17-Mile Drive Monterey Peninsula

Stretching along the California coast through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive has been recognized widely as one of the world's most scenic drives since its opening in 1881. It includes not only dramatic views of the Pacific and its rugged shoreline but also the majestic landscape of Del Monte Forest. Although it is just a 17-mile length of road, visitors can easily spend an entire day taking in its many inspiring vistas and legendary sites.

The journey passes by one of California's most famous landmarks the Lone Cypress. This iconic tree has sat upon its rocky perch above the ocean for more than 250 years. The Pebble Beach Company chose this as its logo, and World Amazing Events.com honored it as one of the "10 Most Magnificent Trees in the World" in 2009.

Other points of interest along 17-Mile Drive include Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Cypress Point Lookout and Carmel Bay. Golf courses punctuate the scenery with their verdant fairways, such as Spyglass Hill, the Links at Spanish Bay, and internationally renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. At Fanshell Overlook harbor seals can be seen basing on the pure white sand of the beach below, which they have claimed at their breeding ground.

One of the required stops along way is the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Built in 1919, it serves Pebble Beach Golf Links and offers dining and shopping opportunities to the general public. A red dashed line on the road surface helps motorists follow 17-Mile Drive. In the past 20 years, an estimated eight million vehicles have made the trip.