MAIN Travel California 17 Mile Drive

If you've ever heard of the breathtaking scenery of California's
17-mile drive we're here to report that it's all absolutely true.

Prepare for breathtaking forests, spectacular ocean vistas, and close-up views of birds and wildlife, seals, otters and sea lions. But 17-mile drive is so much more.

And even if you aren't a golf fan, you'll soon realize why anybody would want to play at the mega-course that is Pebble Beach.

Ready, Set, Drive

Navigating by car through the drive couldn't be easier.

Start at any one of five entry gates along the route to begin your journey. Admission is $9 per car, but entry is free for those who want to bike or hike along the trail. Don't forget to ask for a map, which easily guides visitors through the more than 20 scenic vistas offering dozens of photo-ops along the way.

The journey begins quietly enough through Del Monte forest with well-marked lookout points at Shepherd's Knoll and Huckleberry Hill for stunning views of Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

From here onward, the anticipation begins to build as you wind your way along the coast with breathtaking wonders at every turn.

If you're limited for time (the drive can vary from a mere half hour, to an all-day excursion, depending how leisurely you travel) you'll definitely want to see the major attractions. Here are our top picks:

Nature Lovers 17-Mile Drive Must Sees

• The Restless Sea - this aptly-named spot provides a sea-misted atmosphere and the spectacular power of crashing waves - caused by underwater turbulence from rock outcroppings at the next stop, Point Joe.
  
  
• Point Joe - Named for a 19th century Chinese fisherman, this was also the site where many mariners crashed their ships in the tempestuous waters just offshore.
  
  
• Bird Rock - Use your camera zoom or binoculars for close-up views of the thousands of birds, seals and sea lions frolicking around the giant rock, dramatically jutting out from the seas offshore.
  
  
• The Lone Cypress - You'll have to fight-off bus loads of tourists for just the right vantage point to capture the image of this 250-year-old tree, a world famous landmark, that still valiantly clings to vibrant life on its craggy perch.

Author: Chiff Travel Editors

More about 17 Mile Drive around the Web:

17-Mile Drive - Wikipedia

17 Mile Drive - Pebble Beach California