by Shawn Borin

Created on: July 18, 2010   Last Updated: July 19, 2010

Exploring Pebble Beach’s 17 Mile Drive

A Place Of Natural Beauty

Just outside Monterrey, California in Pacific Grove lies 17 miles of the most beautiful real estate in the world. Known as 17 Mile Drive, this two lane highway winds its way through beautiful rows of trees and around some of the worlds most famous golf courses and finally stretches across the Pacific Coastline. For a $9.25 entry fee, anyone can drive around this beautiful piece of land and enjoy the sights and sounds of 17 mile drive.

The Road

17 Mile Drive itself is a two lane road that is accessible at the intersection of Del Monte Blvd and Esplande Street. There are signs when driving on highways through Monterrey and Pacific Grove and it is easily accessible from Highway 1 and Highway 68. The road is the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach which houses some of the biggest and most beautiful homes in the world. In all, it takes a minimum of twenty minutes to make the 17 mile drive but in reality it takes much longer. There are turnouts and vista points along the drive for people to get out of their cars to take pictures and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean on their own time. Visitors receive maps at the entrance gate that point out the 21 different marked spots along the route.

The Golf Courses

Not only is 17 Mile Drive a beautiful scenic route, it allows twists and turns around some of America’s most beautiful and well known Golf Courses.  The main course found on 17 Mile Drive is Pebble Beach.  Pebble Beach hosts some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world including the US Open.  Also found on the road is Torrey Pines Golf Course and Spyglass Hill.  In total there are five courses that can be reached by traveling along 17 Mile Drive. 

Great Scenic Points Along 17 Mile Drive

The most spectacular part of 17 Mile Drive are the amazing views of the California Coastline found on 17 Mile Drive. First and most well known is the lone Cypress tree. The official symbol of Pebble Beach, the lone Cyprus Tree is a two hundred year old tree that sits alone on top of rocks with a view of the Pacific Ocean behind it. The Lone Cypress is landmark 16 on the official 17 Mile Drive Map.  There is also the Ghost Tree, landmark 17 on the map. The Ghost Tree is an old Cypress Tree that after years of abuse by the wind and seawater now appears as a silhouette of a ghost. And of course, behind The Ghost Tree is a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

Many of the Landmarks found on 17 Mile Drive are right along the coast.  There one can have a picnic, enjoy the feel of sand of your feet, or view some magnificent wildlife including the hundreds of birds that meet on Bird Rock.  There is no stop along 17 Mile Drive that isn't worthy of a picture.

Worth The Money

While most people would cringe at the idea of paying ten bucks to drive along a road, the expense is well worth the money. 17 Mile Drive is more than a road, it is an escape from the everyday worries of the world. It is a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of the California Coastline. So pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic along the coastline and enjoy a true natural treasure.

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