Follow the winding 17-Mile Drive along the Central California coast and through dense forests to see the most exquisite of local nature. Choose one of the 21 designated stopping points for a spot to rest or have a picnic. Witness coastal wildlife in its natural habitat from the vistas along with views of the rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Reserve a day for this one-of-a-kind destination and become immersed in the beauty of nature.
Fairways Starting in Carmel, it is easy to see the brilliant green fairways of some of the area's most well known golf courses. Visitors can admire views of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Spyglass Hill and the Links at Spanish Bay. Also plainly visible are portions of Cypress Point Golf Course and Pebble Beach Golf Links, which are considered two of the top 100 golf courses in the world.
Point Joe Point Joe is a spot with many large and jagged rocks along the shore. The beautiful site is accentuated by the crashing waves onto the rugged coastal terrain. Early seafarers often mistook this location to be the entrance of Monterey Bay and crashed their ships here.
The Restless Sea This beach is known for its endless crashing waves onto the shoreline. These powerful waves are the result of underwater rocks up shore at Point Joe. The Restless Sea is distinctive and admired for its white waters that extend far from the coastline.
Bird Rock Stop at Bird Rock to witness the local population of gulls, black cormorants, and brown pelicans in action and at rest. Sitting a bit away from the coast, this large rock is the resting place of thousands of birds at any time. Though it is not far away, see the birds in better detail by bringing along some binoculars.
Seal Point Home to the local harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters, this spot is filled with activity while they go between rocks and play in the water. Resting here is their favorite thing to do, and their barking can easily be heard across the waters.
Cypress Point This lookout provides a spectacular view of the Pacific coastline. On the clearest of days, the Point Sur Lighthouse is visible some 20 miles down the coast. This spot is also the home of harbor seals in pupping season. Don't miss this stop because it is known by many as the best view of the drive.
The Lone Cypress As a well-known symbol of this Monterey coast, the Lone Cypress is a local landmark and frequently sited as the highlight of 17-Mile Drive. Recognized as one of the 10 most magnificent trees in the world, this cypress tree has remained in solitude on its own rocky knob overhanging the coast. It has withstood the rough coastal weathers for over 250 years.
Pescadero Point This vicinity is at the southern end of the Monterey Peninsula near Carmel and the northernmost point of Stillwater Cove and Carmel Bay. It is designated as a conservation area for local marine life and vegetation. Pescadero Point is not far from the Carmel Gate to 17-Mile Drive.
Become immersed in the beauty of nature along the famous 17-Mile Drive. Following California's coast at the Pacific Ocean then winding into the depths of the Del Monte Forest, the road takes visitors on an unforgettable drive full of wondrous nature scenes. Witness all that 17-Mile Drive has to offer and take home personal photos to share with those who were not blessed with the same experience. Set up a picnic at one of the stopping points and wait for the beautiful sunset. The countless sights of 17-Mile Drive can only be accounted for by those who witness it for themselves, so plan a trip now to the most fascinating stretch of road in existence.
------ Cher Burkett, freelance travel writer for Carmel Luxury Hotels. Read her recent article about Carmel Pine Inn. To have Cher write exclusive content for your website or blog contact info@CarmelLodgingGuide.com.
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