PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. -- The landmark Lone Cyprus Tree, a unique survivor of coastal fogs, threatening bugs, and waves that splash onto rocks, is the trademark of Pebble Beach, and the 17 Mile Drive.
The 17 Mile Drive tourist attraction hosts hundreds upon hundreds of cars and buses each day. Everybody wants to see this Disneyland of beach destinations. Each road stop provides a different vista, unique experience, and breath-taking scenery that inspires.
17 Mile Drive also serves as the primary road winding along the California Coast in a premier residential and golf resort where multi-million dollar mansions hug the cliffs and a world class golf course is around each bend. Several of California's finest golf clubs located within the guard-gated 17 Mile Drive include Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, considered one of the toughest in the U.S.!
17-Mile Drive in Monterey County north of Pacific Grove twists and turns through the enchanted Del Monte forest where exciting road stops such as the "Ghost Tree" unleash the imagination.
You must pay a car fee to gain admittance into this road, accessible from five guard gates entrances in Carmel and Pacific Grove. As you speak with a gate attendant and pay, you are given a brochure that spells out all the stops worth seeing along the way. Save your receipt and present it to one of the restaurants along the route where you will have the entry fee credited to your bill (subject to change.)
There are around 20 stops along the well marked route, each with a landmark of interest and paved parking to pull over. The Lone Cypress Tree is an amazing, living tree, propped up in place with ropes and wires. Restless Sea is a place where the ocean churns dynamically, and Seal Rock located not far from shore is a protected oasis for both birds such as seagulls and pelicans, and seals. If you have a pair of binoculars, you can see the seals and sea lions up close.
Beaches filled with seaweed, vistas where the sun sets perfectly to form an eerie silhouette behind gnarled, twisted pines, and manicured greens where you'll see golfers give it their best "swing", are a small part of the entertainment along the 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach.
The popular 2- lane road once was nothing more than a trail where covered wagons carried local hotel guests to beach picnics. Traditions play a major role to the families that have called Pebble Beach home. Pebble Beach Golf Links opened in 1919 and still to this day is considered a "must play" course, providing a once-in-a-lifetime thrill for those delighting in ocean views, signature holes, and challenges. In fact, the course has hosted at least five US Open tournaments and has been selected for the 2019 tournament, as well.
Golf courses along the 17 Mile Drive route include Poppy Hills, home of the Northern California Golf Association and selected as one of the top 100 golf courses in the nation.
17-Mile Drive tour stops include:
Shepherd's Knoll
Point Joe
Bird Rock
The Lone Cypress
Fanshell Overlook
The Ghost Tree
Restless Sea
Luxury Resort Accommodations in Pebble Beach ($600 & up)
The Lodge at Pebble Beach<
The Inn at Spanish Bay