I believe the 17 Mile Drive tour on the Monterey Peninsula is what good dreams are made of! This is especially true if you happen to be someone who loves cruising along a scenic route, taking in all the marvelous sights and sounds of nature. That’s exactly what this picturesque drive is all about.
Without further ado, let’s unravel the 17 Mile Drive tour together.
This romantic and visually stunning stretch of roadway circles the coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, and the awe-inspiring landscapes that await you along the route are what make the drive famous. Brace yourself for views of dreamy mansions and several iconic landmarks, including the Stillwater Cove, Spanish Bay, and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. Also, have you heard of the Lone Cypress? If yes, this route will allow you to admire its beauty, grit, and tenacity with your own eyes. For those who aren’t aware, the Lone Cypress happens to be one of the most photographed trees in North America. For the last 250 years or so, it has braved the unforgiving elements of nature, including a wind-whipped location, drought, arsonists, and vandals to emerge as a revered symbol of resilience.
It goes without saying that all of the landscapes along the drive double up as fabulous backdrops for pictures that will undoubtedly make your Instagram glow! What’s more, the sea lions near Bird Rock and grazing deer on the golf course are just some of the wildlife that may make an impromptu appearance, so make sure you’ve got your camera on standby.
Before starting your journey, don’t forget to carry a packed picnic lunch that you can enjoy on the beach at Spanish Bay with spectacular seaside views for company. But if you want to pamper yourself, I highly recommend making a reservation at one of the many restaurants you’ll find at Spanish Bay or Pebble Beach.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that this famous coastal drive has been an inspiration to many, including artists. After all, it does bring you face to face with a magical world full of dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, and mystical forests. And what better than a self-guided tour to make the most of this journey at your own pace? To sum it up, the 17 Mile Drive tour usually lasts the entire day, but I promise its memories will stay with you for a lifetime.