The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. It is an area where the Pacific Ocean meets California’s rocky shore. It is a great place to to come and enjoy nature.
One way to enjoy this beauty is to take a trip along the 17-Mile Drive. This is a private road, owned by the Pebble Beach Corporation. The land was bought up in the early 1900’s by a group of railroad barons under the name of the Pacific Improvement Company, with the plan to build golf resorts and bring tourists to the area. So, as you drive along the road, several golf courses wind their way around you.
The reason to take the drive is to enjoy the sights. Watching the waves play among the rock, spraying the birds and the sea lions is a wonderful way to spend a day.
A stop at the Lone Cyprus is as close to a must do on this trip.
Since this is a private road, there is a $12.25 fee per car to tour the 17-mile Drive, but if you stop at one of the restaurants at resorts in Pebble Beach you can receive a credit for that amount against you bill, and you get to watch the golfers play the famous 18th hole of the Pebble Beach course.
I always have mixed feeling about paying a private entity to see nature that I feel should be available to everyone, but this is one of those times where the beauty is worth the investment.
Nuts and Bolts:
There are several entrances to the 17-Mile Drive, as it stretches from Monterey/Pacific Grove to Carmel by the Sea. Traffic moves slowly, and there are many places to stop, take photos, and enjoy the view.
I LOVE this post. It's a vacation in and of itself. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love the ocean, beach, restless water, combo. I can't say I've ever felt the need to be in California but these photos seduce me. Thank you for sharing these great images.
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