courses: Spyglass Hill, The Links of  Spanish Bay, and Poppy Hills. All have lofty green fees, but enjoying their landscaped beauty from a distance is free.

Forest homes
The road passes through quiet Del Monte Forest punctuated with luxurious villas and mansions.

17-Mile Drive tips and insights
Touring
The vast majority of visitors elect to take the self-drive tour. Admission runs about US$10 per car. You receive a free map guide - and a red dotted line on the two-lane 17-Mile-Drive keeps you from getting lost.

Organized bus tours are available for those who prefer them.

Best direction of travel
The 17-Mile-Drive has five guard gates. I recommend starting the trip at the one nearest Carmel and finishing at a northern gate. The sun can be in your eyes on bright days if you travel in the opposite direction.

Origin
The 17-Mile-Drive began during the carriage days of the 1880s, before the era of automobiles.

Privately owned
The 17-Mile-Drive and environs (including the shore, lodges and golf courses) is privately owned by the Pebble Beach Company.

Dining
You can have picnics on certain beaches. You can also have lunch in the restaurant at the exclusive Lodge of Pebble Beach, which overlooks the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Nearby destinations
These travel attractions are on the Monterey Peninsula:

• Carmel-by-the Sea
  A quaint, artsy community known for its galleries and shopping boutiques.
• Monterey
  Home of the Monterey Aquarium (a Hillman Bronze Medal winner) and the historic Cannery Row.
• Pacific Grove
  On the tourist map because a multitude of colorful butterflies winter here.
• Point Lobos
  A nature reserve with a quiet, low-keyed personality.

More distant
Popular among visitors and locals alike:

• Big Sur
  California Highway 1 hugs this pristine, craggy, vast-scoped coastline. The first 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Carmel is the best part of the Big Sur.
• San Simeon
  William Randolph Hearst's storybook castle is just under 3 hours from Carmel.

Location in America